From old to new, metal to plastic, an array of toy soldiers and military collectibles can be bought, traded, or admired at the South Carolina State Museum’s Southeastern Toy Soldier Show on Saturday, Aug. 9 beginning at 10 a.m.
More than 30 exhibitors from across the South will display their collections of toy soldiers, or “military miniatures,” in this annual presentation. According to Director of Education and Programs Meika Samuel, "the toy soldiers represent every period of history as well as a variety of decades. Past shows have included such figures as Hannibal and his elephants, and Russian czars and czarinas."
Soldiers will not be the only items of interest. Miniature tanks, planes, cannons and vehicles, as well as books, will also be available for purchase from exhibitors.
More military miniatures will be on display in the South Carolina Military Miniature Society’s annual diorama. "This year’s depiction is from the period 100—130 AD during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian and portrays a Roman Imperial Triumph or Triumphus which is a public honor decreed for a successful general on return from a campaign,” said Fritz Hamer, chief curator of history. "The Society's members conducted extensive research so that the diorama accurately reflects what really happened. I've worked with this group for 16 years and every year they amaze me! They have a lot of patience to do such fine work!"
Guests also will see living history reenactments on the front grounds and in the galleries by members of the 20th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry. The Civil War, the Mexican War and World War II will be represented.
For more information about the Southeastern Toy Soldier Show or the military miniature diorama, contact Fritz Hamer at (803) 898-4921.
See, buy or trade toy soldiers or other military miniatures from all periods of history at the South Carolina State Museum Aug. 9 during the annual Southeastern Toy Soldier Show. Living historians also will present military re-enactments, and collectors from throughout the Southeast will show their collections. Don’t miss the fun!
Photo by Susan Dugan/courtesy S.C. State Museum