Old Slave Mart Museum

Category: Historical place museum in Charleston, South Carolina

Address: 6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Phone: +18439586467

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 9AM–5PM

Tuesday: 9AM–5PM

Wednesday: 9AM–5PM

Thursday: 9AM–5PM

Friday: 9AM–5PM

Saturday: 9AM–5PM

Reviews

Nicole aka XxSuckerpunchxX

Sep 24, 2022

Very fast & small museum. The fact that so many people were sold at this very spot is heart wrenching. There is mostly reading material so be prepared for a good amount of reading.

kimberly dewitt

Sep 23, 2022

Alot of information

Ken P

Sep 20, 2022

$8 is well worth the admission price. Lots of history here, including how this museum came about. One woman was out to prove all this happened even though people tried to bury it. Although not very interactive, you'll learn so much about how "negros" were treated from the capture in Africa, to the voyage to the Americas, to how they were treated by sellers, buyers and owners. This is a must experience for everyone.

K Reese

Sep 20, 2022

Two small rooms with posters to read. First floor is a serpentine/ set up with tight spaces that make it hard to read the posters. There are a few artifacts. That's it. This place needs a total overhaul and added experiences that use the senses to tell the gripping, nightmare of the history of the place. It needs to be done in a way that impacts the heart and soul of visitors. This could include video and audio of old slaves, or their descendants speaking. It could have neck and feet irons available to handle (replicas would be fine). This is so that people could put them on, feel the pressure and weight. But two rooms of posters to read does not give the care needed for this location and what it was truly like. This historical site can, and should, do better to remind us of this horror.

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Questions & Answers

I was there once and I believe it was a market area, people selling things. Sort of a flea market for lack of a better description. Would that be correct or am I thinking of something else?

Sandy Hughes | Sep 24, 2018
Carlin Taylor | Sep 24, 2018

This is a museum about slavery. You are thinking of the Charleston City Market

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Is the Mart rumored to be haunted? You would think with all the misery suffered here, their spirits would not rest.

theresa Burnstein | Sep 23, 2021
Travis Bell | Sep 23, 2021

I would not say haunted, but definitely can feel presence of pain and deep sorrow. I went with my wife and cried uncontrollably after being in there 15 mins, I had to go outside and away from the building to stop weeping. The further we walked away from there, the lighter I felt. I pray my ancestors find peace away from here

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What is the cost of the ticket?

Deborah Crawford | Sep 24, 2018
Lydia Kluge | Sep 24, 2018

Yes, it's $8

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does this facility have its own parking lot? If yes, great, if not, where do participants park?

Adrian Floyd | Jul 25, 2022
Barry Van Engelen | Jul 25, 2022

We just happened to find a parking space right by the building with a broken meter. There was a number to call to report it .so I did ...and the person told me no worries you won't get a ticket..you have a good 2 hours, enjoy your tour and thanks for calling it in. But you will find parking nearby also..then just enjoy the neighborhood with a nice shady walk by all these old historic homes.

Open on New year's day?

Doug Short | Sep 24, 2019
corey richardson | Sep 24, 2019

No they are not

Is it open on christmas day?

Narisha Reddy | Sep 24, 2019
Dj Helmes | Sep 24, 2019

No closed Xmas day

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Are there places to eat?

Linda Evans | Sep 24, 2018
Terrance Freeman | Sep 24, 2018

Yes, along the coast within 10 minutes drive

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Are dogs allowed inside? Is the museum an open building?

Silver sumo cat 921 | Sep 24, 2018
Susan Moore | Sep 24, 2018

It was summer and we walked inside right off the cobblestone street. A very wide entrance with small book stall and cashier desk. We were greeted by two people who gave a brief introduction to what we would see inside. There are stairs and an elevator to the 2nd floor. Probably no pets except service dogs.

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Are you open on Sunday?

Thomas Fennoy | Sep 24, 2018
Marcellin Kopandru | Sep 24, 2018

I would suggest calling them directly

When I first went to the Old Slave Mart in 1984, there was an admission fee because, I was told, it was privately owned. I refused to pay and left, as I found it appalling that it was still run for profit. Disgraceful

pauline welborn | Sep 23, 2021
Brian Gray | Sep 23, 2021

Your preference would be that the workers there don't get paid? That would certainly be authentic.

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Was the road dirt or the stone road that is there now?

Craig Cooper | Sep 23, 2021
John B | Sep 23, 2021

Stone street from the ballast empty ships used .

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Are there any free parking zones

Adrienne Beck | Sep 23, 2021
Adam Moore | Sep 23, 2021

There's some 1 hour parking zones nearby on Chalmers (the cobblestone road) You can park there without a resident pass for up to 1 hour.

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Will the market be open weekend of april 4th? With the virus going g on?

Paula Hines | Sep 23, 2020
T L Muhammad | Sep 23, 2020

I doubt it , if we don't see major improvements.

is this free

Jacqueline Cooper | Sep 23, 2020
Paul Wells | Sep 23, 2020

It's a 8 dollar donation. Well worth it

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Is last entry at 5pm? Or they close and everyone has to be out by 5pm?

Kristin Johnson | Sep 24, 2019
norma williams | Sep 24, 2019

Out by 5

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1) How much are the general admission tickets and for adults & children? 2) what are your hours of operation? 3) How long are the tours (if you have any)

Berrihan Azzam | Sep 24, 2019
Kourtney Fitzgerald | Sep 24, 2019

1.) Tickets are $8, or you can get a combination ticket for this and the Provost and save a couple dollars. 2.) Hours are 9am to 5pm monday-saturday, closed sundays and holidays. 3.) It's self-guided (no tour) although I'm sure if you have questions the people at the front desk would be happy to give more information. It took us about 45 minutes. Depends on how fast you read, as it's mostly reading.

How much is admission for Active Duty, Retired, and Reserve Servicemembers?

Andre' Harris | Sep 24, 2018
Ssmoke1970 | Sep 24, 2018

I don't know the answer to that...

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How much is it for the kids 12and under?

Lakita King | Sep 24, 2018
Chris Ellis | Sep 24, 2018

Mostly an intellectual (reading) place. But small enough kids would start to get bored as your nearing the end.

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where is a good place to park my 26 foot RV when i visit NPS slave market in Charleston?

Margaret Sherve | Sep 24, 2018
james Harris | Sep 24, 2018

Fascinating museum. Parking is awful but if you're lucky and patient you will find a space within five-six blocks and the walk is beautiful...even better is the Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville Fl. It's free unlike most of the restored plantations in the area. Have been a half-dozen times and am still shook up. A must see if you are traveling south into Florida...

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Who is it called a slave Mart?

fromthabaebaebae | Sep 24, 2018
Marie Eve | Sep 24, 2018

Because this is where slaves used be sold.

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