The Museum of Primitive Art and Culture

Museum History

Founded in 1892, South County's oldest museum houses more than 15,000 archaeological and ethnological objects from around the world. Changing exhibits in the period Southwest Mission-style gallery explore two million years of world culture...and more!

South County's oldest museum was founded in 1892 by Peace Dale's Rowland G. Hazard II, with the support of more than eighty families and individuals. It has resided since 1930 in its picturesque Southwest Mission-style gallery in the Peace Dale Office Building. In 1983, Mr. Hazard's descendants incorporated the Museum and it operates through the dedicated efforts of a small staff, docents, and a volunteer Board of Trustees. The museum's mission is to preserve, collect, and exhibit objects from pre-industrial societies around the world and to serve the community through cultural enrichment outreach.

The Museum of Primitive Art and Culture is dedicated to commemorating the past while enriching the lives of people today. The past is not only our heritage, but also a bridge to a brighter future.

Bring the past to life at the MPAC!