The Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the United States, houses a variety of exhibits and artifacts on the history, culture, and natural history of the Charleston area. Visitors to the museum can explore the museum's permanent exhibits, which include the history of Charleston from its colonial beginnings to the present, the natural history of the Lowcountry, and the culture of the Gullah people. Special exhibits have included the history of South Carolina's barrier islands and the history of music in the Charleston area. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and family activities.