A New Look at Conservation History in Edgefield
EDGEFILED, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation has nearly completed installation of a new historical exhibit at the Edgefield Welcome Center, located in the Tompkins Library, offering visitors an engaging look at the organization’s roots and its lasting impact on conservation across the country.
The exhibit highlights Edgefield’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the NWTF and honors the people, partnerships and milestones that have defined the organization’s mission since its founding. Through a detailed timeline, visitors can follow the NWTF’s growth from a small group of dedicated conservationists to a nationwide leader in wildlife habitat conservation and the preservation of hunting heritage.
“The NWTF is proud to showcase our history in the place where so much of it began,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF national director of education and outreach. “Edgefield is central to our story, and this exhibit highlights how the people and community here helped shape our mission and values from the very beginning.”
A centerpiece of the exhibit includes handcrafted turkey calls from master call maker Neil Cost, showcasing the craftsmanship and tradition deeply rooted in turkey hunting culture. The display also features wild-turkey-themed American folk art, historic NWTF items and interpretive elements that connect visitors to both the organization’s legacy and its future.
While the exhibit reflects the NWTF’s beginnings, it also complements the organization’s continued presence and growth in Edgefield today. Just down the road, the NWTF’s Palmetto Shooting Complex stands as a testament to that ongoing impact, serving as a premier destination for shooting sports, outdoor education and conservation outreach. Together, these assets reinforce that NWTF is not only rooted in Edgefield’s past but remains active and thriving within the community.
The organization is also positioning its story for an even broader audience. The NWTF’s museum is transitioning to Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, a world-class conservation attraction that draws millions of visitors each year. This move will significantly expand the reach of the NWTF’s history and mission, introducing new audiences to the importance of wildlife conservation, hunting heritage and the role sportsmen and women play in both.
Located in the heart of Edgefield, the Welcome Center serves as an important gateway for visitors exploring the area. Increased visitation directly supports the center, which receives state funding based on the number of guests it attracts each year. The new exhibit is expected to draw additional interest, providing more opportunities to share the NWTF’s mission with a broader audience.
“We’re excited to partner with the NWTF to showcase the story of Edgefield and its deep roots in conservation,” said Ken Durham, mayor of Edgefield. “This exhibit is a testament to the people of this community and the lasting impact they’ve had on wildlife and our outdoor heritage.”
Every visitor who walks through the doors gains a deeper understanding of what it means to conserve wildlife and preserve our hunting heritage. They leave with a clearer picture of how one community helped spark something much bigger — and how that story is still being written today.
If you find yourself in Edgefield, take the time to stop in.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues to unite a nation through the life-changing power of the outdoors.