This photo, with Ronald Reagan and Strom Thurmond at a campaign rally in S.C., will be a part of the Carrying the State exhibit. South Carolina has long played an important role in American presidential elections. An exhibit at the University of South Carolina's McKissick Museum details that rich history through artifacts, photomurals, text panels and audio/video recordings.

Carrying the State: Presidential Campaigns and Politics in South Carolina gives visitors a look into the history of presidential politics and campaigning in South Carolina.

The exhibit, which will remain on display through Jan. 24, 2009, features two sections.

The first examines the overall history, which includes exploring presidential politics and delving into topics that range from Nullification, Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860, and the world wars to Strom Thurmond and the Dixiecrats, as well as historical voting trends and the rise of the media.

The second section focuses on the 2008 presidential election, voting issues of concern to South Carolinians, the role of new media including You Tube and online campaigning, and candidates' platforms.

At the end of the exhibit, visitors will have the opportunity to cast their vote for president in a mock voting booth, with straw poll results posted periodically in the gallery and on the McKissick Museum website. Carrying the State is located in the North Gallery of the museum. A series of events will coincide with the exhibit.

McKissick is open to the public from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday and 11 am to 3 pm, Saturdays. It is closed Sundays and holidays.

For additional information on Carrying the State: Presidential Campaigns and Politics in South Carolina, contact Ja- Nae Epps at 803- 777-7251.

For more information about McKissick Museum, visit www.cas.sc.edu/mcks.