Cistern Gallery
A War with No Front Lines: South Carolina and the Vietnam War, 1965-1973 highlights the powerful stories of South Carolinian soldiers and sailors who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Over 60 oral histories were conducted to tell these stories. The exhibit consists of 4 interactive kiosks with videos, images, and audio recordings; 4 immersive environments; over 200 artifacts; and an 8’ x 12’ diorama of a mountaintop fire support base. The exhibit begins with a 28’ timeline immersing visitors in social and political events to contextualize the war. The first two cases acknowledge Vietnam’s colonial past and the beginnings of US involvement in Southeast Asia. A central case examines the 4 zones of military action in Vietnam. The final cases examine POW stories and the legacy of the war. A memorial recognizes South Carolinian KIAs, of which the story of Japanese-American Steve Flaherty is a focal point.