Mission
The Lunney Museum is a vital contributor to the cultural community of Seneca, South Carolina by preserving and interpreting the Lunney House, the grounds, structures and narratives for the cultural education of a diverse group of visitors and local community members. Through event programming, exhibits and educational tours, the Lunney Museum interprets the story of the Lunney Family and the Lunney House, in the context of the lifestyles of Seneca residents in the early 20th century and their associations with the remainder of small towns in the rural south during that time.
History
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Lunney Museum was built in 1909 by its original residents Dr. William J. & Lillian Mason Lunney. The House is a 1909 Queen Anne style “California” bungalow. The property features a carriage house and "two-seater" outhouse. The arts and crafts interior features art glass windows, original chandeliers, long leaf pine woodwork and quarter-sawn oak mantel, English fireplace tiles, and flat panel wainscot with burlap inserts.
Dr. William James Lunney began his pharmaceutical career with Dr. Mitchell of Westminster, South Carolina. He later moved to Seneca where he established the Lunney Drug Store and was the active head for 40 years. In 1889 he married Lillian Mason the daughter of Col. R. E. Mason. The couple had one son, Victor, who died at the age of 4 years. Dr. Lunney died at the age of 63 in 1929. Mrs. Lillian M. Lunney continued to live in the home until her death in 1969. Mrs Myra Mason Lindemann donated the house as a museum to Oconee County (SC) in 1970. The Museum was transferred to the City of Seneca in 2009.
Open to the Public
The Lunney Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
