The I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium will open the exhibition, James Brown: “Preserving the Legacy” on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

Located on the campus of South Carolina State University, the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium was selected to preserve the memorabilia of the legendary Godfather of Soul, James Brown. The exhibition will showcase items selected from Brown’s estate in Beech Island, SC. These items include costumes, original music, awards, trophies, personal notes, letters, fan memorabilia and unpublished photographs. The items will be on display from Friday, February 20 to Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

Special guests that are expected to come include Brown’s daughters Deanna Brown and Dr. Yamma Brown, son Larry Brown, and great granddaughter Chelse Woolfork. Also in attendance will be Brown’s longtime personal assistant, Mrs. Ella Overton and former member of Brown’s band, George “Spike” Nealy.

Shortly after the opening of the exhibition, there will also be a night sky planetarium show, followed by a star party with telescopes on the lawn for viewing planets Venus, Saturn and various constellations, a nebula and star clusters. The Godfather of Soul’s telescope will also be on display. A medley of Brown’s music, arranged by James Orlick, director of the SC State Percussion Ensemble, will follow the night sky show.

Brown will be honored with the distinguished community service award at SC State’s 113th Founder’s Day on Sunday, February 22nd. The award is to be accepted by Deanna Brown.

For more information about James Brown: “Preserving the Legacy” exhibition, contact Ellen Zisholtz, director or Ingrid Owens, program manager for the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium at (803) 536-7174.