The Friends of the Fairfield County Museum will host two benefit events next month.

Museum director Pelham Lyles said this is the first time the group of volunteers has planned a two-day event for the community to participate in.

“These events are set up to increase membership in our friends organization, and to raise funds for museum programs for the public,” Lyles said.

In the past, the Friends of the Fairfield County Museum have held dinners and performances in the backyard of the museum.

The events will kick off on Friday, April 16, with the 2010 annual membership gala at the Cornwallis House at 127 N. Zion St. in Winnsboro.

According to local tradition, the British commander Lord General Cornwallis wintered at the 1780-81 downturn of the Revolution.

The gala will included a silent auction to benefit the museum as well as British historical actor and playwright, Howard Burnham, along with other Revolutionary period interpreters performing throughout the evening. The Johnson Family Quartet will also be on hand performing both Celtic and traditional pieces of music, Lyles said.

A limited number of tickets are available. Contact Jenny Praser at 815-7485 or by e-mail at fairfieldmus@truvista.net by Monday to reserve tickets.

Then, on Saturday, April 17, the Friends organization will host Manors, Chapels, and the Iron Horse – a bus and train tour through the county.

The day will start with a bus tour then move to the train ride, where lunch will be served in the dining cart, Lyles explained.

“Enjoy a prepared box lunch on a train ride through the countryside,” Lyles said. ”Along the way, visit a stone quarry and disembark to tour an old high school building converted to a cottage industry and home.”

The old Greenbrier schoolhouse is now owned by Chuck Herrin.

Reservations are required. To reserve a seat contact Betty Harden at 635-1030 or by e-mail at fairfieldmus@truvista.net.

Ticket holders will meet at 9 a.m. at the SC Railroad Museum, just south of Winnsboro on Highway 34 E. and #321 S. The bus tour will depart at 9:30 a.m. from the museum and return at 11:30 a.m. to board the train. After the train ride the bus tour will continue until 4:30 p.m.

The deadline to purchase tickets is April  5.