ScanSource donates $250,000 to IAAM

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ScanSource Inc., a technology company headquartered in Greenville, has pledged $250,000 to the International African American Museum and is partnering with the museum to handle many of its technology needs.

Those needs include internet connectivity for staff and guests in the museum, a point-of-sale system and a physical security system.

Michael Boulware Moore, CEO of the International African American Museum, said the museum is within $1 million of its private fundraising goal, with plans to break ground at the former site of Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston early next year.

ScanSource is also working with the museum to create an interactive map that will guide visitors through the historic sites across the state and how that history connects to the experience of African-Americans.

“It’s one of the largest multimedia installations in the museum,” said Greg Dixon, ScanSource’s chief technology officer. “This map will enable visitors to explore culture and history, all the while advancing one of museum’s main priorities, and that of course is education.”

ScanSource CEO Mike Baur said he was inspired by the mission of the museum and the energy of its employees.

“It wasn’t obvious that we should, since we don’t have an office here in Charleston, that we should support an effort in Charleston,” Baur said. “But we’ve learned over the years … that if something’s good for South Carolina, that’s good for ScanSource. We really believe in the spirit and the idea behind this museum.”

Moore said he’s striving to make sure the museum is a dynamic, interactive experience that engages its visitors, and technology plays a vital role in that goal.

“I’ve got four youngsters, and I understand the influence that technology has on people,” he said. “We understand, from our standpoint, we’ve got to be able engage in compelling ways.”