2010 Heritage Days Festival in Belton

The Belton Area Museum Association (BAMA) in Belton, SC (Anderson County) will host the 6th Annual Heritage Days at the Depot festival, an award-winning event that showcases folk artisans and living history practitioners to students and adults. The 2010 Heritage Days at the Depot will take place September 30 – October 2, 2010 on the green space of the historic train depot in Belton. Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1 are reserved for students, and Saturday, October 2 is free and open to the general public. SC Humanities supported Heritage Days at the Depot through an August 2010 Mini Grant.

Twelve exhibitors will display traditional skills and historical interpretations at the 2010 Heritage Days at the Depot. These exhibitors include: a Gullah boat builder, a cane carver, a potter, a country dance mistress, a hunter/trapper, traditional farmers, a bee keeper, a Native American musician, an apple cider presser, Gullah storytellers, a bowl digger, and a spinner. These historical interpreters will present the history behind their traditional skills, demonstrate the skills, and, in some cases, offer opportunities for visitors to participate.

“This year’s line-up is absolutely wonderful,” commented Alison Darby, coordinator of the BAMA project each year.  “We are very excited about the caliber of traditional artisans and historical presenters who will truly make the traditions and skills of our forefathers come alive for our students, community members, and visitors during this event.”

Heritage Days at the Depot regularly attracts close to 2,000 students and thousands from the general public. The event has won the 2007 Achievement Award from the South Carolina Federation of Museums and the 2008 Heritage Tourism Award from Palmetto Trust.

For more information about Heritage Days at the Depot, please visit the Web site of Belton Area Museum Association.

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