The Upcountry History Museum will present the original exhibit The Ripple Effect: How Saving a River Revitalized a Community from February 14 – September 20, 2015. The exhibit tells the story of the Reedy River and Lake Conestee and the community’s response to Greenville’s environmental crisis. Several public programs will take place during the exhibit’s tenure at the museum. SC Humanities supported this project with a Major Grant in September 2014.
Decades of industrial waste had polluted the Reedy River and created hazardous conditions in Lake Conestee. Through the diligence of local citizens and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Reedy River was cleaned up; Lake Conestee was transformed into a nature preserve, and Falls Park was created, becoming the pride and icon of Greenville.
The Ripple Effect will provide local context to a traveling Smithsonian exhibit which will be on display at the Upcountry History Museum at the same time. Searching for the Seventies: the DOCUMERICA Photography Project documents the environmental crisis of the 1970s and includes striking photographs of many of that era’s environmental achievements and problems.
A variety of collateral events will take place while the two exhibits are in Greenville, including:
Youth Summit 2015
Throughout the spring and summer of 2015, 100 high school students from across the Upcountry will come together to learn the history of pollution in our community and implement new methods of water conservation. This program will link students to the past, present and future through the story of water. Students will compete for STEM scholarships and other prizes. Applications are available on the museum’s website and are due by February 27. For applications visit the Museum’s website at http://www.upcountryhistory.org/education/youth-summit-2015/.
Saturday, February 21 | 12:00 p.m.
South Carolina in the Seventies – Talk and Book Signing with Nick Theodore
Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Nick Theodore saw many changes to this state during his political career. Now, as part of the opening of the newest special exhibition “Searching for the Seventies,” he joins the Museum to share memories and reflections on the state during the 1970s. The presentation will be followed by a book signing of “Trials and Triumphs: South Carolina’s Evolution 1962-2014.”
Location: Upcountry History Museum – Furman University, 540Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Program is free to museum members and regular admission for all other guests.
Info: call the museum at 864-467-3100 or email at info@upcountryhistory.org.
Wednesday, March 11 | 12:00-1:00 pm
Lunchbox Learning: Lake Conestee, A Story of Renewal
Spend your lunchtime exploring the story behind Lake Conestee, from its polution to its revival, as told by Dr. Daivid L. Hargett, Executive Director of Lake Conestee Nature Park.
Location: Upcountry History Museum – Furman University, 540Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Lunchbox Learning programs are free to museum members or regular admission for other guests. Lunch is available from Chick-fil-A (box lunch – $7.00 or vegetarian salad – $6.00). Meals must be reserved prior to the event. For reservations call the museum at 864-467-3100 or email at info@upcountryhistory.org.
Info: call the museum at 864-467-3100 or email at info@upcountryhistory.org
Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Family Fun Day: Celebration Earth
Bring the whole family for a day of fun and learning at the Upcountry History Museum as we prepare for Earth Day with stories, games and crafts. Learn about the history of the Reedy River and ways you and your family can help save the river for future generations.
Location: Upcountry History Museum – Furman University, 540Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Program is free for members and free with admission for all other guests.
Info: call the museum at 864-467-3100 or email at info@upcountryhistory.org
Friday, April 17
Homeschool Day: Ripple Effect
Investigate the history of the river on which our city has been built. Learn how it was used, abused and eventually saved. Lessons are available for children elementary through high school. Programs are available at 10:00am or 1:30pm for $4 per student. Space is limited and programs fill quickly.
Location: Upcountry History Museum – Furman University, 540Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601
For reservations please call 864-467-3100 or email info@upcountryhistory.org.
Saturday, April 25
Lake Conestee Walking Tour
Explore Lake Conestee and learn how it was turned from a site of pollution to a nature park. Program includes 2 hour guided walking tour. Guests are welcome and encouraged to bring picnics to enjoy in the park after the program.
Location: Upcountry History Museum – Furman University, 540Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Program is free for members and free with admission for all other guests.
Info: call the museum at 864-467-3100 or email at info@upcountryhistory.org
Thursday, May 14
History After Dark: Conserving the Reedy
Spend the evening with Brad Wyche, founder and executive director of Upstate Forever, as he reflects on his own work and the work of his father, Tommie Wyche. Their legacy is the river that our community has today.
Location: Upcountry History Museum – Furman University, 540Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601
History After Dark programs are free to museum members and regular admission for all other guests.
Info: call the museum at 864-467-3100 or email at info@upcountryhistory.org
For more information about The Ripple Effect, visit the website of the Upcountry History Museum at http://www.upcountryhistory.org/.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. SC Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations.
