The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage will present a series of 16 collateral programs from April 2024 – January 2025 to go along with two exhibits that they will have on display: Language of Clay: Catawba Indian Pottery & Oral Traditions and Sandy Islanders: A People of the Land. The proposed programs are diverse and include lectures, guided exhibit tours, a documentary screening, and a storytelling festival. SC Humanities supported this programming with a Mini Grant.
The Language of Clay: Catawba Indian Pottery and Oral Traditions was created by and on loan from the University of South Carolina Lancaster. Pottery making is the single most unbroken material tradition of the Catawba Nation’s long history and is still done with methods handed down through generations. The Language of Clay features dozens of clay pottery pieces created by Catawba artisans from the 19th century to the present that represent various Catawba traditions and legends. The exhibition highlights the tribe’s rich cultural legacy, inviting patrons to gain a deeper understanding of the artistry and significance embedded in each clay creation.
Sandy Islanders: A People of the Land displays the lives of residents of Sandy Island through photography and interviews, building on the important early work of novelist Julia Peterkin and photographer Doris Ulmann. Creating intimate portraits of Sandy Islanders, photo-documentarian Vennie Deas-Moore examines the Island’s rich history. Her photographs and interviews touch upon early Carolina lowcountry life, its successful rice culture, its time-honored African traditions, and the multigenerational African American families that tie them all together. This exhibit was created by and on loan from the McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina.
The program series will include a variety of events and topics, including lectures, documentary screenings, guided tours, and a story festival.
The first event in the series will be “Yamasee Legacy” on April 27. Other planned events include a screening of the film Saving Sandy Island on Friday, May 17; a lecture on Catawba History 101 with Kassidy Plyler on Saturday, June 8, and a Story Fest with Native & Gullah narratives on Saturday, October 19. More details about these and additional programs will be posted soon.
Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Yamasee Legacy
Originating from the Southeastern United States, the Yamassee had a rich cultural impact on the Lowcountry that spans generations. Join us in a celebration of history and tradition. This endeavor not only honors the past but also nurtures a meaningful legacy.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
$5 ticket
Info: 843-284-9227
Friday, May 17, 2024 | 6:00 p.m.
Documentary Screening: Saving Sandy Island
Come to the Morris Center for a showing of “Saving Sandy Island,” part of the Carolina Stories Series presented by SCETV. This documentary delves into the battle to protect a remarkable South Carolina island and its Gullah community from urbanization. Sandy Island, boasting endangered species and precious longleaf pine forests, stands as the largest untouched freshwater island on the eastern seaboard. The film chronicles the inspiring collaboration among conservationists, government bodies, entrepreneurs, and local inhabitants who united to safeguard this unique locale and uphold its rich cultural heritage.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
$5 suggested ticket
Info: 843-284-9227
Saturday, May 18, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Living Legacy Tours
Enjoy a unique perspective during our series of South Carolina Museum Tours located at the Morris Center. This series explores two of our current exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Catawba Nation and Gullah people of Sandy Island. Guests will enjoy a guided tour while they learn how the communities are preserving their legacies. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Saturday, June 8, 2024 | 1:00 p.m.
Catawba History 101
Seize the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Catawba Nation. Kassidy Plyler, Cultural Programs Coordinator at the Catawba Cultural Preservation Program, guides you through Catawba history. This presentation connects seamlessly with the Language of Clay exhibition. From oral traditions to pottery, join us for a distinctive exploration into the cultural heritage of the Catawba people. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Saturday, June 22, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Living Legacy Tour
Enjoy a unique perspective during our series of South Carolina Museum Tours located at the Morris Center. This series explores two of our current exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Catawba Nation and Gullah people of Sandy Island. Guests will enjoy a guided tour while they learn how the communities are preserving their legacies. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
The Voices of Sandy Island
Step into the world of Sandy Island and its Gullah culture with Dr. Eric Crawford as he digs into the significant meaning of music from this unique place. Drawing from his research, Dr. Crawford gives an insightful talk uncovering the melodies that resonate through generations, weaving tales of resilience, identity, and the soulful essence of the Gullah people of the island. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Saturday, July 20, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Sounds of Unity: Music and Dance with the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe
Explore the interconnectedness of music and dance in the Edisto Natchez-Kusso cultural mosaic. This program aims to enlighten and inspire, offering a glimpse into the tribal traditions through captivating performances and a shared celebration of the power of artistic expression. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | 6:00 p.m.
Sleeping with the Ancestors
Based on their compelling book of the same name, Joe McGill and Herb Frazier offer a firsthand account of Joe McGill’s groundbreaking initiative to spend nights in former slave dwellings scattered across the nation. Through intimate storytelling, McGill and Frazier illuminate the profound significance of these sites while also shedding light on the broader complexities of race in America. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Thursday, August 29, 2024 | 6:00 p.m.
Indigenous Perspectives: Navigating Challenges in the Lowcountry
Hear directly from chiefs representing three regional tribes, the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians, Edisto Natchez-Kusso, and The Santee Indian Organization, as they explore the pressing issues facing Indigenous Communities of South Carolina. From environmental threats to societal and cultural challenges, discover how these communities navigate limited resources and advocate for their rights in the modern era. Gain valuable insights and deepen your understanding of Native American tribes of the state. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Living Legacy Tour
Enjoy a unique perspective during our series of South Carolina Museum Tours located at the Morris Center. This series explores two of our current exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Catawba Nation and Gullah people of Sandy Island. Guests will enjoy a guided tour while they learn how the communities are preserving their legacies. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
From the Banks of Sandy Island
Join us for a conversation with historian Lee Brockington and photo-documentarian Vennie Deas Moore. Brockington is known for her expertise in Georgetown County and will give an educational overview Sandy Island. With years guiding tours through its storied landscapes, Brockington promises an immersive journey into the island’s past. Accompanying Brockington is another remarkable voice intimately connected to Sandy Island’s narrative, Vennie Deas Moore. Her evocative photographic work is the basis of the Sandy Islanders: A People of the Land exhibition and offer a visual feast that brings the island’s essence to life. Suggested $5 donation
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Living Legacy Tour
Enjoy a unique perspective during our series of South Carolina Museum Tours located at the Morris Center. This series explores two of our current exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Catawba Nation and Gullah people of Sandy Island. Guests will enjoy a guided tour while they learn how the communities are preserving their legacies. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Story Fest: Native and Gullah Narratives
Join us for the 2nd annual Story Fest: Native Narratives, a family-friendly event celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Southeast. Experience the captivating voices of storytellers Cora Miller, Beckee Garris, and Lillian Grant-Baptiste as they bring to life the traditions of Native American and Gullah cultures. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and connect with the diverse stories that shape our shared history. Plus, enjoy a hands-on art project inspired by the animals featured in these tales. Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Friday, November 15, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
Shaping Identity: Catawba Women Potters
Join us for a captivating exploration of “18th century Catawba Women’s Traditional Knowledge of Pottery-making” with Dr. Brooke Bauer. As she delves into a section of her book, Becoming Catawba: Catawba Indian Women and Nation-building, 1540-1840, Dr. Bauer unveils the lives and legacies of Catawba women who played a pivotal role in shaping their identity and nation. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the rich cultural tapestry of the Catawba Nation. Dr. Brooke Bauer is a citizen of the Catawba Nation of South Carolina and an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Tennessee. Her research and teaching interests center on Native American history, Early American History, women’s history, and Indigenous material culture.
Suggested $5 donation.
Location: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Info: 843-284-9227
Project Director Kayleigh Vaughn said, “Drawing upon insights from humanities scholars and resource personnel, the Morris Center will develop engaging programming aimed at amplifying the two exhibitions and offering deeper context to our diverse audiences. Our aim is to educate individuals across generations about the rich histories of Native American and Gullah communities.”
Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is a non-profit organization with a mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the history and culture of the South Carolina Lowcountry by providing learning opportunities to its citizens and visitors. Learn more: https://www.morrisheritagecenter.org/.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
