The South Carolina Military Museum is currenting hosting the exhibit South Carolina Veterans and the Civil Rights Movement, which will be on display through July 2024. The exhibit will be accompanied by a Lunch & Learn Lecture series with monthly lectures from April – November. SC Humanities supported this program series with a Mini Grant.
South Carolina Veterans and the Civil Rights Movement tells the story of veterans from the Palmetto State who played an active role in expanding Civil Rights protections, from the Civil War through the present. The exhibit features important figures like Franklin J. Moses Jr., Judge Matthew Perry and CSM Gail Williams. A virtual version of the exhibit will be made available on the museum website.
The accompanying Lunch and Learn lecture series will highlight the link between figures in the military and positive changes in our society. The series will feature a variety of scholars exploring a wide range of topics. Proposed speakers include Cecil Williams, J.R. Fennell, Michael Smith, Erick Nason, Darnell Holland, Jeffrey Richardson, Janice Haigler, and James Hull. The Lunch and Learn programs are free and open to the public.
According to Project Director, Chris Mielke, “The overall objective is to honor those who were trailblazers and celebrate those still living who contributed to expanding Civil Rights as they relate to issues of race, gender, sexual orientation or identity, or physical ability.”
The first Lunch and Learn will feature Cecil Williams, celebrated photographer, author, Civil Rights activist, and museum director.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 12:00 p.m.
Within the Line of Sight: Civil Rights Photography
Featuring Mr. Cecil Williams
Location: SC Military Museum (Spears Meeting Room), 1 National Guard Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
**Bring your own lunch.
Free and open to the public
Info: (803) 299-4440
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | 12:00 p.m.
The Hamburg Massacre
Featuring author Michael Smith
Michael Smith will speak about the Hamburg Massacre, a race riot in 1876 that led to the death of seven men. The event triggered a great reactionary wave and would lead to the undoing of much progress gained in Reconstruction.
Location: SC Military Museum (Spears Meeting Room), 1 National Guard Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
**Bring your own lunch.
Free and open to the public
Info: (803) 299-4440
Detailed information about other programs in the Lunch and Learn series will be added soon.
First established in Sumter County as the National Guard Museum and State Weapons Collection, the South Carolina Military Museum relocated to the capital city of Columbia to better serve its mission of preserving the Palmetto State’s military history. Their mission is to preserve the legacy of the Palmetto State’s rich military history by cultivating community interest in our shared heritage, and inspiring future Carolinians through exhibits and public outreach. Learn more: https://www.scmilitarymuseum.com/.
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.
