History of Moonshine and the Dark Corner

While most may attribute moonshine to places like Kentucky and Tennessee, western South Carolina become a dominant producer of moonshine after the Civil War up through the 20th century.  This presentation not only explains how homemade legal whiskey became illegal moonshine, but also tells the history of the notorious figures involved in its production and … Read more

Henry Hammett and Piedmont Manufacturing

How did South Carolina become the number one producer of textiles in the world by the 20th century?  This presentation highlights textiles’ earliest beginnings in the Palmetto State and Henry Hammett’s contributions that transformed small textile operations that led to South Carolina becoming the textile center of the world in 1962.

Vietnam and South Carolina

This presentation examines the origins of the Vietnam War and how the US became so involved. It will highlight some of the South Carolinians who served in the conflict and the eight medals of honor recipients from South Carolina. The presentation will use some of the oral histories collected from veterans since 2016. In addition … Read more

WWI Aviation and the Carolinians who Flew

This presentation gives an overview of aviation in the state before the war, how the nation slowly developed its air service for the war, and the key pilots who gained distinction, including Elliott White Springs, John O. Donaldson and Ervin Shaw.

The Great War in the South Carolina Home Front

This presentation will review South Carolina’s economic and social conditions on the eve of the United States entering the war in 1917 and then review the economic and social changes that the war brought the state, from three new military training bases, political opposition by its former governor in going to war, and changes to … Read more

Clemson vs. Carolina Rivalry

This presentation looks at how the rivalry began and how the early decades of the annual game was marred by illegal players, reluctant administrators and the general dominance of the Tigers through the 1930s. During the presentation, key players and coaches in this rivalry will be highlighted.

College Football History in South Carolina

This presentations focuses on the early decades of the game with its evolving rules along with the origins of the first college game in the state, Furman vs. Wofford. It will then review the founding of football at Clemson and Carolina to Erskine and the College of Charleston, highlighting some of the early stars and … Read more

Prisoners of War in the United States with a focus on South Carolina

This presentation begins with how the first German POWs were brought to the US, what they experienced when they first arrived and how the US Army housed and fed them and gave them jobs that provided crucial labor for the nation’s crops and timber in a labor-starved war economy.

Her Mark: Black Women’s Voices from Union Pension Records

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hundreds of thousands of African American women applied for US pensions based on the military service of their husbands during the American Civil War. Their incredible first-hand descriptions chronicling their day-to-day lives, financial struggles, family histories, local events, etc. provide a powerful commentary on the history of … Read more

Florida or Bust: Postcards from South Carolina’s Motor Highways

How did South Carolina look to northern tourists flooding the state on their way to all points south in the mid-20th century? This presentation, based on local postcards mailed by sun-seeking tourists, focuses on travel along SC’s coastal highways & can be tailored to feature postcards from your region.

The Rise of 21st Century Afrofuturism in Literature, Music, and Film

After the first wave in the 1970’s which coincided with the Black Power and Black Arts Movements, Afrofuturism has experienced a second wave in the 21st century with the advent of new literature, hip hop music, television, comics, and film. The pinnacle of this second wave of Afrofuturism has been the meteoric rise of the 2018 … Read more

Dr. Matilda Evans: South Carolina’s Medical Pioneer 

Born four years after the end of slavery, Matilda Arabella Evans, who grew up on a family farm in eastern Aiken County, South Carolina, was the first African American and first woman in licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina and an advocate for improved health care for African Americans, including children. Matilda’schildhood experiences, educational background, … Read more

Poland & Clark—The 50-50 Expeditions

50 Years of South Carolina in Images & Stories Robert Clark launched his photography career in 1974. Tom Poland moved to South Carolina in 1974 to write and teach. Poland and Clark met at South Carolina Wildlife magazine and their journey in words and images began. Their seminal feature, “Tenant Homes—Testament To Hard Times,” charted … Read more

The Cleveland School Fire

NEW TOPIC! In 1923, on the last day in this two-story wooden school, people packed the house for the school play. In the third act, an oil lantern fell to the floor. Everything caught fire. Relatives threw children out windows, slid others down outer walls. The seventy-seven souls who perished—only thirteen recognizable—were laid to rest in … Read more

The Role of Political Primaries, Their History and Their Future

Primaries have been a significant factor in American politics for a good many years. They are in fact a uniquely American electoral institution, born in the Progressive Era. The role of primaries has changed to some degree in recent years as the public searches for ways to make politicians more responsive to their constituency. 

The History of Black Baseball

As great as Jackie Robinson was, he was not the first American Black Baseball Player. This presentation will show the ways baseball has reflected the role of African Americans in baseball especially beginning in the 19th century, followed by the Jim Crow and Civil Rights Era where Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby and so many other … Read more

Baseball and the American Dream

Baseball played a large role in the assimilation of 20th century immigrants to the United States, including the Speaker’s family.  Come discuss the way immigrants have used Baseball in becoming American. Bring your own family stories and learn from others. This multi-media presentation includes power-point slides, video, and music and even the swing of a … Read more

The Origin of Baseball (It’s Not Cooperstown?)

The origin of baseball as America’s pastime has long been pondered. As it turns out baseball has both mythical and historical origins, both of which play a big role in why baseball is so important to Americans.  This multi-media presentation includes power-point slides, video, music and even the swing of a bat!

The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from the Past (1830 – 1960)

Through the stories of enslaved ancestors and notable relatives, The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from The Past (1830-1960), chronicles the rich history of a prominent African American family from Salley, South Carolina features stories of individuals who were enslaved, a woman served as an enslaved cook during the Civil War, and agricultural life.

Differences between Vietnam War and Ukraine Conflict

More than sixty years have transpired between US involvement in the Vietnam War and our current engagement in the Ukraine. There are similarities in the circumstances that have led us to oppose Russian aggression in the heart of Europe, but there are also some significant differences. Olin Sansbury examines those similarities and differences and identifies … Read more