A new public history initiative is bringing South Carolina's Revolutionary War story to life at Georgetown County Library branches throughout 2026, and the series is just getting started.

"A Glorious Cause: South Carolina and the American Revolution" launched earlier this month at the Georgetown Library with presentations by national award-winning storyteller Tim Lowry and historian/violinist Zachary Lemhouse, whose program on the music of the Revolution drew an enthusiastic crowd. The series continues with a full slate of free programs running through June at library locations across Georgetown County.

Made possible by a $39,300 Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the South Carolina State Library, all programs are free and open to the public.

Coming Up at Georgetown Library

The Georgetown Library, 405 Cleland St., hosts two remaining programs in March. On Wednesday, March 18 at 10 a.m., maritime archaeologist Dr. Sara A. Rich will present "A Revolutionary War Shipwreck in the Cooper River," offering a rare look at a submerged piece of the Revolution's history. Dr. Rich, an Associate Professor at the Rhode Island School of Design and citizen of the Waccamaw Indian People, is the author of Shipwreck Hauntography: Underwater Ruins and the Uncanny. The program is presented in partnership with the South Carolina Maritime Museum.

On Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m., Christopher Judge of the Native American Studies Center at USC Lancaster will present "Native Life in Revolutionary South Carolina." That program ties to the "Resilience & Revolution: Native Peoples in 18th Century South Carolina" exhibit, which will be on display at Georgetown Library in April and May 2026.

April Programs Move to Pawleys Island

The series shifts to the Waccamaw Library, 41 Saint Paul Place, Pawleys Island, for four Thursday programs in April, all free and open to the public.

On April 2 at 10 a.m., archaeologist Steven D. Smith of the SC Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology will examine "Francis Marion & the Snow's Island Community: Myth, History, & Archaeology." On April 7 at 6 p.m., Dr. Nicholas Cole, Director of the Quill Project at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, will present "Founding Documents of the American Revolution" in partnership with Coastal Carolina University HTC Honors College — note the evening start time, which differs from the rest of the series.

April 23 brings author Beth Yarbrough presenting "Preserving Historic Buildings of Colonial South Carolina" at 10 a.m., followed on April 30 at 10 a.m. by Dr. Elizabeth Chew, CEO of the SC Historical Society, presenting "Art & the American Revolution."

Francis Marion Focus in Andrews

The Andrews Library, 105 N. Morgan Ave., hosts three Wednesday morning programs in May at 10 a.m., each examining the life and legacy of Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of Revolutionary War fame. Paige Sawyer of the Francis Marion Interpretive Center kicks things off May 6 with "Fascinating Facts about General Francis Marion." Dr. Lee B. Wilson, a history professor at Clemson University, follows on May 13 with "Treason as Political Weapon." The series at Andrews concludes May 20 with Keith Gourdin, a descendant of Francis Marion, presenting "Family Connections with Francis Marion."

Gullah History Featured at Southern Georgetown Library

The Southern Georgetown Library, 4187 Powell Road, Georgetown, hosts four programs in May focused on the social, cultural and culinary contributions of Gullah people during the Revolutionary era. Programs are held Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Victoria Smalls of Smalls Cultural Resources opens the series May 7 with "The Social & Cultural Life of Gullah People in the SC Lowcountry during the Revolutionary Era." Chef and author Sallie Ann Robinson presents "Lowcountry Gullah Cuisine during the Revolution" on May 14, and sweetgrass weaver Jennifaye Singleton closes the Gullah-focused programming May 21 with "Traditional Gullah Artforms of the Revolution."

The series at that location concludes with a unique outdoor offering: on Friday, May 29 at 11 a.m., guide and River Reader Kayaking founder Hastings Hensel leads a kayak tour of the Battle of Black Mingo site. Registration is required for the kayak tour; email dturner@gtcounty.org to sign up.

Series Concludes in Carvers Bay

The final leg of "A Glorious Cause" runs in June at the Carvers Bay Library, 13048 Choppee Road, Hemingway, with Thursday programs at 2 p.m. Author Steve Williams presents "African American Contributions to the Revolutionary War" on June 4; cultural interpreter Pelor Richards follows June 11 with "Roots & Resilience: Gullah Life in the Revolutionary Era"; and author Lee G. Brockington closes the series June 18 with "Patriots & Loyalists: The Battle at Home."

The "American Revolutionary War in South Carolina" exhibit will be on display at Georgetown Library in June and July 2026.

For more information, contact the Georgetown County Library system.