As commemorations for the nation’s 250 birthday on July 4 ramp up, Charleston is proving its mettle as an arts and culture hub with a host of festive events, exhibitions and more on offer this week and well beyond. Here are a few standouts to celebrate, Charleston-style.
Parse Revolutionary ideas
Artist Mary Whyte’s new exhibition at the Gibbes honors America’s 250th | “Tamales” (detail), by Mary Whyte. 2023.
On June 26 at 6 p.m., join Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson at Dock Street Theatre as he discusses his book The Fate of the Day about the middle years of the Revolution and Charleston’s role. Moderated by Carl Borick from the Charleston Museum. 135 Church St. Tickets and more: sc250charleston.org.
Commence with Carolina Day
To mark the anniversary of the 1776 Battle of Sullivan’s Island, the Palmetto Society of Charleston mounts its annual parade through downtown Charleston. Taking place at 11:30 a.m. June 27, attendees then gather at Washington Park, 80 Broad St., for the parade from the park to White Point Garden. More: palmettosociety.org.
Also on June 27, Historic Perfomance Events will perform live street theater, with music and film, at the U.S. Custom House, 200 East Bay St., from 4-9 p.m. Look for likenesses of Col. William Moultrie, Eliza Lucas Pinckney, Francis Marion, Rebecca Motte and others.
On June 27 only, the Charleston Museum will display three rare Revolutionary War-era artifacts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, now known as Carolina Day. All three items are on loan from the S.C. Department of Archives and History and are associated with the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. The items include the South Carolina State Seal, 1776; Jacob Milligan’s account audited (File No. 5259) of claims growing out of the American Revolution, ca. 1788; and Rutledge celebrates victory at Sullivan’s Island,
Sept. 19, 1776.
As part of its major special exhibition, Ringleaders of Rebellion: Charleston in Revolt, 1775–1783, the Charleston Museum has also recently unveiled a Revolutionary War document for the first time on view in Charleston. On loan from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England, the original logbook of the HMS Bristol will be displayed publicly through Sept. 20, 2026. More: charlestonmuseum.org.
Revolutionary road trip
At 2 p.m. June 28., Charleston Gaillard Center and SC250 Charleston present Revolutionary Road Trip: Hidden Stories from America’s Founding Journey. It’s an afternoon with Darley Newman in conversation with Liz Butler that is moderated by Polly Buxton of Buxton Books. Newman, an Emmy Award-nominated host, producer, author and traveler, will explore Charleston’s Revolutionary-era history, cultural legacy and enduring role in the American story. 95 Calhoun St. Tickets and more: gaillardcenter.org.
The Sound of Charleston: 250 Edition
At 7 p.m. July 1, The Sound of Charleston presents a free concert honoring Charleston’s distinctive place in America’s musical story. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. More: soundofcharleston.com.
Finding freedman
In conjunction with the 250th anniversary, renowned Charleston artist Fletcher Williams III presents 250 Years from Mr. Freedman, a solo exhibition held in historic Storehouse 8 at Navy Yard Charleston from July 5 to July 14. A series of wall reliefs created from the tin-roof of a burned Freedom Cottage in Charleston introduce Mr. Freedman, a figure whose life has spanned centuries and whose accounts move between Charleston and the American South.
Drawing upon Revolutionary-era history, Black Loyalist narratives, and Lowcountry folklore, the exhibition positions each artwork as an entry in the chronicle of Mr. Freedman’s life and legacy. A series of rust paintings on paper accompany the tin-roof reliefs. While not included in the exhibition, a series of accompanying rust paintings are available for viewing. Navy Yard Charleston, Storehouse 8, 2158 Noisette Blvd., North Charleston. More info: fletcher3.com.
Tribute to today
Those seeking an illuminating eye on our country today will find an artist’s masterful take on what she sees as the real America. Mary Whyte: Salt of the Earth is a new exhibition honoring America’s 250th, on view at the Gibbes Museum in Charleston until Sept. 27. For the exhibition, Whyte’s 26 large-scale expressive watercolor works champion the diversity, fortitude and spirit of the American people, created as a poignant tribute to the individuals who shape the nation. 135 Meeting St. More: gibbesmuseum.org.
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