The American Revolutionary War in Charleston will come alive at the Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) and the Charleston Museum during a coming series of lectures, tours and demonstrations for adults and students.
In the weeks ahead as area celebrations and remembrances peak around July 4, the Charleston City Paper will publish stories of more events that recognize South Carolina’s significant part in the nation’s war for independence.
Colonial close-ups
The HCF and the museum have filled their calendars with programs that include up-close looks into colonial-era art and fashion, a battlefield fortification, the life of women and enslaved people and the science of warfare.
“The history and preservation of the city is deeply woven into this country’s story, and we’re proud to be able to share that with the community,” said Roualeyn de Haas, HCF’s chief operating officer.
Beginning Feb. 17, a special docent-led tour at the HCF’s Aiken-Rhett House will focus on the archaeology of the Revolutionary War trench discovered in 2018 at the house. The 2:30 p.m. tour is every Tuesday through Nov. 24. New permanent signage will be installed at the house to explain the trench.
HCF will participate in a family-focused events from June 27-28 during the area’s Carolina Day celebration at Fort Moultrie.
Two new temporary interpretation signs will be installed at the end of February at the Nathaniel Russell House to explain a painting in the dining room that depicts the battle at Fort Sullivan. New information also will be installed that describes Nathaniel Russell’s life during the war era.
During the HCF’s Charleston Festival from March 16 to April 11, a Food for Thought lecture by upstate historian Durant Ashmore will be offered on April 6. He will discuss the Revolutionary War in the South Carolina backcountry.
Charleston Museum
“Excitement is growing as we begin 2026 as this year will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation,” said Carl Borick, the museum’s director.
America 250, a bipartisan initiative, is attempting to engage every American in the anniversary. “America 250 has designated Charleston, along with Philadelphia, New York and Boston, as cities for enhanced celebrations of this auspicious occasion,” Borick said.
At the museum, two guided tours — on Feb. 19 for home-school children and the other on Feb. 24 for adults — will feature the museum’s newest special exhibit, Ringleaders of Rebellion: Charleston in Revolt, 1775-1783.
Last Drop of Blood: African Americans in the American Revolution is the topic of a Feb. 26 lecture by Zachary Lemhouse, director of the Southern Revolutionary War Institute.
On March 8, families can tour the town home of Thomas Heyward Jr., one of South Carolina’s signers of the declaration.
Virginia Theerman, the museum’s curator of historic textiles, will describe on March 12 the museum’s collection of textiles and collection pieces from the war era.
On March 25, Borick will discuss and sign his new book, Resistance: South Carolina’s Militia and the Fight for Independence. This is Borick’s third book on the revolution.
Curator of archaeology and battlefield archaeologist John Fisher on April 23 will discuss his archaeological findings of arrows, spears and musket balls at battlefields around South Carolina.
On May 8, a STEM-infused program for teenagers will explore the chemistry behind musket and cannon fire during the Siege of Charleston.
The museum’s curator of historic textiles, Virginia Theerman, will lead a May 20 lecture on the fashions and material culture of the mid-to-late 18th century.
Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence from South Carolina, and life in British-occupied Charleston for women and enslaved people will be the topic of a May 21 tour designed for students.
The museum will display on May 22 an original copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s robe will be displayed from May 23 to July 26. Historians credit Pinckney with perfecting the growth of indigo, which became a major cash crop in South Carolina.
From June 15 to Sept. 20, the logbook from the HMS Bristol, the flagship of the Royal Navy during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, will go on display.
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