James Island History Unfolds At heritage Festival 53 Year Tradition Revived
For Immediate Release, March 2007http://www.islandheritagefestival.com
From the first shots fired during the Civil War, a Plantation built in 1854 with slave cabins still in tact, to the 100 year old Seashore Farmer’s Lodge Hall, pages of James Island history will unfold during Island Heritage Festival, June 28 July 2nd. Island Heritage Tour will spark the revival of a 53 year old tradition on the Island, born when the James Island Flower Club launched a showcase of some of the Island’s most historic sites.
“James Island is one of Charleston’s true historic treasures, with extraordinary chapters of history. We are proud to revive a tradition that began over 50 years ago, and offer a tour that has grown even richer over time, noted native James Islander, Founder and Executive Director, Eleanor Kinlaw-Ross. “The island has an enduring legacy and a rich culture, as well as a historic infrastructure of valuable buildings and cultural institutions that offer a tremendous history lesson.
“With the explosion of growth and development on James Island, we want to ensure the historic and cultural integrity of a community that was once a quiet, country place with arteries of dirt roads with no names, and people whose families, black and white share a history that is inextricably bound, beyond the Antebellum years. Additionally we want to be sure that our children, and the coming generations learn and understand this tremendous history,” Kinlaw-Ross explained.
In its second year, Island Heritage Festival pays tribute to Sammie Smalls, a native island son, and the inspiration for the Porgy & Bess legacy. For five (5) exciting days, June 28-July 2, James Island will experience an explosion of history, culture, education, commemoration and celebration with twelve (12) programs at various venues on James Island, and Folly Beach. An Opening Reception will be held at the historic Heyward house on Folly Beach, where the novel and the opera by Gershwin, were written. A Conversations program with generations of the relatives of Smalls’ will be held as well as a gala, musical presentation of Porgy & Bess Under the Stars at the historic McLeod Plantation.
An entertaining and educational line-up of festival events includes an outdoor showing of the 1929 classic movie, Porgy & Bess, A Symposium on Heyward, Gershwin & Porgy, A Sunset Gullah Cruise, A Children’s Cultural Literacy Festival, among others will be showcased. Retuning this year is the annual Taste of Gullah Celebration, featuring food, cultural entertainment and vendors. Having earned a national reputation as a destination for cultural tourism, the Festival expects visitors from across the U.S. again this year. For information on programs, Vendor opportunity and the cultural talent showcase, contact the Festival Office at 843-727-1875 or visit the website at www.islandheritagefestival.com. Tickets for Festival events are available at www.islandheritagefestival.com and at 1-800-595-4TIX.
