Magnolia Gardens History Fair

Event Details

On the nation's birthday, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens will celebrate Lowcountry history and culture during the 4th Annual History Fair.

The History Fair is collection of well-known organizations in education, religion, social services, the arts and tourism, including Charleston Museum, America’s first museum.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., representatives of participating organizations will present information and lead interactive activities. Magnolia will be joined by its Ashley River neighbor Drayton Hall under the banner of the Historic Ashley River Plantation District. Thirty-four organizations are expected.

Guests who purchase the $15 general admission to the gardens will be treated to special activities, including dancers, drummers, a storyteller, a brick-making demonstration and special lectures.

Firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses and active duty military and their immediate family will be admitted free of charge to the gardens. Valid identification is required.

Character actor Kirk Brown will portray John Bartram, the “father of American botany.” Brown will share the story of Bartram and his forays into the Carolinas during his specimen collecting expeditions in the 1700s. Bartram was referred to as “the greatest natural botanist in the world.” Historical interpreter Dontavius Williams, will present The Chronicles of Adam, enslaved man who lived in York County in upstate South Carolina. Both performances will be held in the Orientation Theater.

Master brick maker Rick Owens of Simpsonville will demonstrate early brick-making techniques.

Storyteller Kitty Wilson-Evans, who portrays an 18th century enslaved worker named Kessie, will be in the History Room at the main house.

Wona Womalan will present at 11:30 a.m. traditional Guinean history and culture through authentic West African dancing, drumming and songs.

The History Fair presenters are:

· Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture
· Barbados and Carolinas Legacy Foundation
· Berkeley County Museum and Heritage
· Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World Program, College of Charleston
· Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
· Charles Towne Landing
· Charleston Artist Guild
· Charleston Friends of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
· Charleston Museum
· Cypress Garden
· Daniel Island Historical Society
· Drayton Hall
· Emanuel AME Church
· Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, Co. I
· Fort Moultrie National Monument
· Fort Sumter National Monument
· Gullah Geechee National Heritage Corridor
· Historic Charleston Foundation
· International African American Museum
· Jenkins Institute
· Jubilee Project, College of Charleston
· Keepers of the Word
· Lowcountry Africana
· Magnolia Plantation and Garden
· Old Slave Mart Museum
· Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild of South Carolina
· Philip Simmons Foundation
· Powder Magazine
· Shaw Community Center and R3 Inc.
· Slave Dwelling Project
· South Carolina Historical Society
· St. Andrew’s Parish Church
· Summerville Museum
· YWCA of Greater Charleston