Historical Presentations & Immersive Exhibitions
Discover the overlooked narratives of South Carolina through compelling storytelling and scholarly research. Specializing in the intersection of African American ancestry and community legacy, our programs—including the celebrated "Dr. Matilda Evans: The Life of a Trailblazer" and "A Legacy of Fortitude"—bring history to life for diverse audiences.
Presentation Descriptions:
Matilda A. Evans: South Carolina’s Medical Pioneer:
Discover the legacy of Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans, the first licensed African American female physician in South Carolina. Rising from Aiken County, she overcame segregation to become a healthcare visionary. This presentation celebrates a "shero" whose resilience and faith expanded medical access, transforming the lives of countless South Carolinians.
Untold Stories: A Journey Through South Carolina’s Ag History:
Explore South Carolina’s rural soul through the Thompson family lineage. This presentation blends narratives from The Thompson Family: Untold Stories (1830–1960) with the Ancestral Reflections art collection. Discover lived experiences of cotton picking, cane syrup production, and agribusiness, honoring the resilience and heritage of those who worked the soil.
Martha Ellison: A Journey from Enslavement to Endurance:
Born into enslavement in 1849, Martha Kitchings Seawright Ellison’s life illuminates South Carolina’s most pivotal eras. This presentation explores her journey through the Civil War, the complexities of Reconstruction, and the Gilded Age. Discover a story of resilience, family, and the profound strength of a woman who reclaimed her future.
Lavinia Thompson: A Journey Through Slavery, War, and Survival:
Born enslaved in 1844, Lavinia C. Thompson served as a Confederate army cook during the Civil War. This presentation explores her transition from the battlefield to becoming a rare Black South Carolinian recognized for involuntary service. Discover a powerful story of family and endurance during America’s most transformative era.
South Carolina’s African American Confederate Pensioners:
This presentation provides a detailed examination of the complex history surrounding African Americans who served the Confederacy in South Carolina and their subsequent pursuit of state pensions. We will explore the systemic drivers, individual experiences, and the legislative aftermath of their service.
