History Forum of the Lowcountry | Coastal Discovery Museum

Presented by the Coastal Discovery Museum from September to May annually, this series of cultural history-oriented programs encourages discussion about the Lowcountry’s fascinating past.

Since its inception in 2012, the Museum has hosted over 50 guest speakers including university professors, museum curators, authors, archivists, librarians, not-for-profit directors, archaeologists, anthropologists, and first-person interpreters. Hosted by these experts, the Forum provides visitors with VIP access to unique discovery, assessment, and insight buried in the stories of our past.

*The 2022 program schedule has not been announced yet. Please check back soon to find updates as they become available.

PREVIOUS PRESENTATIONS

BEAUFORT COUNTY
IN WORLD WAR II

Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland
January 21, 2021

Join us on January 21st for an interesting lecture about the history of Beaufort County in World War II. Dr. Larry Rowland will discuss the origin of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island during the years of 1913-15, the depression of the 1920s and 30s in Beaufort County, and the impact World War II had on the economy and society of Beaufort County. Incorporated in his lecture will be some pertinent stories of Beaufort boys who served in World War II.

Dr. Larry Rowland is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort and has previously held roles with the University as Professor of History and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Rowland is the author of a number of works about the history of Beaufort County, South Carolina, numerous articles, and book reviews on South Carolina and Sea Island history. Rowland co-authored The History of Beaufort County, Volume 1, 1514-1861; Rebellion, Reconstruction, and Redemption, 1861-1893, The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 2; and Bridging the Sea Islands' Past and Present, 1893-2006, The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 3.

BEAUFORT COUNTY
IN WORLD WAR II

Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland
January 21, 2021

Join us on January 21st for an interesting lecture about the history of Beaufort County in World War II. Dr. Larry Rowland will discuss the origin of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island during the years of 1913-15, the depression of the 1920s and 30s in Beaufort County, and the impact World War II had on the economy and society of Beaufort County. Incorporated in his lecture will be some pertinent stories of Beaufort boys who served in World War II.

Dr. Larry Rowland is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort and has previously held roles with the University as Professor of History and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Rowland is the author of a number of works about the history of Beaufort County, South Carolina, numerous articles, and book reviews on South Carolina and Sea Island history. Rowland co-authored The History of Beaufort County, Volume 1, 1514-1861; Rebellion, Reconstruction, and Redemption, 1861-1893, The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 2; and Bridging the Sea Islands' Past and Present, 1893-2006, The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 3.

BATTLE OF RIVER'S BRIDGE
AND THE BURNING OF COLUMBIA

Christopher Crabb
February 16, 2021 – 2 PM

One hundred fifty-six years ago, Union troops left the Beaufort District of South Carolina and headed inland, crossing numerous swamps, creeks, and swollen rivers in the pouring rain. Arriving at Rivers' Bridge (now Rivers' Bridge State Park) on February 2-3, 1865, they defeated a Confederate force defending the crossing. Union troops then headed to Columbia, South Carolina. Join us on February 16th to hear Christopher Crabb discuss these two important historical events--the Battle of Rivers' Bridge and the burning of Columbia. As to who burned this city is still unresolved today.

Christopher Crabb grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and currently lives with his wife in Colleton County. He is a graduate of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, a gospel minister, and the author of Facing Sherman in South Carolina.

BATTLE OF RIVER'S BRIDGE AND THE BURNING OF COLUMBIA

Christopher Crabb
February 16, 2021 – 2 PM

One hundred fifty-six years ago, Union troops left the Beaufort District of South Carolina and headed inland, crossing numerous swamps, creeks, and swollen rivers in the pouring rain. Arriving at Rivers' Bridge (now Rivers' Bridge State Park) on February 2-3, 1865, they defeated a Confederate force defending the crossing. Union troops then headed to Columbia, South Carolina. Join us on February 16th to hear Christopher Crabb discuss these two important historical events--the Battle of Rivers' Bridge and the burning of Columbia. As to who burned this city is still unresolved today.

Christopher Crabb grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and currently lives with his wife in Colleton County. He is a graduate of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, a gospel minister, and the author of Facing Sherman in South Carolina.

HARRIET TUBMAN
AND THE COMBAHEE RIVER RAID

Jeff W. Grigg
March 16 2021– 2 PM

On June 1-2, 1863, Col. James Montgomery CDR 2d SC Volunteer Infantry, who was African-American, led a battalion-sized force up the Combahee River using three Army gunboats. Harriet Tubman and two of her river pilots accompanied Col. Montgomery. She was well known in the area and trusted by both the Union Army and the slaves on various plantations. Tubman's knowledge of the area plantations and the river were critical to the overall success of the river raid which resulted in the freeing of approximately 750 slaves and the destruction of numerous plantations' rice-growing infrastructure. Join us to learn about this important river raid and the life of one of the most heroic people in history--Harriet Tubman.

Our speaker, Jeff W. Grigg, is a resident of Green Pond, South Carolina, and the coauthor of Mapping the Charleston and Savannah Railroad Defenses: Phase II. He is a member of the Civil War Fortification Study Group which preserves and interprets Civil War earthen fortifications. Grigg has served on the boards of directors for the Colleton Country

HARRIET TUBMAN
AND THE COMBAHEE RIVER RAID

Jeff W. Grigg
March 16 2021– 2 PM

On June 1-2, 1863, Col. James Montgomery CDR 2d SC Volunteer Infantry, who was African-American, led a battalion-sized force up the Combahee River using three Army gunboats. Harriet Tubman and two of her river pilots accompanied Col. Montgomery. She was well known in the area and trusted by both the Union Army and the slaves on various plantations. Tubman's knowledge of the area plantations and the river were critical to the overall success of the river raid which resulted in the freeing of approximately 750 slaves and the destruction of numerous plantations' rice-growing infrastructure. Join us to learn about this important river raid and the life of one of the most heroic people in history--Harriet Tubman.

Our speaker, Jeff W. Grigg, is a resident of Green Pond, South Carolina, and the coauthor of Mapping the Charleston and Savannah Railroad Defenses: Phase II. He is a member of the Civil War Fortification Study Group which preserves and interprets Civil War earthen fortifications. Grigg has served on the boards of directors for the Colleton Country

A SHORT HISTORY
OF THE YAMASEE INDIANS

Dr. Eric Poplin
April 13 2021– 2 PM

The Yamasee were arguably the most important Native allies of the nascent Carolina Colony from 1685-1715 and the most influential group in the American Southeast. Join us on April 13 to hear Dr. Eric Poplin review the origins of the Yamasee and their migration to and evolution in South Carolina. He will discuss the Yamasee War, the departure of the Yamasee from South Carolina, and the material culture of them. Dr. Poplin will also focus on other 16th-18th century Native groups in coastal South Carolina.

As Vice President and Laboratory Director at Brockington and Associates' Charleston office, Dr. Eric Poplin has extensive experience with cultural resource management studies in the Southeast, having spent 33 years as a professional archaeologist in the region. He is well versed in studies of both the prehistoric and historic periods and has completed a large number of cultural resource projects for many federal, state, and local agencies as well as private development firms. Recent projects involved the recovery of 18th century African American burials at the Gaillard Performance Center in Charleston, South Carolina. As co-director of excavations at the site of Altamaha Town, the principal seat of the Yamasee in South Carolina at Heyward Point in Beaufort County, Dr. Poplin has researched extensively the archaeology and material culture of the Yamasee Indians and their contemporaries who lived on the South Carolina coast.

A SHORT HISTORY
OF THE YAMASEE INDIANS

Dr. Eric Poplin
April 13 2021– 2 PM

The Yamasee were arguably the most important Native allies of the nascent Carolina Colony from 1685-1715 and the most influential group in the American Southeast. Join us on April 13 to hear Dr. Eric Poplin review the origins of the Yamasee and their migration to and evolution in South Carolina. He will discuss the Yamasee War, the departure of the Yamasee from South Carolina, and the material culture of them. Dr. Poplin will also focus on other 16th-18th century Native groups in coastal South Carolina.

As Vice President and Laboratory Director at Brockington and Associates' Charleston office, Dr. Eric Poplin has extensive experience with cultural resource management studies in the Southeast, having spent 33 years as a professional archaeologist in the region. He is well versed in studies of both the prehistoric and historic periods and has completed a large number of cultural resource projects for many federal, state, and local agencies as well as private development firms. Recent projects involved the recovery of 18th century African American burials at the Gaillard Performance Center in Charleston, South Carolina. As co-director of excavations at the site of Altamaha Town, the principal seat of the Yamasee in South Carolina at Heyward Point in Beaufort County, Dr. Poplin has researched extensively the archaeology and material culture of the Yamasee Indians and their contemporaries who lived on the South Carolina coast.

FIRE AND FEVER:
1820 SAVANNAH

Jamie Credle
May 11 2021, at 2 PM

As a way of adding historical perspective to current events, Jamie Credle, director, Davenport House Museum in Savannah, will present a program on the year 1820, a time of chaos and disarray not unlike 2020. During the year, the city witnessed a colossal municipal fire, a horrific yellow fever epidemic, and an economic downturn – the nation’s first. Credle will share research developed to advance understanding of the early 19th century in the Lowcountry.

A native of northeastern North Carolina, Jamie Credle is the director of the Davenport House Museum, a museum property owned by Historic Savannah Foundation.

FIRE AND FEVER
1820 SAVANNAH

Jamie Credle
May 11 2021, at 2 PM

As a way of adding historical perspective to current events, Jamie Credle, director, Davenport House Museum in Savannah, will present a program on the year 1820, a time of chaos and disarray not unlike 2020. During the year, the city witnessed a colossal municipal fire, a horrific yellow fever epidemic, and an economic downturn – the nation’s first. Credle will share research developed to advance understanding of the early 19th century in the Lowcountry.

A native of northeastern North Carolina, Jamie Credle is the director of the Davenport House Museum, a museum property owned by Historic Savannah Foundation.