Calendar
Discover events happening across South Carolina that celebrate, preserve, and uplift African American history and culture. From heritage festivals and museum exhibitions to educational programs and community gatherings, these events reflect the mission of SCAAHC to honor the past, engage the present, and inspire the future. Explore what’s happening near you and connect with the stories that shape our state.
Ongoing Events
EXHIBIT | Foundations of a Revolution: South Carolina 1775-1777
The SC Department of Archives and History has recently opened a new exhibit title, Foundations of a Revolution: South Carolina 1775-1777. As the colonies stood on the precipice of a new era, South Carolina played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence. This curated collection offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of our state, showcasing some of South Carolina’s most important documents from the early years of the American Revolution.
GALLERY | Our Story Matters
FREE Admission to the Columbia Museum of Art, where visitors can see the “Our Story Matters” Gallery that discusses Columbia’s vibrant Washington Street Black Business District.
Upcoming Statewide Events
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Columbia, SC
5th Annual Preserving Historic Cemeteries Workshop
September 9, 2026
An introduction to ideas and plans to help you successfully preserve cemeteries important to you and your community. Presenters share their first hand experiences on mapping techniques, the history of gravestones, and storm recovery. This annual event is an opportunity to network with cemetery preservationist from across the state. Lunch is included with the registration fee.
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McConnells, SC
By The Sweat of Our Brows
September 12, 2026
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this living history event centers on the experience of enslaved people of African descent during the war. The story of liberty in the Brattonsville community took root in many ways during this period, and it’s legacy is still evident in current generations of descendants. Activities will include special presentations, site tours, living history demonstrations and opportunities to meet descendants of the Bratton family and those enslaved on the Bratton Planation. Families are encouraged to attend. Concessions will be available for purchase. Brattonsville Road will be closed from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please follow the detour. Parking will be in the Visitor Center parking lot. Ticket sales end on September 10. All sales are final, tickets are non-refundable. Ticket sales for missed visits will be considered a donation to the Culture & Heritage Museums. Walkup tickets are available. We encourage you to register online.
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North Charleston, SC
“250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance” Slave Dwelling Project Conference
October 1, 2026
The 9th national Slave Dwelling Project Conference will take place October 1-3 in North Charleston, SC in collaboration with the South Carolina 250th Anniversary Committee (SC 250.) This year’s theme, 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance explores South Carolina’s fertile grounds for juxtaposing its Black colonial era scholarship with other colonies of that era. From 1708 when Blacks became the majority population in South Carolina, their presence has factored in significantly to this nation’s history. South Carolina and other states have become more active in commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. “250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance,” will showcase South Carolina’s commitment to telling the complete story of its participation.
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Columbia, SC
SC Black Farmers Coalition Annual Conference
October 1, 2026
Join the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition for their conference. This multi-day event brings together Black farmers, agricultural leaders, and community advocates from across the state to address critical issues such as access to capital, sustainable farming practices, market access, and land ownership. While centered on the experiences and advancement of Black farmers, all are welcome to attend.
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Charleston, SC
Ancestral Healing & Mental Health: The Water Has Called Us Home
October 30, 2026
For people of African ancestry, healing has never been a solitary or purely medical act. Long before the creation of Western psychology, African societies maintained sophisticated, community-grounded systems for assessing psychological health, understanding the roots of illness, and facilitating restoration. This gathering, hosted by the AAHGS South Carolina Lowcountry and Gullah Geechee Chapter, brings together scholars, mental health professionals, family griots, genealogists, community members, healers, priests, Ifá and other ATR practitioners to examine African diasporic healing traditions as culturally grounded mental health interventions. Participants will explore the therapeutic dimensions of genealogical research as ancestral healing work, the preservation of healing knowledge within Gullah Geechee conjure, rootwork, and cultural traditions, and the integration of these systems into contemporary mental health practice.
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Columbia, SC
8th Annual American Revolution Symposium
November 14, 2026
Patriots of different skills and from many stations in life refused to let a Monarchy control their homeland. Their bravery and dedication overcame tyranny to form a nation of “We the People…” Lunch is included with the registration fee.
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Columbia, SC
2027 SCAAHC Annual Conference
February 27, 2027
The SCAAHC will e hosting their 4th annual Uplifting Voices conference at the Archives & History Center. More information on the Call for Proposals and registration will be available soon!
Share Your Event
Do you have an event that highlights African American history, heritage, or culture in South Carolina?
We’d love to feature it on our website. Submit your event details through our Contact form.