Thursday Talk: Battle of Camden
2025-08-21 18:00 (America/New_York) | Revolutionary War Visitor Center, 212 Broad St, Camden, SC, 29020, United States
The Battle of Camden was a devastating defeat for the Continental Army against the British. Horatio Gates’ career never recovered from this humiliating debacle and the militia could not be trusted to stand against the British. Join Dr. Woody Holton in taking another look at the Battle of Camden. Was Gates really the failure that we have been led to believe? Were the militia right to flee the battlefield?
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

Adult Field Trip at the Rev War Visitor Center
2025-08-28 18:00 - 20:00
CANCELED DUE TO SPEAKER’S HEALTH
We asked and you answered with an overwhelming “Yes”!
Adults wishing to experience our educational programs that are normally offered to school aged scholars, will have an opportunity to take an evening field trip to the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. You will complete an exhibit packet that focuses in on the lesson, enjoy learning history through an interactive experience with fun facts throughout each lesson.
Lesson to be taught: Ye Iswą and Other People of South Carolina
Ye Iswą or Catawba as they are referred to by the Europeans have had a long and integral part in South Carolina’s history, but they are not the only indigenous people to inhabit the state. So, how did the Catawba cultural identity remain through time and changes when others had to choose to change their cultural identity in order to survive? Students will learn and discuss the Catawba from pre-colonization through the Revolutionary War.

DAR/SC250: Family Day at the Rev War Visitor Center
2025-08-30 10:00 - 12:00
Hobkirk Hill DAR, thanks to a grant from SC250, invites you to come out to the Revolutionary War Visitor Center and experience an educational program about the Catawba and other first people of South Carolina. Presented by the Rev War Visitor Center’s own Programming Specialist, Brittney Evans. Bring the family for some fun and learning!
About the program:
Ye Iswą or Catawba as they are referred to by the Europeans have had a long and integral part in South Carolina’s history, but they are not the only indigenous people to inhabit the state. So, how did the Catawba cultural identity remain through time and changes when others had to choose to change their cultural identity in order to survive? Students will learn and discuss the Catawba from pre-colonization through the Revolutionary War.
*Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.

Homeschool Day: Colonial Living into the American Revolution
2025-09-03 10:00 - 12:00
Once a month, the Rev War Center offers a free homeschool day where small school groups can come together and experience one of the educational programs offered by the Center. A minimum of ten students will be needed to host these educational programs, if the minimum is not met then parents will be notified a week prior that the program will be canceled. Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.
Sign up today at simplyrevolutionary.com
September: Colonial Living into the Revolutionary War
Students will be given a colonial personality in which to view the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The group will discuss the different taxes and events that led to America wanting to declare independence and end by asking, Should we sign the Declaration of Independence? Is it worth it?
suggested age group: elementary-middle school students

DAR/SC250: Lunch & Learn with Derek Smith
2025-09-04 12:00 - 13:30
Back by popular demand!
Hobkirk Hill DAR, thanks to a grant from SC250, invites you to come out and hear author Derek Smith at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center to share his latest book about Camden during the Revolutionary War. With two major battles occurring in Camden, Smith argues that this small frontier town was crucial to British success or failure in the Southern Campaign.
Books will be available for purchase before and after the program by the author for $40.
About Derek Smith:
Education:1975 graduate of Robert E. Lee Academy, Bishopville, S.C., 1980 graduate of Georgia Southern University, B.S. degree in Journalism with History minor.
Professional: 1980 – 1982 – Staff reporter for Sumter (S.C.) The Item newspaper, one of the oldest and largest dailies in the state. Covered various law enforcement agencies, courts, hospital board, Air Force base news, general assignments and wrote a tennis column.
1982 – 1991 – staff writer for the Savannah Morning News and Savannah Evening Press. Primary duties were the police beat, general assignments and consumer issues, as well as rock concert reviews. Series on the plight of the state crime lab, Savannah’s vice problems and an article about a slain police officer’s family struggling to cope earned three Georgia Press Association awards.
1991 – 1998 – media/public relations officer for Memorial University Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the country, based in Savannah, Ga. Duties included daily media contact, news releases and corporate communications for multi-state employee base of 5,000 plus.
1998 – Present – Freelance writer – Twelve books published overall, plus magazine and newspaper contributions, including articles in America’s Civil War, American History, Army, Cats, North & South, The Civil War Monitor, Savannah Magazine, Buffalo Spree, Buffalo News, Sandlapper, Pee Dee, Lee Magazine and others.
Published Books: Glory Yards – Rutledge Hill Press, 1993 Chronicles the football rivalry between the Universities of Georgia and Florida, year by year since 1904; Civil War Savannah – Frederic Beil, Publisher. 1997. A history of that Southern seaport and her people during the conflict., The Sentinels – Frederic Beil, Publisher. 2001. My first novel explores a ghostly Civil War submarine traveling through time; Lee’s Last Stand – Sailor’s Creek, Virginia, 1865 – White Mane Publishing, 2004. A nonfiction look at the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s final battle before Robert E. Lee’s Appomattox surrender; The Gallant Dead – Stackpole Books, 2005. Nominated for the 2006 Lincoln Prize, this book focuses on the 123 Union and Confederate generals killed in combat and the circumstances of their deaths; In The Lion’s Mouth – Hood’s Tragic Retreat from Nashville, 1864 – Stackpole Books, 2011. An examination of the last act in the Confederacy’s ill-starred Tennessee campaign; Sumter After the First Shots – The Untold Story of America’s Most Famous Fort until the End of the Civil War – Stackpole Books, 2015. Selection of the History Book Club; Kamallah’s Bracelet – Frederic Beil, Publisher, 2015. Novel set in Georgia in the 1960s; Gettysburg: South Carolinians in Battle – McFarland Publishing, 2021. Nonfiction account of some 5,000 Carolinians in the three-day battle; Bloody Savannah – The City’s Most Violent Era as Seen by a Crime Reporter – Exposit (an imprint of McFarland Publishing), 2023. A true-crime memoir of my police-beat-decade or so in Savannah, Georgia; Revolutionary Camden – South Carolina’s Bloody Epicenter in the War of Independence – McFarland Publishing, 2024; Gallica’s Thorns – Cushing Publishing, 2025. Novel – Story of an abused wife who violently frees herself from her marriage, embarks on a new life but is beset by her past as she seeks happiness.

Lunch & Learn: Fort Watson & Fort Motte
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:30
Using examples from his archaeological study of the two sites, Dr. Steven Smith, Research Professor and archaeologist at the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at USC, comes to the Rev War Visitor Center to speak on his book covering the battles at Fort Watson and Fort Motte that occurred in the spring of 1781. Bring a lunch and delve into just two of the many Revolutionary battles that occurred in South Carolina.
You bring your lunch and we will provide the learning opportunity!
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

DAR/SC250: Lunch & Learn with Rhett Adams
2025-09-13 12:00 - 14:00
Hobkirk Hill DAR, thanks to a grant from SC250, come hear Rhett Adams speak on Camden’s history from 1774-1775. Topics to be discussed include the Camden Resolves, Carolina Day, the Snow Campaign, William Henry Drayton, and more!
RSVP@ simplyrevolutionary.com

Lunch & Learn: Art & the American Revolution
2025-09-16 12:00 - 13:30
How did artists depict the American Revolution while it was happening and shortly after independence was won? What visual knowledge was available to newly minted Americans about the war and its heroes? How was the war remembered fifty and seventy-five years later, as the nation headed towards Civil War?
You bring your lunch and we will provide the learning opportunity!
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

Homeschool Day: Becoming a State
2025-10-01 10:00 - 12:00
Once a month, the Rev War Center offers a free homeschool day where small school groups can come together and experience one of the educational programs offered by the Center. A minimum of ten students will be needed to host these educational programs, if the minimum is not met then parents will be notified a week prior that the program will be canceled. Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.
Sign up today at simplyrevolutionary.com
October: Becoming a State
Students will declare their own independence from the United States by following the example/ blueprint of the country’s own Declaration of Independence from Britain. After declaring independence students will be tasked with setting up a new government with five inalienable rights using the reasons from their previously submitted declaration. Students will see how the colonists’ grievances influenced creation of the early American government.
suggested age group: middle-high school students

Day at the Museum
2025-10-04 10:00 - 15:00
It is happening again!
For the fourth year in a row, the Rev War Visitor Center is coming to life for the day! Interact with the cannon crew, smell and touch period-accurate soldier rations, ask questions, and get answers! It is a fun day for the whole family!
RSVP today @ simplyrevolutionary.com

Lunch & Learn: Spain in the American Revolution
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:30
France’s involvement in the American Revolution is well known to most who study history, but they were not the only European nation to lend aid to the American colonies in the 18th century. Spain also played a role in the American Revolution and SAR member Hank Gonzales is bringing their contribution to light. How did the action in the Louisiana Territory affect the colonists in South Carolina? Join us with your lunch and find out.
You bring your lunch and we will provide the learning opportunity!
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

Thursday Talk: Colonial Navies
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00
USC professor, Benjamin C. Schaffer is coming the Rev War Visitor Center to talk about his latest book, “The First Fleets: Colonial Navies of the British Atlantic World, 1630-1775” Join us for an evening discussing how the colonies protected themselves without British help before they became their own nation. It is sure to be an insightful evening for all.
Copies of “The First Fleets” book will be on sale before and after the program.
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

DAR/SC250: Lunch & Learn “Occupied Camden 1780-1781”
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:30
Hobkirk Hill DAR, thanks to a grant from SC250, invites you to come out and enjoy your lunch while learning about Camden’s Revolutionary history!
What was it like for people to live in this war-stricken area during the near-year British troops held
command of Camden? Dangers of battles and skirmishes are frequently discussed, but what about
dangers of home-front civilians whose homes became battle-front?
Local history writers Joan and Glen Inabinet will share from their on-going research on males and
females of varied ages, races, backgrounds, skills, and loyalties who made choices and survived (or not)
while living under occupation. The Inabinets will invite attendees to respond with feelings, thoughts,
other facts, or questions about occupied Camden.
Career educators, these Camden residents have co-authored, among other titles, A History of Kershaw
County and The World of Jak Smyrl. Glen Inabinet is also author/photographer of Mekong Memoirs.
Books may be purchased and signed.
Bring your lunch and join us in Liberty Hall at the Revolutionary War Visitors Center in Camden.
Visit www.simplyrevolutionary.com to reserve your seat for this FREE program.

Homeschool Day: Ye Iswą and Other People of South Carolina
2025-11-05 10:00 - 12:00
Once a month, the Rev War Center offers a free homeschool day where small school groups can come together and experience one of the educational programs offered by the Center. A minimum of ten students will be needed to host these educational programs, if the minimum is not met then parents will be notified a week prior that the program will be canceled. Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.
Sign up today at simplyrevolutionary.com
November: Ye Iswą and Other People of South Carolina
Ye Iswą or Catawba as they are referred to by the Europeans have had a long and integral part in South Carolina’s history, but they are not the only indigenous people to inhabit the state. So, how did the Catawba cultural identity remain through time and changes when others had to choose to change their cultural identity in order to survive? Students will learn and discuss the Catawba from pre-colonization through the Revolutionary War.
suggested age group: middle-high school students

Thursday Talk: Francis Marion Papers
2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00
Rick Wise, CEO of the SC Battleground Preservation Trust and military historian, will discuss what he and several other military historians have learned while preparing the long awaited Francis Marion Papers. (Now available for FREE online through the SC 250.)
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

Adult Field Trip at the Rev War Visitor Center
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00
We asked and you answered with an overwhelming “Yes”!
Adults wishing to experience our educational programs that are normally offered to school aged scholars, will have an opportunity to take an evening field trip to the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. You will complete an exhibit packet that focuses in on the lesson, enjoy learning history through an interactive experience with fun facts throughout each lesson.
Lesson to be taught: American Revolution From Start to Finish
Students will create their own Continental Congress, with a colony for each group to represent. Our new Congress will be called to make decisions for the good of their colony after given a quick rundown of the events that led to them being called to the Continental Congress. Ultimately students should be able to answer the question: How did 13 colonies beat the global super power that was Great Britain?
Reservations are requested to participate in this program.
Please RSVP at simplyrevolutionary.com

The War Begins: The South Carolina Snow Campaign
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00
Join us on November 22 for a commemoration of the Snow Campaign of 1775. Colonel Richard Richardson gathered patriot forces from across the Carolinas to march into the South Carolina backcountry to suppress those loyal to the King. Known as the Snow Campaign due to the heavy snowfall the militia encountered that December, this was the first major military operation in South Carolina. On December 22, patriots won the Battle of the Great Cane Brake and quelled loyalists’ activities for three years.
The Revolutionary War Visitor Center hosts this 250th anniversary event. Our program features a teenager telling his mother why he is leaving home to fight for freedom and a dialogue between a patriot and a loyalist as they defend their choices to support the rebellion or remain loyal to King George III. Historian Durant Ashmore will interpret the participants, routes, and events of the Snow Campaign. Finally, the audience will experience the campaign through the eyes and ears of Richard Richardson and Camden’s Joseph Kershaw. Afterwards, Historic Camden’s Colonial Village will come alive with demonstrations of colonial life.

Homeschool Day: Forging a New Nation (American Identity)
2025-12-17 10:00 - 12:00
Once a month, the Rev War Center offers a free homeschool day where small school groups can come together and experience one of the educational programs offered by the Center. A minimum of ten students will be needed to host these educational programs, if the minimum is not met then parents will be notified a week prior that the program will be canceled. Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.
Sign up today at simplyrevolutionary.com
December: Forging a New Nation (American Identity)
What is the American Identity? How is American culture different from the rest of the world? “Forging a New Nation” takes students through a broad look at the settlement of North America from 1500-1783. Students will learn what is culture and where some of America’s culture comes from with a fun game. In the end students should be able to answer, “What is the American Identity?”
suggested age group: any

DAR/SC250: Battle of Camden with Rick Wise
2026-01-22 12:00 - 13:30
Please join us at the Rev War Center on Thursday, January 22nd for a great Lunch and Learn on the Battle of Camden. Our speaker will be the incredibly knowledgeable Rick Wise. Rick pursues his love of military history through giving presentations and battlefield tours, was managing editor of the Francis Marion Papers, and is on the Liberty Trail Project Team. He is the Executive Director and CEO of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. To register for this FREE talk, please go to www.simplyrevolutionary.com. Many thanks to the SC 250 Commission for the Education grant received by our Hobkirk Hill Chapter that make this and other monthly events possible.

Homeschool Day: SC's Native Animals
2026-02-04 10:00 - 12:00
Due to repeated no shows; in 2026, families who sign up and repeatedly no-show will be removed from the list in order to have a more accurate picture of expected attendance.
Once a month, the Rev War Center offers a free homeschool day where small school groups can come together and experience one of the educational programs offered by the Center. A minimum of ten students will be needed to host these educational programs, if the minimum is not met then parents will be notified a week prior that the program will be canceled. Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.
Sign up today at simplyrevolutionary.com
February: South Carolina’s Native Animals
Students will head outdoors to find twelve examples of native animals from South Carolina. They will then head back indoors to meet some stuffed animal versions of these animals while learning about biological advantages these animals had to survive. Students will leave with a booklet filled with information about each animal and whether they are still around today, or extinct.
suggested age group:
elementary-middle school students

Thursday Talk: Revolutionary War Stories in South Carolina
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00
Joshua Shumak, a nationally recognized policy consultant, educator, and advocate for indigenous communities, uncovers the often overlooked stories of Native American involvement during the Revolutionary War in South Carolina, highlighting their strategic roles and impact on the war effort. Join us at the Rev War Center for an illuminating evening adding yet another piece to the story of the American Revolution.

The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. This not-for-profit organization presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state.

Lunch & Learn: Blue, Red, & Black: African Americans and the Revolutionary War
2026-02-17 12:00 - 14:00
Discover the lesser known stories about America’s fight for freedom. Join us with your lunch as Donald West shines a light on the vital role African Americans played in America’s quest for independence. Using period artwork, illustrations, and historical documentation Mr. West will share these stories of our country’s history during the period of 1763-1783.
(You bring your lunch and we will provide the learning opportunity!)
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. This not-for-profit organization presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state.

DAR/SC250: Francis Marion with Rick Wise
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:30
Please join us at the Rev War Center on Thursday, February 19th for a great Lunch and Learn on Francis Marion. Our speaker will be the incredibly knowledgeable Rick Wise. Rick pursues his love of military history through giving presentations and battlefield tours, was managing editor of the Francis Marion Papers, and is on the Liberty Trail Project Team. He is the Executive Director and CEO of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. Many thanks to the SC 250 Commission for the Education grant received by our Hobkirk Hill Chapter that make this and other monthly events possible

Homeschool Day: Archaeology & Forensics 101
2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00
Due to repeated no shows; in 2026, families who sign up and repeatedly no-show will be removed from the list in order to have a more accurate picture of expected attendance.
Once a month, the Rev War Center offers a free homeschool day where small school groups can come together and experience one of the educational programs offered by the Center. A minimum of ten students will be needed to host these educational programs, if the minimum is not met then parents will be notified a week prior that the program will be canceled. Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.
Sign up today at simplyrevolutionary.com
March: Archaeology & Forensics 101
Using the example of the 2022 Battle of Camden archaeological dig, students will be taught the difference between what an archaeologist does, a forensic anthropologist does, and a historian does in their jobs, with a broad overview about the process of an archaeological dig and what forensic
analysis entails.
suggested age group:
any

Rev War Visitor Center Market Day
2026-03-14 09:30 - 13:30
Join the Rev War Visitor in supporting local vendors and business during our 6th annual Market Day event!
Held during a new time this year, but same great vendors! Food truck will be onsite and the Public House will be open for viewing. This is a rain or shine event! Any questions can be emailed to programming@simplyrevolutionary.com

Lunch & Learn: South Carolina’s Irish Patriots of the American Revolution
2026-03-17 12:00 - 13:30
Tom Elmore is celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day by honoring the Irish-Americans who fought during the American Revolution.
Eleven percent of the veterans who applied for pensions after the war, were Irish. Twenty-nine Irish men represented SC throughout the Continental Congresses. Two signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were Irish.
Bring your lunch and wear some Irish pride to take a deep dive into our Irish forefathers of the American Revolution, where everyone’s a little Irish for the day.
(You bring your lunch and we will provide the learning opportunity!)
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

Thursday Talk: Rev. William Tennent III: Patriot, Pastor, Spy
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00
Historical interpreter and reenactor, Robert Ryals returns with his rendition of what might have happened on the The Drayton Expedition of 1775. Depicting Rev. William Tennent, Ryals will give a composite speech for the rationale for the colonies revolting. Ryals will also speak on how propaganda was used as a recruiting tool during the revolutionary movement. It is sure to be an interesting evening.
RSVP @ simplyrevolutionary.com

Homeschool Day: Battle of Hobkirk's Hill
2026-04-01 10:00 - 12:00
Due to repeated no shows; in 2026, families who sign up and repeatedly no-show will be removed from the list in order to have a more accurate picture of expected attendance.
Once a month, the Rev War Center offers a free homeschool day where small school groups can come together and experience one of the educational programs offered by the Center. A minimum of ten students will be needed to host these educational programs, if the minimum is not met then parents will be notified a week prior that the program will be canceled. Programs are geared toward students in 3rd grade through high school. Younger students are welcome to attend and follow along, but will need the assistance of their guardian throughout the program. Adults are welcome to sit in on the program, just be aware that the focus will be on teaching the young students present.
Sign up today at simplyrevolutionary.com
April: Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill
Focused on the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill (teacher’s choice!) students will be taken through an in depth walkthrough of the battle. Students will discuss the decisions made on both sides and use primary sources to gain an understanding about what happened in the past and how critical decisions affected the outcome of the battle.
suggested age group:
middle-high school students

“Echoes of Glory, Heroes from the American Revolution” Panel Discussion
2026-04-19 15:00 - 16:30
Actors’ Theater of South Carolina (ATSC), with funding through SC250, is partnering with the Revolutionary War Visitor Center to host a panel discussion with the experts and actors that worked on the film “Echoes of Glory, Heroes from the American Revolution.” Join Chris Weatherhead and the rest of the panel for a discussion celebrating nine heroes and their importance to our South Carolina heritage.
Movie clips and theatrical trailer will be shown throughout the program. Full movie screening will happen April 23, 2026 from 6-8pm.
Discussion Panel will be: Chris Weatherhead (Director/producer), Clarence Felder(Actor), Alexia Jones Helsley ( USC Aiken history professor & author), John Brian Eleazer (Historian & author)
Mr. Eleazer will also be selling and signing his book, “The South Carolina Militia in the Revolutionary War: Captain Henry Felder & The Backcountry Defense”

DAR/SC250: Battle of Hobkirk Hill with Rick Wise
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:30
Please join us at the Rev War Center on Tuesday, April 21st for a great Lunch and Learn on the Battle of Hobkirk Hill. Our speaker will be the incredibly knowledgeable Rick Wise. Rick pursues his love of military history through giving presentations and battlefield tours, was managing editor of the Francis Marion Papers, and is on the Liberty Trail Project Team. He is the Executive Director and CEO of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. Many thanks to the SC 250 Commission for the Education grant received by our Hobkirk Hill Chapter that make this and other monthly events possible.
