- Community Days ◊ June 28, 2026
In honor of Carolina Day and the country’s 250th anniversary, Drayton Hall Preservation Trust is pleased to welcome guests on June 28, 2026, free of charge.
Step back in time with colonial games and demonstrations, meet the archaeologists and explore their latest discoveries, including a visit to the current excavation site—an extraordinary late-1600s well. Stroll the landscape, take in the grand oaks, and enjoy scenic river views.
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.
Click here to learn more and to register.
- Magnolia Speaker Series: Virginia Watson ◊ June 17, 2026 6:30-7:30 pm
Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, SC, Virginia “Genya” Watson observed her mother, Ms. Elizabeth Stokes, for many years as she crafted sweetgrass baskets. Although Genya learned the tradition of making sweetgrass baskets, she fell in love with the artistic concept of handcrafting dolls since the 1950s. As a child, Genya’s dolls consisted of soda bottles, grass blades, and raggedy old clothing. It wasn’t long before Genya realized she had been blessed with a unique and memorable gift!
Genya has taken up her childhood mantle and is “playing” with dolls once again; she is honored to present her very own one-of-a-kind Gullah Dolls of Charleston. The handcrafted dolls are accessorized with sweetgrass blades, evening dress purses, baskets, and their head wraps. These dolls can be seen at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Registration is required for this free event. Click here to learn more and to register.
- Art of Needle Felting Workshop ◊ June 4, 2026, 6:00-8:00 pm
Visit Middleton Place for a creative needle felting workshop and enjoy wine and light bites as accomplished Lowcountry fiber artist Kim Keelor guides you in crafting your own Middleton Place sheep wall hanging. Suitable for all skill levels and requiring no sewing, you’ll learn the art of needle felting with wool, using fibers from Middleton Place’s Gulf Coast sheep, and leave with an 8-inch finished landscape piece ready to display at home.
The price of the workshop is $95 for non-members. Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets.
–Tidelines Editors