In addition to the other planned events, a very special exhibit is on view this month at the Charleston Museum. On display now through August 30, is an original copy of the Declaration of Independence . Plan to step out of the heat one day and enjoy seeing an important piece of our history.
Continue reading “August at the Charleston Museum”
Third Annual Bourbon & Bluegrass at Middleton Place
November 7, 2026
5:00-8:00 pm
Get ready for an unforgettable evening in one of Charleston’s most stunning settings at the third annual Bourbon & Bluegrass at Middleton Place, the Foundation’s fundraising event of the year. Enter through the illuminated historic oaks and be welcomed with a Bill Green traditional oyster roast over an open fire. Savor elevated small plates inspired by Lowcountry history and culture, sip handcrafted cocktails from leading bourbon producers, and enjoy live music under the stars.
This special event is about more than food, drinks, and music. It is an opportunity to directly support the Middleton Place Foundation’s mission of historic preservation, education, and research. By attending, you help sustain America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens and support vital educational programming that serves more than 100,000 visitors and 10,000 students each year.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: Middleton Place)
Sip and Stroll ◊ August 29, 2026
Experience the beauty of Drayton Hall in a relaxed afternoon setting with live music, historic landscapes, and on-site refreshments. Stroll beneath iconic oak trees while enjoying the atmosphere and conversation. Your ticket grants access to the grounds and galleries and includes your first glass of beer or wine; additional drinks are available for purchase.
Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets.
Make, Dip & Dye for Adults ◊ August 8, 2026 1:00-2:30 pm
Spend an afternoon at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens creating your own textile masterpiece. Using traditional indigo dye techniques and a rich extract derived from a humble green plant, you’ll watch your fabric emerge from the vat and transform into a signature blue right before your eyes. Unwind, create, and connect while enjoying a selection of light bites and refreshments.
As part of Magnolia Plantation’s America 250 programming, this hands-on workshop dives deep into the science of natural fermentation and oxidation. They will also honor and uncover the complex history of indigo—one of colonial South Carolina’s most powerful cash crops—and the vital knowledge and labor of enslaved Africans who mastered its cultivation in the Lowcountry.
This program will also be offered on November 7, 2026.
Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets.
Bluegrass and Storytelling ◊ August 14, 2026 7:00-8:30 pm
Enjoy an unforgettable performance by Grammy-nominated Josh Goforth as he brings the heart of Appalachian mountain music straight to the Lowcountry. A master of bluegrass, old-time, and folk music, Josh has captivated audiences across the country with his exceptional musicianship, warm humor, and rich storytelling. Playing a variety of traditional instruments and sharing tales passed down through generations, Josh brings the heritage and spirit of the Appalachian Mountains to life in a truly engaging performance. Whether you are a lifelong lover of acoustic music or simply seeking an evening of rich Southern storytelling, Goforth’s breathtaking performance promises to sweep you off your feet.
Goforth grew up in Madison County, North Carolina surrounded by the music and stories of his ancestors. He is a highly accomplished storyteller and old-time, bluegrass, and swing musician playing close to 20 instruments. His fiddling was featured in the movie Songcatcher, both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has performed in all 50 states, throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia and gracing such stages as the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and The Grand Ole Opry. He was nominated for a Grammy for his 2009 release with David Holt, entitled Cutting Loose.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Sweetgrass Basket Making Class ◊ August 29, 2026 10:00-1:00 pm
Join this workshop and create your own one-of-a-kind sweetgrass basket in a special class with Jennifaye Singleton of Geechee Gyal Baskets.
Jennifaye has been making sweetgrass baskets since 1990, an art she learned from her aunt. Sweetgrass basket sewing is view as a gift from God. The craft, handed down from generation to generation, is usually learned from childhood. Baskets require a great deal of patience and creativity, as there no set patterns. Each piece is unique, and each artist develops his or her own style.
All materials, including light refreshments, will be provided. Enjoy complimentary admission with your ticket.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
–Tidelines Editors
Where: Barrier Island Oyster Farm, 2871 Maybank Hwy. , Johns Island
When: October 14
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Cost: $99
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Last year, this program was sold out and sign-ups for this fall are coming to a close soon.
Come savor a behind-the-scenes taste of the Lowcountry and discover an insider’s look at sustainable oyster farming! For almost 10 years, Barrier Island Oyster Farm has been growing single select oysters and clams while helping to restore Carolina’s vanishing salt marshes. You will meet a friendly team of marine biologists, conservation advocates, and professional shuckers as knowledgeable as they are passionate about the myriad of benefits of oysters to the local culture, economy and ecology of the Lowcountry. Your tour concludes with an oyster tasting experience featuring single oysters freshly harvested from the farm. Please join us for a memorable oyster farm adventure!
To view all fall trips click here.
-Submitted by Paula McGill for Seabrook Island Natural History Group
(Image Credit: SINHG.org)
Step inside the archives for a rare evening of discovery with Magnolia’s Director of Ecology, Director of Horticulture, and Director of Preservation & Interpretation. Together, guests will explore the stories held within some of Magnolia’s most remarkable historic books, maps, and botanical works.
During this exclusive, behind-the-scenes archival event, our directors will carefully open and discuss selected historical treasures. Guests will get an up-close look at these rare artifacts and learn about their craftsmanship, history, and connection to Magnolia’s broader story. Featured archival treasures include rare London pulpit Bibles, cartography, and historic botanical works.
The price for this event is $35. Click here to learn more and to register.
Visit Middleton Place for an engaging herbal tea workshop where you’ll enjoy light bites and herbal cold toddy cocktails as Darren Hartford, owner of Oliver Pluff & Co., explores the rich history of tea and botanicals in the Lowcountry and their connection to Middleton Place. You’ll learn about a variety of herbs and their traditional uses, then craft your own custom tea blend to take home.
The price of the workshop is $70 for non-members. Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets.
–Tidelines Editors
New SINHG Activity: Learn to Curl
Sign-up for all fall trips is due by July 17.
Seabrook Island Natural History Group is bringing a new activity to our list of trips and we are so excited about it that we wanted to bring it to everyone’s attention.
Whether you have Olympic aspirations, are looking for a new hobby or just crossing an item off your bucket list, the Charleston Curling Club is here for you! A new SINHG outing has been added to the fall schedule called “F2616 – Learn to Curl.” At this session, after filling out any necessary forms and getting an orientation on curling (safety, equipment, and warm up), we will split up into small groups, be given a broom, and escorted onto the ice. Each group will work through sweeping, throwing stones, and communication. Once the groups have covered the drills, some groups will combine to play a game. The game lasts until the end of our ice time (2 hours). After the ice time we can head over to the Penalty Box Sports Lounge at the Ice Palace for ‘Broomstacking’. This is a curling tradition where players socialize after playing a game (and is an optional activity).
Worried about your knees or back or something else? Curling is a highly adaptive sport. One of the most common adaptations is the use of a delivery stick. This adaptation allows people to deliver stones while staying in an upright position – no squatting, bending or lunging required.
What should you wear to curl?
All equipment needed will be provided by the Curling Club!
Information for signing up can be found here. Come join the fun and see what Curling is all about! Sign-up for all fall trips is due by July 17.
-Submitted by Annie Snelgrove for Seabrook Island Natural History Group
(Image Credit: SINHG.org)
We know that the nation will celebrate Independence Day on July 4, but do you know what is celebrated on June 28?
South Carolinians, and Charlestonians in particular, have been celebrating June 28 as Carolina Day for over 200 years. It was on June 28, 1776, that South Carolina achieved the first decisive victory of the American Revolution at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, encouraging all of the colonies to mutually pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in the fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.
Continue reading “Celebrating Carolina Day June 28”
As you begin preparations for Flag Day, June 14, and our nation’s 250th anniversary, July 4, it is a great time to review how to display the United States of America flag.
When displaying the American flag vertically or horizontally, place the union (blue section) at the top LEFT corner.
When displaying the American flag on a flagpole or staff from your porch, the union should be at the peak of the staff.
When an American flag is worn out or otherwise no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Several national organizations hold flag ceremonies for retired flags throughout the year: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Girl Scouts, and Scouts BSA. You can call the local chapter of any of these organizations to find out when and where to take your worn-out flag. Additionally, you can take your worn-out flag to one of the locations below that will dispose of it properly:
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: Adobe Stock and Wikihow.com)
There is always something interesting happening at the Charleston Museum! Here is what is planned for June.
Continue reading “June at the Charleston Museum”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.
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.
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
Indigo Explorations: Conversation and Indigo Workshop
Aiken-Rhett House, 48 Elizabeth Street
Saturday, May 23, 2026
4:00 – 6:30 pm
On May 23, Historic Charleston Foundation hosts a hands-on indigo dyeing workshop inspired by the current exhibition Indigo: Variations in Blue, now open through June 28, at the c.1820 Aiken-Rhett House. Curator Tushara Bindu Gude and artists Arianne King Comer, Precious Jennings, and Monique de La Tour will lead a brief tour of the original art exhibition before settling in for a hands-on workshop and live demonstrations of wax resist, string resist, and arashi pole-wrap dyeing techniques. Participants will create their own textiles while the artists share insights into their practice and discuss the history, cultivation, and cultural significance of indigo.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn three distinct natural dying techniques with the exhibiting artists. No experience necessary and all supplies are included in the $55 fee. Program designed for ages 17+ and registration is required. Student discount available upon request.
The exhibit Indigo: Variations in Blue, is available to view with admission to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum through June 28, 2026. The Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Monday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Both house museums will be open on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Purchase admission tickets online here.
-Submitted by Historic Charleston Foundation
(Image credit: Historic Charleston Foundation)
A Special Benefit Concert at Middleton Place
June 1, 2026
7:30-10:00 pm
Enjoy a one-night-only evening with New Worlds, featuring Bill Murray, Jan Vogler, and friends, presented beneath a tent under the Oaks at Middleton Place.
Blending classical music, literature, and storytelling, New Worlds is a dynamic, engaging performance that is both thoughtful and deeply moving. This Charleston premiere brings together acclaimed actor and writer Bill Murray and renowned cellist Jan Vogler in a program that has been performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Set within an intimate, open-air environment, this rare appearance offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class artists in a unique setting.
This special evening is a benefit concert supporting the urgent stabilization and restoration of the historic Chapel and Spring House at Middleton Place.
Click here to learn more about the program and to purchase tickets.
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: Middleton Place)