Stories from the Archives◊ July 15, 20266:00-7:00 pm
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.
Tea & Tradition: Exploring Low Country Herbs◊ July 9, 2026, 6:00-8:00 pm
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.
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?
Clothes – Dress for flexibility , comfort, and warmth. Layering is recommended (athletic clothing that allows you to bend and stretch). Jeans are not recommended.
Shoes – Closed-toe rubber-soled shoes. Clean shoes are the best for the ice so leave your lawn mowing shoes at home.
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
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.
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:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 445 at 1639 Camp Road, James Island, has a container outside by their front door.
American Legion Post 147 at 968 Folly Road has a container in its parking lot.
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.
Magnolia Speaker Series: Virginia Watson◊ June 17, 20266:30-7:30 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.
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.
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.
A Two-Day Scholarly Symposium Exploring 250 Years of American Independence
Revolutionary Ideas: Origins, Contexts, and Legacies of American Independence welcomes a remarkable international gathering of historians, biographers, and statesmen at the Dock Street Theatre on June 24 and 25, 2026. Scholars Jon Meacham, Vincent Brown, Maya Jasanoff, Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Sir Michael Fallon, and more will be featured over the two days. Co-presented with SC250 Charleston, the symposium asks the questions that anniversaries can skip past — what made the Revolution possible, who it left out, what it set in motion, and why it still resonates today.
When: Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25, 2026
Where: The Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC
Presented by: Charleston Literary Festival and SC250 Charleston
In collaboration with: International African American Museum (IAAM), Charleston Library Society, South Carolina Historical Society, and the Ditchley Foundation (UK).
Experience Drayton Hall After Hours and bring a date, gather your friends, or make it a family night out at Drayton Hall at Night.
Stroll the grounds as the sun sets and enjoy the stunning beauty of the landscape, enhanced by live music from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quartet, performing from the iconic portico throughout the evening. The house will be open for self-guided tours, with knowledgeable interpreters on hand to share the rich history of Drayton Hall.
A Cup of History: The Way of Tea◊ May 30, 2026
Tea lovers and history enthusiasts alike are invited to experience A Cup of History at Drayton Hall, a one-of-a-kind event that explores the intersection of fine Chinese teas and the fight for American independence.
At the heart of this experience is a curated tea service featuring premium Chinese teas, carefully selected to reflect the types imported to the American colonies before the Revolution. Savor prized teas produced in China using centuries-old traditional methods and experience Cha Dao, The Way of Tea, while learning how tea—once a luxury of empire—became a catalyst for protest and political upheaval.
Guests will enjoy a tour of Drayton Hall with curator Amber Satterthwaite followed by a presentation and guided tea tasting led by tea expert Richard Kligler of For All the Tea in Charleston. You’ll also explore how global commerce, British taxation, and local resistance converged over tea, and how it became both a daily ritual and a symbol of resistance during a time of tension and transformation.
Click here for additional information on these and other events at Drayton Hall.
After Hours Wine Stroll◊ May 15, 2026
As the golden hour hits the gardens, enjoy an evening where the wine flows as easily as the conversation. Wander world-famous garden paths, drink in hand, and witness the spectacular May blooms. Hydrangeas will be bursting with color, and namesake Southern magnolia trees will be showing off their iconic white blossoms.
Savor curated wine selections paired with delicious light bites, all while unwinding to the soulful sounds of live music in the garden.
A Fairytale Summer: Fairies & Flowers◊ May 16 through July 12, 2026
This summer, step into the Fairies & Flowers exhibit and experience a dreamy adventure through 20+ whimsical fairy village dwellings along acres of winding garden paths.
Layered scenes and stories appear among historic gardens, inviting guests of all ages to seek and discover hidden treasures tucked throughout the displays.
Each delicate installation is skillfully created by Charleston-based artists, revealing talent and charm in the tiniest details.
Click here for additional information on these and other events at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.
Roots Uprising Dance Company: Witness Trees ◊ May 31, 2026
As part of Middleton Place’s 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution programming, Witness Trees at Middleton Place is the premiere of a site-specific dance performance inspired by the Conversations of Freedom exhibit. Presented by Roots Uprising Dance Company with live music from the Colour of Music Festival, this powerful outdoor performance reflects on the stories of freedom, struggle, and resilience connected to the Middleton Place landscape, honoring the deep relationship enslaved Africans and African Americans had with the land.
Click here for additional coverage information on these and other events at Middleton Plantation.
Mark your calendars and save the date for the Annual SINHG Members Appreciation Night on May 14 at 6:00 pm. This special evening promises to be a fun celebration featuring a catered, authentic Lowcountry meal complete with dessert and a selection of beverages, including wine. Attendees will enjoy fellowship, entertainment, gain valuable information about upcoming events, and have the chance to engage in discussions about the group’s future direction.
All current members should have received an invitation to this exclusive gathering. It is important to note that this event is limited to current members only. RSVP deadline is May 1. Our membership year runs from June 1 through May 31 of the following year. If you are uncertain about your membership status or have any other inquiries regarding this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@sinhg.org. We are happy to help.
-Submitted by Annie Snelgrove for Seabrook Island Natural History Group
