Courses

(HIS110) BLUFFTON - A STATE OF MIND

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until December 31, 2025.

This presentation covers Bluffton's history starting with the Native Americans who lived here for centuries before the Europeans came.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS236) CROSSING THE COMBAHEE: SETTLING THE SOUTHERN PARISHES

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May 31, 2026.

Explore how South Carolina's southern frontier was opened to settlement, developed, and contributed to early Revolutionary activities.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS208) HISTORY AND TOUR OF DATAW RUINS

Explore Dataw Island's history from Native American times to its role as a premier 19th-century Sea Island cotton plantation, renowned for its preservation and rich cultural legacy.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS130) BUT WHO WERE THE ESCAMACU AND THE YAMASEE?

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until December 31, 2025.

This course explores the Indigenous history of Hilton Head during colonial times, examining the impact of Spanish invasion, the arrival of the Yamasee, and the little-known but bloody conflict that marked their departure.


This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS235) BLUFFTON SC HAUNTED STORIES/BLUFFTONS OF AMERICA

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May 31, 2026.

Join historian Michael Reynolds for a two-part program exploring the spooky stories of Bluffton, South Carolina, and sharing fascinating historical insights about various Bluffton communities across the U.S. and Canada.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS131) THE HEYWARD FAMILY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until December 31, 2025.

Learn about the Heyward family's history that dates back to around 1670.


This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS213, HIS214) BLUFFTON HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR

Enjoy a one-mile stroll with a trained docent through Historic Old Town Bluffton, during which you will learn about the town's antebellum homes and churches.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(CUL204) THE UNITED STATES OF BBQ: A CULINARY JOURNEY

This is an OLLI Digital Library recording and is available to view until May 31, 2026.

This program explores the regional evolution of American barbecue, examining how immigration, culture, and local resources shaped its styles and offering travel tips for finding great BBQ across the country.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS200) SECRETS OF THE SEA PINES SHELL RING

For many years, archaeologist have been working to uncover the deeply buried secrets left behind by the people who built the Sea Pines Shell Ring. This course will review the past decade of archaeology at the Ring and what it was used for.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS201) HISTORY ON A STICK - HOW SC HISTORICAL MARKERS COME TO BE

Learn how the Beaufort County Historical Society creates and maintains historical markers, and how you can explore them throughout the county.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS202) THE SOUTHERN CAMPAIGN IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

After failing to subdue the Northern colonies, Britain shifted its strategy south. This two-session presentation explores key events in South Carolina-from the 1776 attempt on Charleston to its fall in 1780-culminating in Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown and continued partisan conflict

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS203) BLUFFTON 101: HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE HEART OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Discover the history and preservation of Old Town Bluffton's Historic District with Glen Umberger, as the town's evolution from resort village to thriving community is brought to life.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS204) WILSON FAMILY HISTORY

Join Palmetto Bluff archaeologist, Katie Epps, as she reveals the rags-to-riches story of the Wilson family.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS205) PALMETTO BLUFF - WHERE NATURE AND MAN COEXIST

Palmetto Bluff has been used by man for centuries - each steward leaving their mark in one way or another. Join the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy as we discuss the ecological timeline of Palmetto Bluff and the work the Conservancy conducts every day to manage this gem of the Lowcountry.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS206) BEAUFORT DISTRICT IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION-THE FIRST SHOTS

Some of the earliest incidents of armed resistance in the Revolutionary War, and the war in South Carolina, occurred in the Beaufort District. This presentation focuses on the most notable events in the beginning of the Revolution in this area.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS207) SEGWAY HONEY HORN TOUR

Enjoy the Honey Horn History tour, and learn how to ride a Segawy and ride through open meadows, live oak-forest, explore the salt marsh and hear the history of the 70-acre, former cotton plantation.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS209) THE HISTORY OF DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Come discover the unique and fascinating history of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. Daufuskie

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS210) HISTORIC BEAUFORT TOUR- ARSENAL AND VERDIER HOUSE

Discover Beaufort's rich history with a guided tour of the 1798 Arsenal and the elegant 1804 Verdier House. Step into the stories of those who shaped this coastal town over centuries.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS211) HISTORIC MITCHELVILLE: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Join a guided tour of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park on Hilton Head to learn about the important history of the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS212) TIME PAST, TIME PRESENT, TIME TO COME

Experience the history and spirit of this historic church, and its significant role in the heritage of Beaufort and South Carolina.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS215) CULTURAL PROPERTY PROTECTION BY THE US ARMED FORCES: IDEALS AND REALITIES

The film-'The Monuments Men' depicted protection of cultural property during World War II. Military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries also have required the US forces to protect cultural property in conflict zones.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS216) DAUFUSKIE ISLAND TOUR

Join us for a fascinating journey into the rich history and artisan culture of Daufuskie Island. This 4.5-hour guided tour offers a unique glimpse into the island's past and present with a sightseeing boat ride and a tour of the historical district of Daufuskie Island.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.