Courses

(HIS19926) BLUFFTON - A HISTORICAL STATE OF MIND

"Bluffton, A Historical State of Mind" presents the town's rich history through the perspective of a lifelong native, tracing its story from early Native inhabitants to the vibrant community it is today.

Friday, October 2, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS323) THE HEYWARD FAMILY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

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

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


Monday, June 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS10026) BUT WHO WERE THE CUSABO AND THE YAMASEE?

After the Spanish invasion of the Port Royal Sound between 1521-1587, Native people from here to the Caribbean experienced what archaeologists called societal shattering. This talk will explain what happened to the people who lived here first.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS10326) SCHEMES, WHIMS, AND PROJECTS OF ELIZA PINCKNEY

This reenactment introduces Eliza Lucas Pinckney, highlighting her indigo experiments that transformed South Carolina's economy and exploring the many additional "schemes, whims, and projects" she pursued throughout her life.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS10426) A HISTORY OF HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK

Learn how Hunting Island went from its earliest Indigenous roots to a beloved lighthouse spot and, eventually, South Carolina's most?visited state park.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS10626) CHARLES FRASER & STORIES OF EARLY SEA PINES DAYS

David Lauderdale shares firsthand stories and insights about Charles Fraser's vision and the creation of Sea Pines as a world?class resort.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS10726/HIS10826) HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE CROSS, THE BEES, AND THE BELL

Learn about Bluffton's historic 1857 Church of the Cross-one of the town's oldest buildings and a rare survivor of the Union Army-on a special OLLI members' tour of this National Register landmark overlooking the May River.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS10926/HIS11026) READING THROUGH TIME - LOWCOUNTRY HISTORY IN THE BEAUFORT COLLEGE COLLECTION

This course provides an overview of the Beaufort College Collection (BCC), located in the USCB Beaufort campus library, which reflects the rich cultural heritage of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The collection includes works on colonial settlement, the Antebellum period, Reconstruction, Gullah culture, maritime and environmental heritage, education, and more.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS11126/HIS11226) THE HUNTING ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE, HISTORY, OPERATION, AND FUTURE

A presentation at the Hunting Island State Park Visitor Center explores lighthouse history and the Hunting Island Lighthouse, followed by a guided tour. The experience includes a lighthouse climb, exhibit visits, and viewing the Fresnel lens in the new enclosure.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS14126) LOYALISTS OF THE BEAUFORT DISTRICT

In some ways, the American Revolution was Beaufort District's first civil war. Join Palmetto Bluff Archaeologist Katie Epps as she discusses the often-overlooked Loyalists of Beaufort District and their actions in the Revolutionary War.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS14226) GRACE THROUGH THE YEARS

Learn the dramatic history of Bluffton's Grace, the last pre-World War I wooden motor yacht still certified for commercial use in the United States.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS302) REVOLUTIONARY WAR BUS TOUR - PREVOST'S MARCH

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a day-long, moderated tour of key Revolutionary War sites in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Historians explore Prevost's March, the 1779 British campaign led by Major General Augustine Prévost. Stops include Purrysburg, Fort Balfour, Old Sheldon Church, Port Royal Island, and more. Fee includes luxury coach transportation with WiFi and restroom, plus docent-led tours by Dr. Steve Wise and Rich Thomas. Lunch not included.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS305) SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORY SEEPED IN TEA

Enjoy learning about the role tea played in the American Revolution here in South Carolina. This class will give you the history of all the lesser-known tea parties in the South, specifically in Charleston. This class will come with a southern twist - come sample some refreshing sweet tea.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.