Courses

(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.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Dataw Island Ruins

(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

(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.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Garvin-Garvey House
Thursday, April 23, 2026, Garvin-Garvey House

(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.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Bluffton campus

(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

February 18-25, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus
February 18-25, 2026, Live on Zoom

(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.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS204) WILSON FAMILY HISTORY

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

Monday, March 2, 2026, Bluffton campus
Monday, March 2, 2026, Live on Zoom

(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.

Monday, March 2, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus
Monday, March 2, 2026, Live on Zoom

(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.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Beaufort campus
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS207) SEGWAY HONEY HORN TOUR

This class uses a random draw waitlist selection for participation, with chosen participants being notified on January 27, 2026.

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.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Coastal Discovery Museum

(HIS209) THE HISTORY OF DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

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

Monday, March 30, 2026, Bluffton campus

(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.

Thursday, April 2, 2026, Arsenal Museum

(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.

Thursday, April 2, 2026, Historic Mitchelville

(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.

Thursday, April 9, 2026, St. Helena Graveyard

(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.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Shelter Cove Harbor & Marina