Courses

(HIS10226, HIS10226Z) 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
Friday, October 2, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS11326) 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, October 28, 2026, Offsite: Dataw Island Ruins

(HIS10126) CAMDEN THROUGH TIME: A REVOLUTIONARY JOURNEY

Step back into history on this expert-led journey through Camden, South Carolina's oldest inland city, beginning at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center and continuing with guided tours of the Camden battlefield and other historic sites alongside historians and an archaeologist. Travel comfortably by luxury coach bus equipped with a restroom and Wi?Fi.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 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.

Monday, October 5, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS10426, HIS10526) 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.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Bluffton campus
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Beaufort campus

(HIS10626, HIS10626Z) 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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Bluffton campus
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Live on Zoom

(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.

Friday, October 16, 2026, Offsite: The Church of the Cross
Friday, October 16, 2026, Offsite: The Church of the Cross

(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.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Beaufort campus
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Beaufort campus

(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.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Offsite: Hunting Island State Park (Visitor Center)
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Offsite: Hunting Island State Park (Visitor Center)

(HIS11426) 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.

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, Beaufort campus

(HIS11526) IN THEIR OWN WORDS - A HISTORY OF THE 1ST SC VOLUNTEERS OF AFRICAN DESCENT

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

Discover the story of the first Black Union regiment, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, through voices like Susie King Taylor and Col. Higginson.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS11626) WILSON FAMILY HISTORY

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

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

Tuesday, September 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS11726) THE SOUTHERN CAMPAIGN IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

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

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

Tuesday, September 1, 2026, OLLI Digital Library

(HIS14126, HIS14126Z) 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.

Friday, November 13, 2026, Bluffton campus
Friday, November 13, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS14226, HIS14226Z) "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.

Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Bluffton campus
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Live on Zoom