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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(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 and 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 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 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 Wednesday, September 9, 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 Wednesday, September 9, 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 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

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

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

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS11626) 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 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(HIS11726) 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 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

(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.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.