Robert Smalls Programs and Exhibit at State Museum in Columbia

Spotlight on a THC^SC grant-supported project with a direct connection to a very important man in the history of Beaufort County.

The South Carolina State Museum is displaying the traveling exhibit The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls through January 6, 2013 and will present a series of four public programs in September 2012 about Smalls’ life and legacy. The programs will include lectures, film screenings, a children’s day, historical impersonations, and more.

Robert Smalls was a South Carolina statesman who was born into slavery in Beaufort District in 1839. He is perhaps best known for his heroic exploits during the Civil War during which he commandeered a Confederate ship and sailed it past the Federal blockade, carrying himself, the black crew and their families to freedom. After the Civil War, he served five terms in the United States Congress, and he founded the Republican Party of South Carolina.

The exhibit The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls includes artifacts, pictures, and other memorabilia depicting Congressman Robert Smalls, his family, and his life.

The South Carolina State Museum will also present four public programs in conjunction with the exhibit to further expand interest in and knowledge of Robert Smalls. The programs are:

September 08 | 01:00 pm
The Family Legacy:  Michael Boulware Moore (great-great-grandson of Robert Smalls) will meet museum visitors and present an illustrated history of his family.

September 15 | 01:00 pm
Robert Smalls: His Actions, Impact, & Legacy: Dr. Bernard Powers (College of Charleston) will present the lecture "Robert Smalls: His Actions, Impact, & Legacy."

September 22 | 11:00 am
Robert Smalls for Kids Day:  Museum educator Kathy Hart will produce the play Yearning To Be Free starring museum guest children, will conduct a Robert Smalls Jeopardy Game, and will then lead a kids eye tour of the exhibit.

September 29 | 01:00 pm
Robert Smalls and The Planter: Dennis Cannady will present an illustrated lecture on "The Ship SS Planter" complete with a scale model of the ship. 

All events are sponsored by the South Carolina State Museum
Location: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Events are free with museum admission
Info: 803-737-4159 

On most Saturdays, Donald Sweeper will conduct a tour of the exhibit in character as Robert Smalls.  Museum visitors can view the documentary Congressman Robert Smalls: A Patriot's Journey from Slavery to Capitol Hill (Adrena Ifill). [Copies of which are available in the BCL local history sections.] 

The exhibit will be on display until March 2013.  

The mission of The Humanities Council^SC is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. The Humanities Council^SC programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity and are ethical in operations.