HISTORY PROGRAMS

Docent Tours

Antebellum South Carolina
(Grades 3-4, 8) How did rice and “King Cotton” affect the politics, economy and society of antebellum South Carolina? Through participatory activities students will learn about the role of white yeomen and free Blacks, the spread of slavery, how many West-African traditions were maintained and the rise of the planter class.

Unearthing History
(Grades 3-4, 8) With this lesson, students will learn about Native American, European and African cultures that were brought together to make the South Carolina we know today. Archaeology helps us learn about our past by studying the material remains that people leave behind.

South Carolina’s Symbols
(Grade 3, maximum 60 students.) What do “The Philip Simmons Gate” and the state flag have in common? How is the Upcountry different from the Lowcountry? What clues tell us that mastodons once roamed the land? Learn the answers to these questions and others in this lesson correlated with the third-grade S.C. Social Studies Curriculum Standards.

The Palmetto State at War
(Grades 3-4, 8) Life changed dramatically for most people during the Civil War. Thousands of men went off to war leaving women in charge of running businesses, farms and plantations. Students will examine how citizens coped with shortages on the home front. They will equip a “soldier” for war and find out about the burning of Columbia.

Readin’, ‘Ritin’ and Responsibilities!
(Grades K4-5) What was it like to attend a one-room country school? Students will attend “class” at the Berry School and learn about daily household chores as well as trying some turn-of-the-century games.

Colonial Life
(Grades 2-4) Explore life in the Colonies — South Carolina style! What was it like to be a colonist and how did that lead to revolution? Explore these issues and more in this exciting lesson.

Cultural History Tour
(Grades K5-12; up to 60 students and adults) Students will explore exhibits that describe the rich cultural contributions of Native Americans, African-Americans and European-Americans who once lived in our state.

Introduction to the State Museum
(Grades 1-12, up to150 students and adults.) Designed for the first-time visitor. Students will view and learn about exhibits in each of the museum’s subject areas.