Arts Center of Kershaw County receives $15,000 Duke Energy Foundation America250 Grant
June 24, 2026
Funding Supports Revolutionary Series Exploring South Carolina’s Role in the American Revolution
The Arts Center of Kershaw County has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation through its America250 initiative, a statewide effort supporting programs that preserve local history and expand civic learning as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Arts Center was one of fourteen South Carolina organizations selected to receive funding in the final round of grants, which completed Duke Energy Foundation’s $550,000 investment in South Carolina’s America250 commemoration efforts.
The grant will support the Arts Center’s Revolutionary Series, a season-long initiative designed to engage audiences with the stories, people, and events that shaped the American Revolution in South Carolina.
“This region played a pivotal role in America’s fight for independence, and Camden remains one of the most historically significant Revolutionary War sites in the nation,” said Chad Henderson, Executive Director of the Arts Center of Kershaw County. “We are grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in programs that help our community and visitors connect with that history through the arts, storytelling, and shared experiences.”
The Revolutionary Series will include three major public events during the Arts Center’s 2026-2027 season, and they are all free to the public:
Hamilton (Community Screening)
October 9, 2026 | Arts Center Lawn | 7:00 PM
A free community screening of the acclaimed musical Hamilton, offering audiences an engaging and contemporary perspective on the nation’s founding. Food trucks and beverages on site.
The Patriot (Community Screening and Historical Lecture)
November 6, 2026 | Wood Auditorium | 6:30 PM
A screening of The Patriot preceded by a special discussion featuring Zachary Lemhouse, Historian and Director of the Southern Revolutionary War Institute, and Michael R. Burgess, 2023-2024 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year and educator at River Bluff High School. Together, they will explore the historical realities behind the film and South Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War.
The Battle of Camden
November 12-21, 2026 | Black Box Theatre
A production of Tony Scully’s original play The Battle of Camden, which brings one of the Revolutionary War’s most consequential Southern campaigns to life through live theatre. The production will be presented free to the public, expanding access to local history through the performing arts.
According to Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson, the America250 initiative recognizes that “history is local, personal and still making an impact on our communities.” The initiative supports organizations that help residents learn, reflect, and connect through projects that celebrate America’s story and the communities that shaped it.
The Arts Center’s Revolutionary Series aligns with that vision by combining education, entertainment, and community engagement to highlight the unique role Kershaw County and South Carolina played in the nation’s founding.
Additional details and event reservation information can be found at www.artscenterkc.org.
About the Arts Center of Kershaw County
The Arts Center of Kershaw County creates an environment that promotes artistic and cultural experiences and provides superior educational, instructional, and entertainment opportunities that elevate and enrich the community for all residents of Kershaw County and beyond. Through year-round programming in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and arts education, the Arts Center serves thousands of residents and visitors annually.
