America 250! Tea Party adds living history demonstrations, music, and special exhibit
January 5, 2026
As anticipation builds for the Issaqueena Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s America 250! Tea Party on Saturday, January 24, 2026, organizers have announced additional event details that will bring America’s Revolutionary era to life through living history, music, and storytelling.
The keynote speaker is Michael Burgess, a distinguished South Carolina historian and educator. Burgess holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of South Carolina and has been a public high school history teacher in South Carolina for 30 years. Since 2013, he has taught at River Bluff High School’s Center for Law and Global Policy Development, a specialized program for Lexington County juniors and seniors. focused on leadership, law, politics, and global affairs.
He is a direct descendant of Col. James Williams, a South Carolina militia commander killed at the Battle of Kings Mountain. A year later, on November 19, 1781, Williams’ two teenage sons were also killed in the Hayes Station Massacre in Laurens County. This personal connection deepens his lifelong dedication to preserving Revolutionary War history and aligns closely with the mission of the DAR during the America 250! commemoration.
Guests also will experience hands-on historical demonstrations, period music, and a special exhibit highlighting often-overlooked Patriots who shaped the fight for independence.
Colonial historic reenactor Jean Hutchinson will be on site demonstrating how clothing was spun and prepared during the 1700s, offering guests a tangible look at the daily labor and craftsmanship that sustained early American households.
“Living history really helps bring the past to life,” said Stephanie Bowen, regent of the Issaqueena Chapter, NSDAR. “When people see fabric being spun by hand, it creates a deeper appreciation for just how resilient and resourceful the men and women of the evolutionary era truly were.”
The event will also feature musical selections performed by harpist Debi Freeman Ward, adding an authentic period ambiance to the afternoon tea.
A highlight of the event will be Silent Stories, a special exhibit that shares the narratives of often overlooked Patriots — including women, American Indians and Black soldiers — whose contributions were vital to the American cause.
“These stories are an important part of understanding our nation’s beginnings,” said Karen Petit, vice regent of the Issaqueena Chapter, NSDAR. “Silent Stories reminds us that the fight for independence was shaped by many voices — some that history hasn’t always fully recognized.”
The America 250! celebration is part of the DAR’s nationwide effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The January event begins at 1:30 p.m. and will be held inside the parish hall of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection on Main Street in Uptown Greenwood.
Seating is limited, and tickets are selling quickly. Tickets are $30 per person. To reserve a seat or receive payment details, email [email protected] or call 803-477-1971.
Proceeds from the event support Issaqueena Chapter programs that promote education, historic preservation, and community engagement. For more information about the Daughters of the American Revolution, visit www.dar.org.
To know more about the Issaqueena Chapter, NSDAR, visit issaqueena-dar.org.
