Laurens County Museum to Host Talks on the Revolutionary War and a Fascinating Civil War Photographer

March 31, 2024

“Washington’s Immortals – The Heroes of Cowpens”, “Medical Practices of the Revolutionary War”, and “The Fascinating Life of William Hix” are the lectures coming up in April at the Laurens County Museum.  The Tuesday lecture series is proving to be a favorite around the Upstate with excellent  and engaging speakers.  The public is welcome. A $5 donation is suggested for those not members of the Laurens County Museum, but it is free to attend for members and those 18 years old and under.

Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 PM, Durant Ashmore, historian and battlefield preservationist will talk about ”Washington’s Immortals”.  The 1st Maryland Regiment was considered the heroes of Cowpens and participated in several important battles in South Carolina.

Tuesday, April 16, at 7:00 PM, historian James Hoppers who is a a living history presenter and medical librarian will discuss “Medical Practices of the  Revolutionary War”.  Colonial period medical tools and books will be on display.  Medicine and herbal substitutes, hospital systems and medical services, and other health issues of the Revolutionary War will be discussed.

Tuesday, April 30, at  a “Lunch and Learn” at Noon, Laura Dunning Elliott historian, author, and researcher from Gadsden, Alabama will share “The Fascinating Life of William Preston Hix – Artist, Photographer, Industrialist & Informant”.  William Hix grew up before the Civil War in a house on South Harper Street in Laurens.  He was most well known in his time as an artist, but his photographs after the Siege of Columbia are poignant reminders of the war in South Carolina.  Bring your lunch and listen!

Other interesting programs in April include the Laurens District Genealogy Society program on Thursday, April 11, at 7:00 PM, featuring author and historian Pat McNeeley at the museum and “Ye Olde Colonial Faire” at the Culbertson Backcountry Settlement at 7000 Georgia Road in Gray Court on April 20 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  The “Faire” will feature Colonial period arts and crafts, weapons demonstrations, reinactors, children’s activities, music, and food and is sponsored by the Museum of Revolutionary War.

The Laurens County Museum is located at 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC.  For more information about these lectures, other programs, and membership, call (864)681-3678, go to LaurensCountyMuseum.org, or Facebook.