May Brings Daytime and Evening Lectures of Several Topics at the Laurens County Museum 

From the role of women in the Cherokee Nation to the Revolutionary War in the 96 District to an artist who illustrated the main reading textbook  for English speaking countries, the Laurens County Museum has lectures for every interest during the month of May.

The people of Laurens County have impacted the United States and the world, and the lectures at the museum reflect that influence.  Lectures are open to the public.  Museum members and those of school age may attend for free. There is a recommended donation of $5 for non-members.  The Laurens County Museum is located at 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC.

Historian and battlefield preservationist Durant Ashmore will speak on Tuesday, May 14, at 7:00 PM, about “The Ninety-Six District and Its Role in the Revolutionary War”.  Laurens County was part of this district before counties were established in South Carolina.  Many decisive battles and events occurred here that influenced the winning of the Revolutionary War by the thirteen colonies.

Author and attorney, Nancy Childress will speak on Saturday, May 18, at Noon, about the life and career of her father and famed illustrator Robert Childress.  Mr. Childress was a Laurens County Native and graduate of Clemson University in architecture.  His art has graced the cover of many periodicals as well as been commissioned for portraits of college deans and US Supreme Court Justices.  But, most of all, he was know as the illustrator of the classic Dick and Jane books for children until the 1980’s.  Nancy was the model for the character of Sally in the books.  She will also talk about her genealogical research on the Childress family in Laurens County.

Victoria Yellow Rose Norris, retired teacher and wife of the late PAIA Lower Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation Chief Gene Norris, will speak on Wednesday, May 22, at Noon for a Lunch and Learn program.  She will describe the “Matriarchal Society of the Cherokees”.  Centuries ago there was a thriving culture of women leaders, mentors, and matriarchs exercising remarkable independence and tribal power.  Bring your lunch and learn!

The Laurens County Museum is a non-profit membership association.  Membership is open to everyone.  The museum exhibit hall is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is free to tour.  For more information about these lectures and other events, call (864) 681-3678, or go to LaurensCountyMuseum.org and Facebook.