Workshops, Demonstrations, Lectures, and Special Exhibits Highlight Local History at the Laurens County Museum
July 10, 2024
This July and August, the Laurens County Museum is featuring a series of events, including a lecture on the Cherokees, activities surrounding the “Historic Quilts of Laurens County” exhibit, a talk on local Revolutionary War regiments, and a special quilt made by a future US president. Located at 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC, the museum offers an array of workshops and lectures, some with fees, while the exhibit hall remains free to all visitors. Most lectures are free for members and those 18 years old and under, with a $5 suggested donation for non-members.
On Thursday, July 11, at 7:00 pm, naturalist, historian, and author Dennis Chastain will present “Cherokees of the Carolinas.” The discussion will cover various aspects of Cherokee life, including their diet, housing, games, hunting methods, and interactions with early colonists. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to explore the museum’s First Nations Exhibit Hall.
The “Historic Quilts of Laurens County” exhibit, running until August 31, offers children the chance to engage in quilting activities, including using a pedal sewing machine. On July 12, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, a Quilting Workshop led by Suellen Holmes will be held. Participants will work on “Matilda’s Star,” a unique Laurens County pattern created by Matilda Childress. A $50 registration fee applies, and limited spots are available.
A “Natural Indigo Dying Demonstration” by Judith Brown will take place on July 27, from 10:00 am to noon. For a $5 fee, attendees will receive a unique indigo bookmark.
On Tuesday, August 13, at 7:00 pm, Durant Ashmore will discuss “Laurens County vs Laurens County,” focusing on the Revolutionary War’s impact on the community, where local Patriot and Loyalist regiments clashed. A $5 suggested donation for non-members is recommended.
A quilt made by future president Andrew Johnson and Sarah Word will be displayed for one day only on Thursday, August 17, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Representatives from the SC State Museum will showcase the exquisite white-work quilt, crafted by Johnson and Word, who planned to marry until Sarah’s mother intervened. Additionally, the Loose Threads Quilt Guild will conduct a Quilts of Valor Wrapping ceremony.
Raffle tickets for a quilt by the Loose Threads Quilting Guild will be available at the museum until August 30. The quilt is on display, and tickets are priced at $1 each or six for $5. Proceeds will benefit the Laurens County Memorial Home and the Loose Threads Quilting Guild.
The Laurens County Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, call (864) 681-3678 or visit LaurensCountyMuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page.
