The 29th Annual South Carolina Humanities Festival began yesterday in North Augusta with a bluegrass kickoff and music performances by The Henrys. The festival will continue until Saturday, Sept. 14 and is a celebration of the arts and humanities.
South Carolina Humanities sponsors a Humanities Festival in a community in South Carolina each year. Dr. Randy Akers, executive director of South Carolina Humanities, said North Augusta was chosen because of the cultural resources of the area can bring people together, along with encourage economic activity.
“North Augusta has a rich history to explore and stories to tell,” he said. “New facilities highlight downtown development. Our state needs to discover what is making this community grow and flourish.”
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Some highlights of the festivities include driving tours of North Augusta, a community mural painting session, creative lectures and art showcases.
The 2024 festival is being coordinated by the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta (AHCNA).
“This is a way for the tourists and the local community to connect with North Augusta…remember our history, look at great art and support the Arts and Heritage Center,” said Mary Ann Bigger, Director of AHNCA. “This is all part of bringing people in and letting them know about the culture we have here in North Augusta.”
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Weekend schedule
Friday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m.
Lecture: The Hampton Terrace Hotel
Presented by George Forbes
Location: Council Chambers, North Augusta Municipal Building (third floor), 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
11 a.m.
Grants Writing Workshop for Cultural and Other Nonprofits
Presented by Dr. Randy Akers and T.J. Wallace of SC Humanities
Location: The Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841
Free, but registration is required. Call 803-441-4380
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tours of the Historic Charles Hammond House
Location: 908 W Martintown Rd, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
$15 admission
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tours of Lookaway Hall
Location: 103 W Forest Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tours of the Discovery Center in Edgefield
This historic building, once the home of Captain James Miller, has been transformed into a museum with state-of-the-art exhibits detailing Edgefield County’s diverse history.
Location: 405 Main St, Edgefield, S.C. 29824
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tours of Oakley Park in Edgefield
Oakley Park Museum offers collections that include the following topics: War of 1820, Mexican-America War, Second Seminole War, Nullification Crisis, Dave the Potter, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Spanish-American War.
Location: 300 Columbia Rd, Edgefield, S.C. 29824
Noon – 2 p.m.
Makenzye Barfield’s Weaving Through SC
Makenzye Barfield will be on hand to discuss her weaving.
Location: The Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tour of the Aiken County Historical Museum
Location: 433 Newberry Street SW, Aiken, S.C. 29801
Free
RSVP at 803-642-2015
2 p.m.
Lecture: Reconstruction
Presented by Dr. Vernon Burton
Location: Council Chambers, North Augusta Municipal Building (third floor), 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
4 p.m.
Lecture: Edgefield Pottery
Presented by Tony Riley
Location: Council Chambers, North Augusta Municipal Building (third floor), 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Reception for the Annual North Augusta Artists Guild “Fall Into Art” Show and Sale
Location: The Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
Music by Fred Williams
Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
National Blue Bird Trail Talk & Display
Location: The Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Guided Historic Tours
Leaving on the hour from the Arts & Heritage Center, 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
$5 per person
Reservations must be made in advance by calling 803-441-4380
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Redcliffe Plantation and Beech Island Historical Society
Guided tours of Redcliffe at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: 181 Redcliffe Road, Beech Island, S.C. 29842
Tours are $10 per person; the grounds are free
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Living History Park Open
The Living History Park is a recreated village representing the period between 1735–1785, run by the non-profit Olde Towne Preservation Association and volunteers.
Location: 299 W Spring Grove Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Community Mural Painting
with Adeana Berry at the Arts & Heritage Center. Bring the kids & let ’em paint!
Location: The Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Society House Tours
Location: Corner of Barton Road and Boylan Street, North Augusta
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tours of the Historic Charles Hammond House
Location: 908 W. Martintown Road, North Augusta, S.C. 29841
$15 admission
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Transforming Realism into Abstract Art
Location: Better World Studios, Historic Hickman Hall, 125 Marshall St, Graniteville, S.C. 29829
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Take the Trolley – Lecture and Activities
Presentation by Aiken County Historical Museum Director Lauren Virgo. Take an historic tour (via PowerPoint) of the trolley’s route from Augusta to Aiken. Fun activities for kids!
Location: 433 Newberry Street SW, Aiken, S.C. 29801
Free and open to the public
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
North Augusta Cultural Arts Council – Youth Showcase
Performances by area youth
Location: Amphitheater, 1009 Center St., North Augusta, S.C. 29841
