SOUTH CAROLINA: SC Revolutionary War legacy comes to life through interactive exhibits
COLUMBIA, S.C. – SC 250, a statewide organization commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, is bringing an immersive historical experience to all 46 South Carolina counties. The interactive exhibits go far beyond traditional battlefield narratives to showcase the complex reality of America’s founding conflict.
“People do need to know that it really was a Civil War and it involved everybody,” said Molly Fortune, chief executive officer of SC 250. “Women, children, Native Americans, free and enslaved, loyalists along with the British and the Continentals. So in each area here, it’s a little reminder of what that actually looked like. It was a whole lot bigger than just the battles.”
Interactive History Brings Past to Present
The exhibits feature hands-on experiences, including opportunities for visitors to sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence. Fortune said the activity reveals how people might have felt during that pivotal moment in history.
“Signing the Declaration of Independence, it’s been interesting because you have some that are like oh my god, yes. And then you have others that are like wait, I don’t know,” Fortune said. “So they embody how somebody may have felt back then as well.”
The goal is to help visitors understand that history involves real people facing everyday decisions that shaped the nation’s future.
“To see people engaging, that’s been huge for me,” Fortune said. “Seeing that history isn’t just linear, it’s not just dates, it’s not just battles, it’s people like them every single day that get up, take the dog out, take out the garbage and then picked up a gun and went out and fought for our freedom.”
Uncovering Hidden Stories
The exhibits reveal lesser-known aspects of the Revolutionary War, particularly the diverse roles played by different groups of people.
“I had no idea, that is the number one thing that I hear,” Fortune said. “Women played such an amazing role, Native Americans were fighting with each other and with each force, the role that free and enslaved played was immense. And that loyalists and patriots literally came from the same family.”
For volunteer Arnetta Hulen, participating in SC 250 represents an opportunity to ensure all voices are heard in historical narratives.
“I needed to be here. I’m at the table. My skin is brown, I’m darker than you, but I still want to be at the table,” Hulen said. “I want you to know I’m at the table and when I open my mouth I want you to know that I want to be at the table.”
Building Bridges Through History
Hulen emphasizes the importance of understanding complete historical narratives, regardless of how complex or uncomfortable they might be.
“No matter what the information is it is still a part of who we are and so it’s important for us to gain an understanding of the history so that we are able to teach future generations, as well as be informed ourselves,” she said. “That’s who we are as South Carolinians no matter what ethnicity we are, it’s who we are, it’s a part of all of us.”
The SC 250 initiative extends beyond July 4, 2026. Fortune said the 250th anniversary activities will continue through 2033, marking 250 years since the end of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The organization is also working to make exhibits available for rent to cities and organizations throughout the state.
–foxcarolina.com
