The Kershaw County 250th committee, along with several organizing partners, is sponsoring a “Revolutionary November” from November 1 through November 21st.
This upcoming “Revolutionary November” will highlight Camden and Kershaw County’s importance to the outcome of the American Revolution. Local residents and vistiors alike are invited to enjoy and explore more than a dozen events throughout November, showcasing the area’s history, heritage and culture.
The month begins on November 1 with a commemorative program on the 250th anniversary of the Camden Distrct Resolves (Nov. 5, 1774), a document that set out the argument for independence later articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Other events include the Carolina Revolutionary War Weekend & Batte Reenactments on November 8-10, Colonial Cup Weekend on November 15-17, and a variety of other programs throughout the month – from tours, to presentations, to trivia night. Visit Kershaw250.com for a complete list of programs.
November 1-3 – Camden District Resolves On November 5th, 1774, Justice William Henry Drayton delivered a speech on the “Rights of Man under the Law”, arguing that there should be no taxation without the consent of the citizens, to the Camden District Grand Jury. His words resonated throughout the back country of South Carolina, and a “mini Declaration of Independence” was submitted to colonial legislature. Witness the reenactment of the 1774 Grand Jury Presentment, beginning at 12:00 pm on Friday, November 1 at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, 212 Broad Street. Afterward, explore the Historic Camden Colonial Village and enjoy an afternoon at McCaa’s Tavern, visit the “Horses at the Battle of Camden” exhibit at the National Steeplechase Museum, or take a self-guided tour among fallen heroes at Quaker Cemetary, before embarking on a drive to see historic landmarks throughout Camden and Kershaw County.
November 8-10 – Carolinas Revolutionary War Weekend & Battle Reenactments Join the Southern Campaign 1780 for two whole days of life in the 18th century, featuring daily mock battles complete with cavalry, cannons, and cracking muskets. This is over a half century old Kershaw County tradition, bringing in reenactors and spectators as far away as the Midwest, New England, and the Deep South. The annual Carolinas Revolutionary War Weekend and the Battle Reenactment events will be held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, November 9th and from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday, November 10th at The Meeting Place, 1208 Keys Lane in Kershaw, SC. Afternoon battle reenactments are scheduled for 1:00 pm each day.
This all outdoor, family-friendly event is the largest annual force-on-force Revolutionary War Reenactment in the nation, and this year has been named one of two national events by the Brigade of the American Revolution, British Brigade, and The Continental Line, all three premier national Revolutionary War Reenactment organizations. It is thrilling to win this trifecta designation and will mean increased reenactor participation and a bigger and better event for participants and visitors alike. You will see hundreds of Crown and Patriot reenactors, civilian reenactors, 18th C. craftsmen and merchants. Heavy rain may force a “rain delay” for battle reenactments, but the event is rain or shine. For more information, visit southerncampaign1780.org.
Also on this weekend, you can sample “revolutionary” BBQ during the aptly named Battle of Camden BBQ Festival Friday evening and Saturday, November 8th and 9th, hosted by the Camden Jaycees on the Historic Camden Foundation campus. Featuring two days of South Carolina’s best pit masters smoking up amazing barbecue for you to sample, Friday night is all about the chicken wing, starting at 6:00 pm, and Saturday is when you find out who will win it all in their pulled pork competition, beginning at 11:00 am. Free entry, tickets for samples. Learn more at www.facebook.com/battleofcamdenbbq.
November 15-17 – Colonial Cup Weekend Experience Camden and all it has to offer, as we celebrate the return of the Colonial Cup, one of the premiere steeplechase races of the season. The 49th running of the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup Races will take place on Sunday, November 17th. The Colonial Cup, starting in 1970, was Mrs. Scott’s idea, and it became the first international steeplechase run in the United States with a purse of $100,000. Get ready for race day with a Pre-Cup Cocktail Party on Saturday evening. Learn more at carolinacup.org/colonialcup.
Get into town early to enjoy events in the Downtown Camden Cultural District leading up to the Colonial Cup, including a “Party at the Pavilion” Thursday, November 14th, hosted by the Kershaw County Young Professionals at the Arts Center of Kershaw County. And experience the first ever Silver Leaf Cigar Street Festival on Commerce Alley, beginning at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 15th behind Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge, 1015 Broad Street. Enjoy shopping and dining all day long in the cultural district. Learn more at www.facebook.com/Silverleaflounge.
More events are being added weekly to make this a simply “Revolutionary November” in Camden and Kershaw County. Keep up to date at Kershaw250.com.
The African American Cultural Center of Camden, located at 517 York Street, will kick-off its 2024-2025 season with the theme, celebrating community. The public is invited to enjoy a number of events from September 14th through 22nd.
The opening event will be held on Saturday, September 14th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with its symposium, “Let’s Talk About…Healing through Reconciliation?”, featuring Bishop Gary Rivas of Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church and Dr. James Coleman as moderator. The event will take place at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, 212 Broad Street. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged by calling 803-432-2421 x1153 or emailing kspadacenta@camdensc.org.
On Tuesday, September 17th, the African American Cultural Center partners with Gallery 537 to present “Prose, Poetry, Etc.”. This event will provide an opportunity to strengthen community ties by sharing commonalities through poetry, prose and music. All are welcome to share their voice at the open mic. Doors open at 5:00 pm; light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Open mic will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The Gallery is located at 537 East DeKalb Street. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged by calling 803-432-2421 x1153 or emailing kspadacenta@camdensc.org. Performers for open mic may sign up at the door or call in advance for more details.
The highlight of the week-long celebration, Community Day at the Center, will be held on Saturday, September 21st from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm in partnership with Concerned Citizens of Kershaw County and will take place at the African American Cultural Center and the Price House. This day will be an opportunity to learn more about the Cultural Center and its role in the community. Those interested in preserving their family history are encouraged to bring family photographs and documents to be scanned. There will also be a variety of entertainment for both children and adults, storytelling, games, bounce house, the Kershaw County Library Book Mobile, informational tables and vendors. This day will also be an opportunity to meet some of the 2024 candidates, who will speak briefly about their platform for the upcoming November election. Designated parking will be available.
The celebration concludes on Sunday, September 22nd at 2:00 pm with “Artists in the Sanctuary”. This event is in partnership with Camden Second Presbyterian Church and co-sponsored by the Althea J. Truitt Memorial Fund. The Community is invited to enjoy an afternoon of live jazz and blues. The event is free. Seating is limited. Registration is encouraged by calling 803-432-2421 x1153 or emailing kspadacenta@camdensc.org.
The African American Cultural Center of Camden exhibits artifacts and documents that examine and celebrate the lives and contributions of Camden’s African American community. The Center’s exhibits relate the stories of the African American experience in Camden. The African American Cultural Center of Camden, located at 517 York Street, is currently open on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour returns to Kershaw County June 1st and 2nd. This free, self-guided tour of farms and markets, and – this year – arts campuses, features local artisans and farmers at every stop.
This year’s tour welcomes new farms, such as Marshall Farm in Bethune and Granny Creek Homestead in Westville, as well as previously participating sites such as Canebrake Apiary, Gorget Distilling Co., the Farm at Historic Camden, and the Kershaw County Farmers Market. Also new this year, the Arts Center of Kershaw County and Camden Arts Shoppes will serve as tour sites, hosting local farmers. Many sites will have live demonstrations, as well as products and food for sale.
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is now in its thirteenth (13th) year, and has twenty (20) counties participating in 2024. This annual agritourism attraction is a great way to educate people about where their food and fiber come from and introduce them to local artisans, says Will Culler, Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent, and Tour Director.
“We are proud of the commitment of our farms, artisans, and county teams. Because of that, we can sustain continued growth,” Culler said. “One of our goals has been to give people a better knowledge of what is produced in their backyard and help them to support local businesses while making healthier food choices. This event does that by putting food and product with a face.”
The following sites will be featured in Kershaw County June 1st and 2nd:
Canebrake Apiary and Aquaponics – 1239 John G. Richards Road, Camden – Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm – Canebrake is a hobby farm that produces honey, products from the hive, eggs, and organic fruits and vegetables. Purchase fresh, local honey, and products from the hive. The apiary will be bustling and you can see where the bees forage and how their honey is processed. The family-sized aquaponic system is running for you to learn how to produce your own food year ’round at home. Artisans and activities include: Wateree Beekeepers, SEA Associates, CRM Associates – all providing local honey and hive products, Chick Bee Quilting, Cosmic Carnivorous Plants, Black Creek Wildlife Center, the Eager Beavers 4-H club, SC Master Naturalists, Motley Farms, RU Feeling Crafty, Tara’s Crafty, Muddy’s Teas, Pink Moon Tie Dye, Old South Creations, and the SC Governor’s School.
Granny Creek Homestead – 257 Payne Pond Road, Westville – Saturday 9 am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm – Have you ever wanted to know how to start a small homestead or see where the goat milk soaps come from? Embark on an enriching tour of this 10-acre homestead, where you’ll encounter a vibrant community of chickens, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and American Guinea Hogs. Artisans and activities include: Handcrafted Visions, Bushels and Bags Farm, Grammy, Mommy, and ME, and Heartland Farm.
Marshall Farm – 1327 Old Georgetown Road East, Bethune – Saturday 9 am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm – Open seasonally, this farm is full of tulips and strawberries in the spring, pumpkins and a corn maze in the fall. See goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits & more. Enjoy the outdoor games for kids and adults. Artisans and activities include: Blue Horse Jewelry, KHLOE & Calluna, Sticks and Stones and Words that Really Matter, From My Soap Box, and PurpleRoo.
Arts Center of Kershaw County – 810 Lyttleton Street, Camden – Saturday 9 am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm – The artistic hub of Kershaw County, the Arts Center’s 3 acre campus is in the heart of Camden. Stroll through the Bassett Gallery’s latest exhibit and visit with the affiliated artisans while you enjoy live music from the arbor. Farms, artisans and activities on site include: Michelle’s Celestial Gardens, Costas Farm, Carolina Construction Equipment, indigo dying, Glory Bee Baskets, and Pine Tree Wildlife Rescue.
The Farm at Historic Camden – 222 Broad Street, Camden – Saturday, 10am-4pm – Historic Camden’s farm has grown considerably over the years, and showcases how 18th century settlers worked the land. Artisans and vendors on site will include resident potter Marti Wallace, Sudsy Dreams, Aurora’s Thorn Custom Creations.
Kershaw County Farmers Market – 906 Broad Street, Camden – Saturday only, 9 am-12 pm – Voted #1 Farmers Market in South Carolina in 2023, this is a family-friendly (pets included) place to enjoy the very best of South Carolina-grown and made products. Locally-grown produce, meat and dairy products, fresh baked goods and desserts, artisan crafts, food trucks, and more.
Gorget Distilling Co. – 1974-A Whiting Way, Lugoff – Open 10 am – 4 pmSaturday only – Kershaw County’s only distillery and a member of the Certified SC Grown program, customers are able to tour the distillery, view the spirit making process and understand how it all starts, in the field, to end in the glass. Distillery Tours given every 30 minutes between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Camden Art Shoppes – 1011 Broad Street, Camden, Open 9 am – 4 pm Saturday only – This local artist cooperative gallery and retail space consists of 80 artists, some of whom produce art related to agriculture and farming. Find specially designated art related to the agricultural theme of the Tour, along with farmers on sight to display and sell their wares. Classes and demonstrations, take home art kits and more available.
One of the oldest homes in Camden, Samuel Mathis purchased this lot in 1805 from Joseph Kershaw and the home was built by 1810. The home remained in the Mathis family until it was sold in 1850.
In 1977, caterer, bon vivant, and collector Jack Brantley purchased the home. Jack lived and operated his very successful catering business, Aberdeen Catery from this house until it was gifted to the city if Camden in September of 2021.
Aberdeen combines many of the original features with Jack’s love of beauty and opulence. Vibrant colors and elaborate moldings enhance his extensive collection of antiques and porcelains. Every piece in the home was either gifted to or purchased by Jack. His collection philosophy was very simple, “It is pretty. I like it. I will buy it.”
Generations of Camden residents remember Aberdeen as the most hospitable home in Camden. Jack never failed to open his doors for friends – and everyone was a friend. The Camden Archives and Museum and the City of Camden are proud to continue Jack’s tradition of hospitality by opening Aberdeen for guided tours.
Tours will be conducted Saturdays at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. Guests should sign up for a tour through Eventbrite. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Due to the size of the home, groups of 10 or more will need to contact the Archives to make alternate arrangements.
The holidays just feel special here in Camden. Many think it’s that small town charm, which just gets brighter and jollier as the end of the year approaches. Parades and performances abound, decorations appear along our city streets, and shops and restaurants are bustling with good cheer and great gift ideas.
Make plans to join in on some of these special holiday events and activities, starting with the City of Camden’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 30 at 6:00 pm at City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street. The Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the “12 Days of Christmas”, highlighting community events taking place in and around Camden between November 30 and December 11. In addition to traditional holiday events, many local businesses will host open houses, pop-up shops, visits with Santa, and more fun and festive ways to help you complete your holiday shopping with less stress.
Here’s a listing of events taking place during the 12 Days of Christmas. Check back often, as more are added each week. We hope to see you out there!
