Step Into the Revolution: Celebrate SC250 in the OED

Real Stories. Real People. Real Places.

The Olde English District is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through a shared mission: highlighting real stories, real people, and the places where history actually happened.

Across Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union, and York counties, communities are bringing the Revolutionary era to life through immersive programs, living history events, lectures, performances, and celebrations that connect the past to the present.

Building Momentum Across the Region

The celebration is already underway thanks to communities helping set the tone for this historic moment.

Fairfield County launched early momentum with Stories of the Backcountry, a two-day signature event featuring living history demonstrations, encampments, and storytelling that highlighted its Revolutionary War legacy.

Union County continued that momentum through the SC Humanities Festival, featuring public historian Robert Ryals portraying Rev. William Martin, offering audiences an immersive look at Revolutionary-era life in the South Carolina backcountry.

These programs reflect the foundation of what the Olde English District is building together: an As this momentum continues to build across the region, we look ahead to the exciting events that are bringing this story to life in real time.

Chester County 250

Movie Night: The Patriot
June 27, 2026| 6:00 PM
Chester Agribusiness Center | 111 Columbia Street, Chester
Experience Revolutionary history on the big screen with a special outdoor showing of The Patriot, much of which was filmed in Chester County. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and watch the film on a 17′ x 10′ LED screen. Popcorn and light snacks will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own supper.

Revolutionary Remembrance Day
June 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Union ARP Church | 3594 Lancaster Highway, Richburg
Historians will share the story of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island and recognize local connections to the Revolution before the day concludes with monument dedications honoring Revolutionary War soldiers buried at Union Cemetery and Burnt Meeting House Cemetery.

Women of the Revolution Tea
July 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Catholic Presbyterian Church| 2330 Old Catholic Church Road, Blackstock
Discover the stories of the women who helped carry the Revolution forward during an afternoon tea featuring first-person portrayals and historical storytelling. Learn how women served as messengers, caretakers, spies, and leaders whose contributions helped shape a nation.

Jack’s Adventure in American History
July 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Chester County Main Library | 100 Center Street, Chester
Presented by Bright Star Theatre, this family-friendly production follows Jack as he encounters some of the most influential figures in American history, including George Washington and  Benjamin Franklin. This performance brings history to life in a fun way.

Patriotic Laser Light Show
July 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Gateway Conference Center | 3200 Commerce Dr, Richburg
Celebrate Independence Day with food, live entertainment, and a spectacular laser show choreographed to music. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a memorable evening of patriotic fun as the show lights up the sky after dark.

Movie Night: The Patriot
August 1, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Great Falls War Memorial Building | 401 Dearborn Street, Great Falls
Enjoy another opportunity to experience The Patriot in the county where much of the film was made. Before the screening, a local historian will discuss Chester County’s role in the Revolutionary War and the significance of the locations featured in the movie.

Declaration of Independence Day
August 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Chester War Memorial Building | 154 Main Street, Chester
Join us for the unveiling of a Revolutionary War memorial honoring local heroes, featuring a dedication ceremony and wreath laying. Guests can also sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence and explore exhibits with costumed interpreters.

Colonization and the Great Wagon Road
August 22, 2026 | 10:30 AM
Chester County Main Library | 100 Center Street, Chester
Professor Eddie Lee’s presentation will explore early settlement in the region and the role of the Great Wagon Road in shaping migration patterns, colonial growth, and the development of communities throughout the Carolinas and beyond.

Living History & Lantern Tour
October 24, 2026
Landsford Canal State Park | 2051 Park Drive, Catawba
As night falls at Landsford Canal State Park, follow lantern-lit trails and experience the Revolutionary era brought to life. Costumed interpreters will share stories of those who lived through the time through immersive, living history scenes.

Chesterfield County 250 

A Blueprint for Liberty: Traveling Exhibition
Now Through July 15, 2026 | M-F 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Chesterfield County Library | 119 W Main St, Chesterfield
Presented with the South Carolina State Museum, this traveling exhibition explores the founding documents and ideals that shaped the United States. Featuring historical records and interactive displays, the exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to engage and discover the stories behind America’s earliest documents.

Colonial Dance Workshop & Evening Ball
June 27, 2026
Kevin Lears | 140 2nd Street, Cheraw
Step back into the 18th century with a day of colonial dance led by Mr. Steplively and the Syllabub Musicians. Free workshops are available for students in fourth grade and above, as well as adults, followed by a free evening ball for adults from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Colonial attire is encouraged, and semi-formal dress is welcome. Registration is required : 843-537-8420

250 Flags at Centennial Park
June 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Centennial Park | Market Street, Cheraw
Hosted by the Cheraw Arts Commission and the Cheraws Olde-Pee Dee Chapter DAR, this community event invites participants to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through the purchase and display of commemorative flags. Flags are available for $5 each and will help create a patriotic display honoring the nation’s history.

Kershaw County 250 

Pints with Patriots
June 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downtown Camden
Visitors are invited to meet Revolutionary-era figures and hear stories about life during America’s fight for independence while enjoying an evening in Downtown Camden. Costumed interpreters will visit select locations, including Greener Pastures and Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge, offering a unique opportunity to connect with history in a relaxed setting.

10th Annual Kids’ Fourth of July Parade & America 250 Celebration
July 4, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Downtown Camden and Camden City Arena
Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary with one of Kershaw County’s most beloved traditions. Children are invited to decorate bicycles, scooters, and wagons and parade through downtown in their red, white, and blue. Following the parade, the celebration continues at Camden City Arena with live music, free refreshments, snow cones, and family activities. This free event is open to the entire community.

Lunch & Learn: Dressing for the 18th Century
July 4, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Revolutionary War Visitor Center | 212 Broad St, Camden
Join Aliene Humphries for an interactive presentation exploring women’s fashion in the 18th century. Using period clothing and a mannequin named Molly, Humphries demonstrates the many layers of traditional attire while explaining how and why women dressed during the Revolutionary era. 

Lancaster County 250

William Richardson Davie Birthday
June 20, 2026 | 9:45 AM – 2:30 PM
Pleasant Valley Baptist Church | 211 Marvin Road, Indian Land
Celebrate the life and legacy of Revolutionary War officer and statesman William Richardson Davie during this special commemorative program. Presentations will explore Davie’s military service, his connections to present-day Lancaster County, the significance of his family coat of arms, and the memorial enclosure honoring him at Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Following the program, participants are invited to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church Cemetery in recognition of Davie’s contributions to the American Revolution and early American history.

Make Your Own Huswif Sewing Kit
June 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Andrew Jackson State Park  | 196 Andrew Jackson Park Road, Lancaster
Learn the art of creating a traditional “huswif” sewing kit, a practical accessory commonly used by soldiers and homemakers during the 18th century. Using historically accurate materials and techniques, participants will create their own keepsake while exploring everyday life during the Revolutionary era. Registration is required.

Liberty Bell Observance
July 4, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Lancaster County Historic Courthouse Museum Lawn| 104 North Main Street, Lancaster 
Hosted by the Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson Chapter, NSDAR, this special observance commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and honors South Carolina’s signers of the Declaration. Guests are encouraged to bring a bell to ring in celebration, and small American flags will be distributed while supplies last.

Hanging Rock Commemoration
August 2026 | TBD
Honor the legacy of the Battle of Hanging Rock and its significance during the American Revolution. Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized.

“Americans” Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition
August 22, 2026 – October 3, 2026
Native American Studies Center | 119 South Main Street, Lancaster
Presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, this traveling exhibition explores how Native Americans have been represented in American culture and history. Through pop culture, advertising, sports, and historical events, visitors are invited to reflect on Native identity and the stories that continue to shape our nation.

Catawbas and Cherokee American Revolution Symposium
September 26, 2026
University of South Carolina Lancaster | 476 Hubbard Drive, Lancaster
This symposium examines the roles, experiences, and perspectives of the Catawba Nation and other Native American communities during the Revolutionary era. Through presentations and discussion, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous contributions and experiences during the American Revolution.

York County 250

Summer Speaker Series: The Soul of America
June 18, 2026 | 6:30 PM
St. John’s United Methodist Church | 321 S. Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill
Join Michael Burgess and Historic Rock Hill in an engaging discussion as part of the Summer Speaker Series. This program explores the challenges and importance of teaching the American Revolution during its 250th anniversary.

Lyrics on the Lawn
June 25, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The White Home | 258 E. White Street, Rock Hill
Enjoy an evening of live music with The Revolutionaries, a Colonial-era inspired ensemble blending Bluegrass, traditional, and Celtic sounds. Featuring musicians from the Charlotte Folk Society dressed in period attire, the performance brings the music of the Revolutionary era to life.

Guests can enjoy food trucks including BBQ from Nothin’ Butt Smoke, Whit’s Frozen Custard, interactive SC250 activities and giveaways. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxed evening on the lawn.

Independence Day at Historic Brattonsville
June 27, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Historic Brattonsville | 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary during this Living History Saturday at Historic Brattonsville. Experience how Independence Day may have been observed in the Carolina Piedmont during the 1850s. Ongoing activities include 19th-century games, refreshments, and quill pen writing. There will also be hot air balloon launches, patriotic readings and toasts, and guided site tours throughout the day.

Honoring SC250 at Historic Brattonsville
July 4, 2026
Historic Brattonsville | 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, watch demonstrations of the military actions in the Backcountry of South Carolina, including the Battle of Huck’s Defeat, fought on Brattonsville property in 1780. Guided battlefield tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. will examine the events leading up to the battle, the people involved, and the significance of the Patriot victory.

The Battle of Huck’s Defeat
July 11, 2026 – July 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Historic Brattonsville | 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells
Step back in time at the annual Battle of Huck’s Defeat Reenactment, commemorating the Patriot militia’s victory over Loyalist troops led by Capt. Christian Huck. this immersive weekend features Revolutionary War battle reenactments at 2 p.m. each day.  Visitors can also enjoy cavalry and artillery demonstrations, a keynote presentation by the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, the “American Revolution: The Augmented Reality Exhibition“, quill pen and ink letter writing, reenactor camps and military encampments, children’s militia drills, and guided battlefield tours. Planning to attend? Check out our complete guide to experiencing the Battle of Huck’s Defeat reenactment.

Summer Speaker Series: The Catawba’s Role in the Revolutionary War
July 21, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Catawba Cultural Center | 1536 Tom Steven Road, Rock Hill
This installment of the Summer Speaker Series explores the role and experiences of the Catawba Nation during the American Revolution. Presenter Robert Carter will share insights into Indigenous perspectives and their contributions to the Revolutionary era.

Lunch & Learn with Robert Ryals
August 4, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Fort Mill History Museum | 107 Clebourne Street, Fort Mill
Join historian Robert Ryals for a Lunch & Learn program exploring Rev. William Tennent’s 1775 expedition into the Backcountry. This engaging talk examines his mission to rally support for the fledgling rebel government and the challenges faced during his journey.

Summer Speaker Series: William Hill and Hill’s Ironworks
August 27, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Allison Creek Park | 2499 Viesta Road, York
Zach Lemhouse presents an exploration of William Hill and the legacy of Hill’s Ironworks, highlighting its importance in the industrial and Revolutionary-era history of the region. This program concludes the Summer Speaker Series with a focus on local industry and its historical impact.

Continuing the Story Across the Olde English District

Across our seven counties, communities are bringing the past to life through programs that highlight the individuals, families, and events that shaped the South Carolina backcountry and the nation’s founding story.

The Backcountry Revolution Trail & History Hub

A major part of this effort is the upcoming Backcountry Revolution Trail and History Hub, which will officially launch with a press conference and grand opening on June 23 at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center in Camden. We invite you to join us as we unveil this exciting new initiative please RSVP to sierra@oldeenglishdistrict.com.

Together, the Trail and History Hub will serve as a connected experience, linking historic sites, stories, and resources across the OED. This initiative will help visitors and residents explore Revolutionary history in a more immersive and accessible way.

This is just the beginning, and we invite you to be part of it as it continues to grow and take shape.

Celebrate Independence Day Across the Region

In addition to commemorative programming, communities throughout the Olde English District will also host traditional Fourth of July celebrations, including fireworks, festivals, and family-friendly events.

These gatherings reflect the spirit of the region today, neighbors coming together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy time with family and friends. For a complete guide visit our Celebrate Independence Day in the Olde English District blog.

Join Us

We invite you to explore the Olde English District, take part in upcoming events, and follow along as the Backcountry Revolution Trail and History Hub come to life. Because here, history isn’t something distant, it’s something you can experience, discover, and walk through yourself.