I’m sorry if I’ve thrown out a good query or response. Right now I don’t have time to pursue a forum that would be more resistant to spammers and most of the approaches that I’ve seen take more time than I’m able to give it right now.

in Memory of William Walker
18th annual shape note singing

“Christian Harmony,” “Sacred Harp” and “Southern Harmony”

Saturday, March 17

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wofford College

AAAS Room, Burwell Building

“Singin’ Billy” Walker

South Carolina Hall of Fame, 2011

Admission free — Come and go as your schedule permits — No experience required

Wofford dining services cordially invites you to join the college community for a buffet brunch
during the noon break in the singing. The cost is $5.50 (cash or check only), including a salad bar,
drinks and dessert. Or you may bring a bag lunch, and your drinks will be complimentary if you
eat in the dining hall.

For more information and directions, please e-mail boggsdw@wofford.edu

The event is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception in Winnie Davis Hall of History. The evening will also feature Dr. David Thompson, Professor of Music at Limestone, who will perform Civil War-era music.

Made possible by a grant from Wells Fargo, the Renewing a Dream, Revisiting the South Series is designed to provide the local community and Limestone students free access to programs and exhibits from a wide array of historians, art collections, and performing artists with an emphasis on Southern history and culture.

Born in 1818 to a prominent Richmond family, Van Lew, as she came of age, felt increasingly alienated from slaveholding society and uneasy about slavery; believing that elite Virginians should act as mediators in the sectional conflict, she rejected secession as a reckless betrayal of founding principles. When war broke out, Van Lew committed herself to supporting the Union war effort.

Van Lew’s home, in the heart of the Confederate capital, soon became the nerve center of the most important Federal espionage ring in the war. Her work as a spy has been cloaked in myth—she is often remembered as “Crazy Bet,” and as myth would have it, she avoided detection by pretending to be crazy. Varon reveals the true story behind the myth, by bringing to light Van Lew’s expert “spycraft.” For example, Van Lew carefully built an interracial network of Union agents, called the “Richmond Underground.” The underground funneled supplies and information to Union prisoners in Confederate prisons; helped scores of prisoners escape; and passed along key tactical and strategic intelligence to General U.S. Grant as he laid siege to Richmond in the last year of the war.

The head of Union intelligence would remark that Van Lew was “all that was left of the power of the federal government” in wartime Richmond—a remarkable tribute to a remarkable woman.

Dr. Varon holds a Ph.D. from Yale University, is currently Professor of History at the University of Virginia and specializes in the Civil War era and 19th-century Southern history. She is an Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer and has written numerous award-winning books about the Civil War. Her 2003 book, The True Story of Elizabeth Van Lew, A Union Agent in the Heart of the Confederacy, won the people’s Choice Award of the Library of Virginia. She has appeared on C-SPAN’s Book TV, at the Lincoln Bicentennial in Springfield, Illinois, and at Gettysburg’s Civil War Institute.

Limestone College is a four-year, liberal arts institution with its main campus in Gaffney, SC. The college is also a pioneer in the medium of Internet-based courses. Established in 1845, Limestone offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of social work, associate of arts, and associate of science degrees through traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities. For more information, log onto www.limestone.edu.

Among the first settlers in Upstate South Carolina, Charles and Mary Moore established Walnut Grove Plantation on a 550-acre land grant about 1765. These Scots-Irish immigrants raised ten children in the house they built and lived in for 40 years. Mr. Moore relied on a dozen enslaved African Americans and his own large family to work his sizable farm. During the American Revolution, the Moore family, including eldest daughter Kate Moore Barry, actively supported the Patriot cause and the militia even mustered at the plantation prior to the Battle of Cowpens. Loyalist William “Bloody Bill” Cunningham killed three Patriot soldiers sheltered at Walnut Grove in late 1781.

Operated by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, Walnut Grove offers tours of the site’s 250-year-old buildings while regular programs examine Colonial and Revolutionary Era history and often feature reenactors portraying people of the time. Tours and programs tell stories of the free and enslaved people who settled South Carolina and the rest of Britain’s American colonies, fought for independence, and, in the end, built a new nation.

In addition to public tours and programs in the warmer months, groups of ten or more people from schools, churches, scout troops, senior citizen groups, and other community organizations can schedule, a minimum of 14 days in advance, group tours and living history activities year-round, even during the site’s annual winter closure. Schools may schedule activities both on-site and in-school.

For more information about Walnut Grove Plantation’s operating hours, admission fees, program line-up, group visit opportunities, etc., email walnutgrove@spartanburghistory.org or call 864-576-6546, Tuesday-Saturday.

More information is also available at the Historical Association’s website at spartanburghistory.org, “Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/spartanburghistory, “Follow” us on Twitter at twitter.com/sptbghistory, or see photos from our programs and events on Flickr at flickr.com/spartanburghistory.

Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience
On display at the Headquarters Library from February 29 to April 13, 2012.

Visit our website www.infodepot.org or call 864.285.9013 for more details about programs, etc. in conjunction with the exhibit.

EVENTS:
February 29 @ 6:00 p.m.

– Neil Lanctot, author of Campy: The Two Lives of Roy Campanella, Negro League Baseball, and Fair Dealing & Clean Playing

March 1 @ 6:00 p.m. – Neil Lanctot

March 12 @ 6:00 p.m.

– Thomas Perry, author of Textile League Baseball: South Carolina’s Mill Teams 1880-1955 and Just Joe: Baseball’s Natural, As Told By His Wife

Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience, a traveling exhibition for libraries, was organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, New York, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office, Chicago. The traveling exhibition has been made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life.

The traveling exhibition is based on an exhibition of the same name on permanent display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Amanda C. Newman

Coordinator of Development

Spartanburg County Public Libraries

151 S. Church Street

Spartanburg, SC 29306

864.285.9013 (direct)

864.596.3518 (fax)

www.infodepot.org

This three-day event celebrates Black History Month and is presented at the Chapman Cultural Center by the Spartanburg Regional History Museum and the City of Spartanburg in collaboration with Ballet Spartanburg the Chapman Cultural Center. Don’t miss these exciting events!
• Feb. 16, Slave Cabin Project: Mr. Joseph McGill from the National Preservation Trust will sleep at The Historic Price House in its slave cabin and share that experience the next day.
• Feb. 17, 8:30-3:30: Symposium on African-American History in Spartanburg. Panelists include Dr. Doyle Boggs, Dr. Damon Fordham, Dr. Frances Hardy, Dr. Carmen Harris, Dr. Philip Racine, Dr. Diane Vecchio and Dr. Melissa Walker. The symposium will be held in the Chapman Cultural Center and provides professional credits to educators. Tickets are $15 with optional lunch and bus tour for an additional $7 each per person. 864-596-3501; njefferies@spartanburghistory.org.
• Feb. 18, 7:00 pm: Inspiring Performances: Professional actress Carlyon Evans will appear as Sojourner Truth, Spartanburg’s Annual Community Weavers will be recognized, and Ballet Spartanburg will present a dance performance by Kyle Abraham entitled Kyle Abraham.In.Motion. These performances will be in the Chapman Cultural Center. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and $17.50 for students. 864-542-ARTS (2787)

Museum Exhibit: African-American Artists of Spartanburg

February 1-29, 2012, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; $4
Presented by the Spartanburg Regional History Museum at the Chapman Cultural Center.

Come enjoy this exhibit featuring African-American Artists of Spartanburg and collections of local African-American works including paintings, pottery, sculptures and other media. Spartanburg’s rich multi-cultural heritage comes alive in this special exhibit!

The discussion sessions will be held on Feb. 27th, March 19th, and April 2nd, 16th and 30th Monday beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the Barrett Room at Spartanburg County Libraries Headquarters Building. These are all Monday nights.

Advance sign-up is required, and space is limited. Contact Steve Smith by e-mail at steves@infodepot.org or by phone at (864) 596-3500 ext. 1256 for more information.

Dr. Andrew Myers, associate professor of history at USC Upstate, will serve as our project scholar, and will moderate the discussions on the readings at each session. Reading selections include:

“March” by Geraldine Brooks (Penguin, 2006)
“Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam” by James McPherson (Oxford University Press, 2002)
“America’s War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on Their 150th Anniversaries,” an anthology of speeches, diaries, memoirs, biography, and short stories, edited by national project scholar Edward L. Ayers and co-published by NEH and ALA.

Books will be available for participants’ use without cost.

Steve Smith

Coordinator, Local History Services and Collections

Spartanburg County Public Libraries
151 South Church Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864)596-3500 ext. 1256
Fax: (864)596-3518

steves@infodepot.org

Chapman Cultural Center West Wing Conference Room
The Spartanburg History Hub is a network of individuals and organizations committed to Spartanburg County history and meets from 7-8 pm one Thursday each odd month except July. An expert speaker joins us to share from their experience and knowledge. This month, Dr. Carol Loar, Assoc. Professor of History at USC Upstate will present ‘Murder Takes the Angel Shape of Justice’: Rape, Reputation and Retribution in Spartanburg County.” It discusses the lynching of John J. Moore, who, in 1879, was arrested and charged with the rape and murder of a young woman before being taken from the custody of the sheriff and lynched. The talk explores the events leading up to the lynching as well as local, regional, and national interpretations of Moore’s death.

There is also time for networking. If you or your organization has a historic event or project, please plan to share during our opening networking time during the meeting. The History Hub is managed by the Spartanburg County Historical Association and you may send your email to us to be added to our electronic Spartanburg History Hub mailing list. scha@spartanburghistory.org
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Lunch & Learn Spartanburg: The Legacy of a Civil War Soldier
Friday, January 27, 2012, 12:30-1:30 pm; $5
Chapman Cultural Center West Wing Conference Room
Join the Regional History Museum for an hour each month to learn interesting pieces of Spartanburg’s history from various speakers. Bring your lunch and learn from experts! This month, Aliene Shields will share the legacy of a Civil War soldier – her great-grandfather Private Thomas M. Shields. She is the co-author with Mac Wyckoff of the book The Legacy of a Common Civil War Soldier Private Thomas Marion Shields: A Collection of 34 Letters 1861-1865. Private Shields was born in 1834 and grew up in the Fingerville area. This book shares letters among the family during the Civil War which depict the hardships and every day life of a Spartanburg family during the war.
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Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport: Past, Present & Future

Sunday, January 29, 2012, 3:00-5:00 pm; Free and Open to the Public

500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg

Join the Spartanburg County Historical Association at the recently renovated Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport. Airport Director Darwin Simpson will share an entertaining and informative perspective of the impressive history, expansive present, and optimistic future of the Airport and its impact on the Spartanburg community.

There will be refreshments and a brief, open business meeting.

CHESNEE, SC: On January 14 – 15, 2012, reenactors in Revolutionary War period clothing will bring the 18th century to life, and visitors can hear different perspectives about the American Revolution, as Cowpens National Battlefield presents traditional and new activities during the annual battle anniversary celebration. All activities are free and open to the public.

The event will kick off at 9:30 am on January 14 with an hour-long guided battlefield walk. The first 18th century weapons firing demonstration will be at 11:15, and the first 18th century cavalry demonstration will be at11:45.

At 10:00 am on January 14, SAR, DAR, and CAR chapters from around the country will have a wreath-laying ceremony at the 1932 US Monument in front of the Visitor Center. Afterwards, they will have a procession to the 1856 Washington Light Infantry Monument. In the past, this traditional portion of the event had been held in the afternoon. However, it has grown so much that the park moved it to the morning so that it will not be overshadowed by other event activities.

Authors will continue to give talks in the program tent, followed by book-signings in the Visitor Center. On Saturday, Spartanburg author, Sheila Ingle will give a dramatic performance entitled, A Scary Day for Kate Barry, based on her book, Courageous Kate, and will give a reading from her book, Fearless Martha, about Revolutionary War heroine Martha Bratton. On Sunday, Dr. Christine Swager will give a talk based on her book, Come to the Cow Pens; Joe Epley, will speak about of A Passel of Hate, about the Overmountain men, and the final featured author of the weekend will be Dr. Tony Zeiss, author of Backcountry Fury at 3:00 on Sunday. The authors will be available to sign books following their programs.

Additional programs in the tent include a genealogy workshop by DAR member, Darlene Dowdy, and a program on 18th century medical practices by living historian and former NPS employee, Eric Williams.

Tradition continues as reenactors tell the story of the battle on the Saturday evening lantern-lit walks. A favorite of visitors and reenactors, the improvisational walks, led by park staff, take approximately 30 minutes and depict what may have happened the night before the battle: militiamen looking for Morgan’s camp, British soldiers preparing for battle, cavalry discussing Tarleton, and Continentals going over battle plans. As participants in the walks, visitors will have the opportunity to “experience” the night before the battle, and are encouraged to interact with the reenactors. Park volunteers will serve free cookies and cider following the walks.

The park is continuing to set aside a special area where children of all ages can participate in colonial era activities such as making sachets, flags, whirligigs, and drums, writing with quill pens, and learning the von Steuben weapons drill. These activities will be available from 11:00 – 5:00 on Saturday and 10:00 – 3:00 on Sunday.

New this year will be the arrival of the Morgan’s March participants on Saturday rather than Sunday. First time participants will receive medals in the program tent at 2:00 on Saturday. Members of the Guilford Fife and Drum Corps will give concerts in the program tent and at the US Monument on both days and will play on the battlefield for Sunday’s 9:30 battlefield walk. At 10:30 on Sunday will be a Divine Service, or 18th century church service.

The park staff is excited to introduce new superintendent, John Slaughter in the program tent on January 14 at 4:00 pm. Superintendent Slaughter encourages everyone in the area to help celebrate the anniversary of this pivotal battle, “This is YOUR National Park! What happened here on this simple pasture-land gave all Carolinians, all Americans great confidence to take the fight all the way to victory. Our nation’s freedom was secured right here in YOUR backyard.”

Last but not least, Superintendent Slaughter is starting a new tradition at the event. Students from area schools were invited to participate in a t-shirt design contest. The shirts, which will be sold in the park’s book store, will be different every year. The winning design will make one student $100 richer through a generous donation from the park’s cooperating association, Eastern National. The public can purchase this limited edition shirt after the superintendent announces the winner at 4:00 on January 14.

Cowpens National Battlefield is located 10 miles west of Gaffney, SC, and 3 miles east of Chesnee, SC at the intersection of Highways 11, 110, and 221-A. Normal Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

For more information, call (864) 461-2828. Visit the Cowpens National Battlefield webpage at http://www.nps.gov/cowp/planyourvisit/231st-battle-anniversary-celebration.htm to see or print the detailed schedule.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 395 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Kathy McKay
Chief Ranger
Cowpens National Battlefield
864-461-2828

For more information:

Please check our events page regularly for special events. For additional information, please contact 864-596-3501 or email regionalmuseum@spartanburghistory.org.

Regional History Museum

The Spartanburg Regional History Museum has been in operation since 1961. The Museum recently relocated to the Chapman Cultural Center at 200 E. St. John Street on the second floor of the West Wing (also known as the Carlos Dupre Moseley building).