December Events

Christmas Past

Monday, December 20, 2010

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Thursday, December 23, 2010

11:00am to 1:00 pm

Ages: 5-18

Cost: $10.00 per child

Come learn about Christmas customs of African Americans in the 1800s.

We will also decorate the Heritage Center the old fashioned way and enjoy craft activities.

For registration and additional information please contact the

Southern African American Heritage Center, 843-921-9989, southernaaheritagecenter@gmail.com.




Happy Kwanzaa

Thursday, December 30

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Ages: 5-18

Cost: $10.00 per child

Join the Heritage Center for a celebration of family, community, and culture.

Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa, enjoy hands on activities and enjoy a traditional recipe that celebrates Kwanzaa.

For registration and additional information please contact the, Southern African American Heritage Center, 843-921-9989,

southernaaheritagecenter@gmail.com.

Felicia Flemming -McCall was awarded for her service in promoting and preserving African American history by the Chesterfield-Marlboro Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. at their 45th Anniversary Awards and Recognition Banquet on September 23, 2010.

School of Discovery, Clio, SC visits the Heritage Center

September 15, 2010 Ms. Phyllis Hubbard class from the School of Discovery came to the Heritage Center to learn about John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie and view our exhibit on him. Mrs. Vereen Wilson and Mr. William J. Reid were also on hand to share their stories and memories of Dizzy Gillespie. Mrs. Wilson is Dizzy's first cousin and Mr. Reid, a childhood friend. It was rewarding to see the excitement and interest expressed by the students. Ms. Hubbard has done a superlative job teaching her class about the great trumpeter. The students also toured some of the Dizzy sites in Cheraw. Some of the photos are from the park on Huger Street named in his honor. The park at one time was Dizzy Gillespie home place. Thank you for coming!

First United Methodist Daycare Visits the Heritage Center

We had a visit from Ms. Mary and Ms. Carolina four year old class, September 8, 2010. They were introduced to Cheraw famous son, John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie through our program "Let's Get Dizzy". We thank you for coming and hope you visit again.

The Heritage Center would like to welcome the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission to Cheraw, South Carolina. It is our pleasure to be hosting you and hope you enjoy touring and learning about our historical town.

Mrs. Felicia's History Camp & Finishing School

We had a wonderful tour of downtown Cheraw. In the first picture is Mrs. Felicia carrying her picnic basket during the tour. The picnic took place at the old Market Hall. The girls are carrying their lunch in pails. The picture in the middle are the girls eating lunch in the dining room at the museum.

Mrs. Felicia's History Camp & Finishing School

Here are photos from the camp held June 21-June 24. The camp took the girls back to 1910 and gave them the opportunity to experience what life was like for girls their age. We had a wonderful time making crafts, playing games, expression, learning etiquette, discovering African American women who shaped history,the Underground Railroad and touring historical African American sites in Cheraw. On Thursday the girls demonstrated their etiquette skills during their tea party. Mrs. Felicia's History Camp and Finishing School was featured on the Channel 13 WBTW News, Florence Morning News, Hartsville Messenger and Cheraw Chronicle.

We have a unique gift shop.

Welcome to the Heritage Center

Welcome

Welcome to the Southern African American Heritage Center blog. The Heritage Center is dedicated to promoting, preserving and documenting African American history in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

We are open on Tuesday and Thursday, 1-4PM, sometimes on Saturday and for town festivals. You may also call to schedule an appointment.

Admission is $7.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Children (6-18)

Group tours are available for your civic group, retirement center, youth group, church group, school group, etc.

GIFT SHOP
We are extremely excited about our wonderful gift shop. We have unique items such as African cowrie shell jewelry, African shakers and rattles made by artisans of Ghana, gourmet food such as Benne Wafers and other cookies by Olde Colony Bakery. The Benne (sesame seed) was brought to South Carolina by slaves from West Africa who traditionally cooked with this seed. The Benne Wafer recipe dates to Colonial years. We also offer Carolina Plantation rice and grits It continues to be used in cooking in the Lowcountry today. We offer folktoys to introduce the youth to toys often played with during the early and mid 1900s. You may also want to check out our cotton wreaths and angels and many more trinkets to choose from.

African Americans of Chesterfield County by Felicia Flemming-McCall is also sold in the gift shop.