Your Guide to America’s 250th Celebrations in the Upcountry – April & May

The Upcountry of South Carolina played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Marking the 250th anniversary, there are events throughout the year. From immersive reenactments and live demonstrations to special exhibits and educational lectures, the Upcountry is bringing this history to life!

Here are the spring events that you won’t want to miss.

Anderson County Museum – The Anderson County Museum opens its temporary exhibit entitled In Our Revolutionary Era: Exploring Anderson County in the Age of IndependenceExhibit open February 10,2026-June 30, 2026.

Sigal Music Museum – American Voices: Lost and Found An exhibition in celebration of American musical life and the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, telling the story of music in the early United States. American Voices: Lost & Found explores the music that was present at the dawn of the United States. Home to one of the largest collections of historic musical instruments in the country, Sigal Music Museum is well-positioned to present an exhibition that gives visitors a front row seat to the beginnings of our musical history. Exhibit open March 28, 2026-December 29, 2026.

Oconee History Museum – Screening: Ken Burns The Revolutionary War Join us every Wednesday throughout the months of April and May for a screening of The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns. Each week we will show 1 episode. Each episode lasts around 2 hours. FREE POPCORN & DRINKS! This event is Free but donations are gladly accepted. Every Wednesday of April & May 6:00PM-8:00PM.

Upcountry History Museum – The Fall of Savannah Join Historian and Battlefield Preservationist Durant Ashmore for a Lecture on The Fall of Savannah – One of the most pivotal events of the Revolutionary War. The beginning of the British Southern Campaign. April 7, 2026 5:30PM-6:30PM.

Anderson County Museum – Heritage & History – The Campaign of 1776 This program will explore the role of the Cherokee during the American Revolution leading up to Andrew Williamson’s Campaign of 1776 which crossed through Anderson County. We will seek to shed light on Cherokee relations at the time and the fallout left in the wake of Williamson and his troops. April 14, 2026 5:30PM-6:30PM.

Greenville County Library – The Fall of Charleston Join Historian and Battlefield Preservationist Durant Ashmore for a Lecture on The Fall of Charleston – The world turned upside down. April 15, 2026 7:00PM-8:00PM.

Walnut Grove Plantation – 1776 Tavern Dinner For one evening, Historic Walnut Grove transforms into an 18th-century colonial tavern. Gather by candlelight for dinner, drinks, music and dancing inspired by the food, fellowship, and traditions of the South Carolina backcountry. This immersive evening brings history to life, recalling the tavern’s role as a place of community in early Spartanburg County. Space is limited, tickets required. April 23, 2026 at 6:00PM.

Upcountry History Museum Upcountry Road to Freedom: Upstate South Carolina During the American Revolution Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, the exhibition will focus on Upcountry South Carolina people, places, and events.  This major exhibition, organized by the Upcountry History Museum in partnership with Clemson University and private collectors, will explore the lesser known people of the Upcountry South Carolina, who helped turn 13 colonies into one nation. Exhibit Open April 25, 2026- September 5, 2027.

The Peace Center – Dicey Langston: The South Carolina Girl Who Defied an Army Discover the courage and spirit of a Revolutionary War heroine with Dicey Langston: The South Carolina Girl Who Defied an Army. This world premiere by Peter B. Kay and Mark Waldrop brings to life the tale of Dicey Langston, a South Carolina teenager whose bravery helped shape the nation’s fight for independence. This brand new work is paired with Aaron Copland’s beloved Appalachian Spring.  Featuring a narrator (to be announced), this inspiring program celebrates local history and the resilience of the American spirit. Join us for this powerful blend of storytelling and music! April 25, 2026 at 3:00PM & April 26, 2026 at 3:00PM.

Musgrove Mill Historic Site – Revolutionary War Encampment at Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site If you have ever been curious about how life was in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War or you are just looking for a fun way to spend a weekend, then you need to come out to the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site on the last full weekend of April for our Annual Living History Encampment. There will be reenactors portraying both Patriot and Loyalist militiamen, British Regular and Provincial soldiers, Continental soldiers, and civilians representing a variety of backgrounds. Throughout both days there will be several historic weapons demonstrations, historic lectures, militia musters for children, historic craft demonstrations, kid’s games, and sutlers selling goods to the public. You will also be able to interact directly with all the reenactors throughout the weekend, so feel free to ask them any questions you might have about the Revolutionary War or about what you see. They will love to speak with you. April 25, 2026 10:00AM-4:00PM & April 26, 2026 10:00AM-4:00PM.

Anderson County Museum – Stories from Around the State Drawing from firsthand accounts of the American Revolution in the 4th South Carolina Regiment Order Book, SCHS Education Coordinator and Military Historian Melina Testin will present a fully illustrated lecture on the 28 June 1776 Battle of Sullivan’s Island. Attendees will learn the rules of the 18th century card game, Whist, and view the battle in the context of Tricks and Trumps. April 28, 2026 12:00PM-1:00PM.

Hughes Main Library Rebecca Motte Talk led by Margaret Pickett Raised in privilege in Charleston, Rebecca Motte demonstrated unwavering commitment toward the American Revolution war efforts. She directed her plantation workforce to fortify the city’s defenses and later supported the Continental forces by supplying provisions from her plantation and townhouse. Hear the story of this prominent woman’s adventures under the British siege of Charleston, including her escape upriver to join Patriot forces and her provision of the tools necessary to destroy the British headquarters in her occupied plantation home! By war’s end, she emerged as one of South Carolina’s wealthiest individuals. Join us to learn and ask questions. May 5, 2026 7:00PM-8:30PM.

Chapman Cultural Center The American Revolution as Told by its Flags The story of the American Revolution as told through over 40 of its flags, traces the evolution of the United States, exploring the symbols, definitions and interpretations that the flag took through time. May 15, 2026 12:30PM-1:30PM.

Historic Hopkins Farm – SC250 Colonial Picnic Step back in time and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the SC250 Colonial Picnic, a free, family-friendly event held at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville — the very site of the Revolutionary War Battle of the Great Cane Brake! Join us for an afternoon of living history, community, and celebration as we honor South Carolina’s role in the founding of our nation. May 16, 2026 11:00AM-4:00PM.

Greenville County Square Greenville County Memorial Day Observance and Unveiling of Revolutionary War Veterans added to their Veteran Monument Please join Greenville County as they observe Memorial Day and unveil the addition of 170 Revolutionary War Veterans to their existing Veterans Monument. The location is County Square at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC. There is a free parking garage next to the Veteran Monument/Greenville Co. Administrations buildings. Some seating will be available but to be safe, please bring a folding chair. Durant Ashmore will be the historical speaker. May 25, 2026 at 10:00AM.

Cherokee County Museum Speaker Series Cherokee Historical & Preservation Society will be hosting speakers lecturing on topics related to the American Revolution. On May 28, Kathryn Smith will be speaking on George Washington’s 1791 Southern Tour. May 28, 2026 at 6:00PM.

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