All history lectures and related programs are open to the public and will take place at the Heritage Library, 852 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 2A.
Fees for the lectures, unless otherwise noted, will be $10 for non-members, $8 for members. Couples will pay $15 for non-members and $12 for members.
Space is limited. Please call 686-6560 to register.
Dr. Crippen, Murderer?
Patrick Crippen, Member
The Heritage Library
Friday, January 27, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
“If You Can’t Get Rid of the Family Skeleton,
You May As Well Make It Dance” (George Bernard Shaw)
An Ancestor Skeleton? If you think you have troubles, explore how one researcher found an infamous ancestor who was a cause célèbre, not merely an embarrassment.
Imagine if your ancestor was the notorious Dr. Hawley Crippen, hanged for the murder of his wife in London, England in 1910.
What are some approaches for you to use when encountering this type of situation? Is your perspective the correct one in judging your ancestor?
Hilton Head Island in the English Colonial Period
Bill Altstaetter; Chairman, History Studies
The Heritage Library
Tuesday, January 31, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Bill Altstaetter will describe how cattle ranching began here and gave rise to many customs that later became part of Western lore, and how planters became wealthy raising indigo or Sea Island long-staple cotton. The town of Beaufort became synonymous with culture and elegance.
South Carolina; The Cradle of Session
Robert Smith, Past President
Heritage Library Foundation
Tuesday, February 7, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Find out how life in Beaufort and South Carolina differed from that in the North, and the consequential philosophical divisions of the country that led to armed conflict.
Special Commemorative Presentation: Gullah Talk
Louise Cohen
Friday, February 10, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
In celebration of the Gullah population of Hilton Head Island
Selected Royal Genealogies of Europe
Presented By Dalton Parker
Member of the Heritage Library from Columbia, SC
Sunday, February 12, 2012; 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Parker will be speaking on the genealogies of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, Christian IX of Denmark, Tsars Alexander II, III, and Nicholas II of Russia, as well as William I, King of Prussia.
Pre-History and History of Mitchelville
Robert Smith, Past President
Heritage Library Foundation
Tuesday, February 14, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Mitchelville was at the core of three profound changes within our young nation: changes to our nation’s societal beliefs about slavery; changes to the slave’s own realization and implementation of their capabilities; changes to the nation’s concept of the extent of our government’s societal responsibilities.
Smith will elaborate on these contentions and explain their importance to all citizens.
Gullah Genealogy
John Griffin, Sr. Researcher
Heritage Library Foundation
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Griffin will review the current status of Native Islander research at the Heritage Library, specifically the work that has been done for the Green and Aiken family reunions. He will also share the results of some individual Native Islander family research, and the records that are available. Finally, John will talk about two projects in progress at the library having to do with the burial and pension records of the United States Colored Troops.
Revolution and Rebellion
Bill Altstaetter; Chairman, History Studies
The Heritage Library
Tuesday, February 28, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Examines the years from 1775 to 1861 addressing opening days of war with the mother country, impact of the British occupation of 1780-83, the lawless years which followed, the golden years of King Cotton and concludes with the Federal occupation of 1861-1866.
Hilton Head Island
The Hunting and Timbering Years, 1866 - 1950
Natalie Hefter, Vice-president of Programs
Coastal Discovery Museum
Tuesday, March 6, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
The years between 1866 and 1950 were the "isolation years" on Hilton Head Island. The program will explore the history of the hunting club era on Hilton Head Island, and describe some of the northerners who used this island as their own hunting retreats.
Welcome to the World!
Hilton Head Island from 1950 to 2012
Norman Harberger, Member
The Heritage Library
Tuesday, March 13, 2012; 1:30 - 3:00 pm
A perspective of development of modern Hilton Head during the Charles Fraser years by a participant.
Eliza Pinckney: Whims and Schemes
Peggy Pickett, Volunteer
Heritage Library Foundation
Sunday, March 18, 2012; 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Peggy writes, "Eliza was a truly remarkable woman who accomplished things we hardly ever think of as being done by women of her time. Yet, she did them within the rules of the society she was a part of--she was a wealthy, leisured, cultivated woman motivated by her duty to her family."
Peggy Pickett has been representing women from history for over 20 years as a docent at Colonial Williamsburg. She is now a member and volunteer of our Library.
