Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
PARK PROGRAMS
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In 1670, the first English settlers arrived in Carolina. What was it like during the first ten years of the fledgling colony? What challenges, hardships, failures and successes did they experience? Who were the key figures and what were their roles? And did they accomplish what they set out to do?
Through a variety of program offerings, including costumed demonstrations, hands-on activities, ranger walks, PowerPoint presentations and more, park rangers will delve into the many fascinating aspects of the foundational years of Charles Towne. Program topics and activities will vary and may change due to weather.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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Broken bowls, bone tools and glass beads… These are types of Native American artifacts that archaeologists routinely find at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.
Such artifacts are tangible links to the Native cultures who once occupied this area. When the English arrived in 1670, they brought manufactured trade goods, such as glass beads and hatchets, that signaled a change in the traditional lifeways of local Native American groups, like the Kiawah.
Come participate in a Native American crafts programs where you can make your own clay pot or trade bead necklace. Pre-registration is advised as space is limited.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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Charles Towne Landing is preparing for the Fall arrival of Adventure II, our reproduction 17th-century trading vessel, and we can’t wait to get into the sea-faring spirit! Come join us in August to learn about all things Nautical. Visit with costumed interpreters to hear about the colonists’ stormy passage to Carolina, learn about the trade networks that helped to sustain the Carolina colony, and step into the shoes of a sailor as you learn about navigation and other sailing skills. Take a peek at our new wharf and shipbuilding exhibit under construction. Join us in August for the preview, and don’t forget to return later in the fall to see the completed wharf and help us welcome the long-awaited Adventure II.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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The Edisto River changes season to season, and often week to week. Rainfall changes water levels and flow and seasons change the landscape. What will this float afford? Find out with us as we take a four- to five-hour float on the Edisto River. This program is open to all paddling skill levels. American Canoe Association certified guides with the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Association will provide safety equipment, instruction and a naturalist's eye to make this open float a safe and enjoyable experience.
Canoes and all necessary equipment will be provided. Kayak availability is limited, so call early if you prefer a kayak. Advanced registration is mandatory.
For more information, visit www.edistoriver.org
Colleton State Park
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Before cotton was king and rice reigned supreme, South Carolina colonists struggled to find a cash crop that would provide them with a life of luxury. Colonists experimented with a variety of plants for both produce and profit. Join us at Charles Town Landing for “From Seeds to Shillings: Growing Wealth at Charles Towne”. See costumed interpreters working in the crop garden and ask them what they are growing. Learn how colonial crops were used as medicines, fragrances, and dyes. Talk to the apothecary about health and healing. Experience colonial colors and fragrances as you participate in indigo dying and in making your own sweetbag, a colonial form of perfume. Visit the communal lodging house to see what’s on the menu and watch how an indentured servant would have cooked meals over an open hearth.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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Dig into history at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. Discover how archaeologists see beyond written records and learn about past cultures based on artifacts left behind. Visit us for “Piecing Together the Past with Archaeology” for a first hand look at Charles Towne Landing’s archaeological resources. Meet Charles Towne Landing’s archaeologists and tour dig sites where Native American and colonial finds have been unearthed. Try your own archaeology skills in hands-on programs and learn how flint was used as a weapon, tool, and fire starter. Join us to discover the science of archaeology and the history revealed below the surface.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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The indigo has been grown, the dye has been fermented, and it’s your turn to color the colony indigo-blue. Join us to learn about the history of the plant and dye in South Carolina, then participate in dyeing your own cloth. T-shirts and bandanas for dyeing can be purchased in the gift shop, or you can bring your own from home. Gloves are provided, but you might want to wear clothes you don't mind getting stained with indigo dye.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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The days are getting shorter and colder. The hardwoods are shedding their leaves and the growing season has reached its end. Will Charles Towne survive through the winter? Will there be enough food and resources? Come and see for yourself.
This living history event will not only showcase some of the professional trades that helped support the fledgling colony, but will also focus on other daily-life chores and activities that were essential to the survival and success of Charles Towne.
Visitors will get a sense of what life was like in the early settlement as they interact with costumed interpreters and craftspeople at stations inside the fortified area. Experiences will include colonial foodways, deerskin processing, land surveying, black powder demonstrations, indigo dyeing, cloth weaving, and pottery making.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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December is a month full of traditions, celebrations, and family gatherings. Come to Charles Towne Landing during the month of December and imagine the English colonists’ first Christmas in the New World. Speak with costumed interpreters in the indentured servants’ quarters to learn about traditional English customs and how those may have been modified in the new colony. Visit the Native American Ceremonial center to listen to Native American drumming and hear about the spiritual traditions of the Kiawah. Listen to stories of some of South Carolina’s first African-Americans and the traditions that they brought to Carolina, helping to shape Charles Towne’s culture.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
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 Summerville
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