1 of 2
Photo by Andrew Haworth
2 of 2
On display
Kayleigh Vaughn, director of exhibitions and programs, exams a “Battle of Honey Hill” diorama that outlines the Civil War clash that took place not far from the Morris Center.
Photo by Andrew Haworth
Drivers passing through Ridgeland in Jasper County on Highway 17 might feel like they’ve been transported back in time when they catch a glimpse of the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage.
The immaculately restored 1937 Sinclair service station features a pair of antique gas pumps cheerfully touting “Dino” gas. The bright white exterior and red roof welcome guests inside, where they are invited to learn about South Carolina’s Lowcountry, free of charge.
Since 2015, the Morris Center has celebrated the history and culture of the region, primarily Hampton, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties. The museum features rotating exhibitions and one permanent display, “The Battle of Honey Hill,” that tells the story of a Civil War battle that occurred only about three miles away.
“Enjoy the culture the community has to offer,” Executive Director Tamara Herring says. “And be willing to learn about other cultures.”
The center’s current main exhibition, “Soul of the South,” is running until June 2022 and tells the story of how musical genres—native American, gospel, jazz, blues, country and folk—came to define Southern culture. The exhibition was a natural fit for the culturally diverse region, says Kayleigh Vaughn, director of exhibitions and programs.
“We’re a melting pot,” Vaughn says. “These musical genres come from this collaborative spirit.”
The exhibit celebrates the importance of juke joints, where people gathered to listen to music, many of which were black-owned establishments. The word “juke”—meaning “wicked”—comes from the Lowcountry’s Gullah culture, Vaughn says. The exhibition includes artifacts ranging from early African instruments to Native American drums, a jukebox, and many panels featuring local stories and images of South Carolina musicians, radio stations and concert halls.
The heritage of Ridgeland itself is woven into the fabric of American music. Well-known instrument manufacturer Gretsch operates a plant in Ridgeland that makes drums. They are a sponsor of “Soul of the South,” and some of their instruments are on display along with a history of the company.
A new traveling exhibit, “The Supper Table,” is scheduled to be on display July 9 through Dec. 31, honoring historical South Carolina women whose contributions to American culture have gone largely uncelebrated. On loan from The Jasper Project, the exhibit gives its subjects a literal “seat at the table” with portraits by artist Kirkland Smith arranged around a table built by sculptor Jordan Morris. Twelve S.C. filmmakers, all women, contributed short interpretive films of the honorees that play on a loop in the gallery.
“With this exhibit, we wanted to highlight the diversity of our community and present some exciting, vibrant artists whose stories need to be heard,” Herring says.
Developed by The Athenaeum Press, “A War on Two Fronts” documents the experiences of the 1.4 million African Americans fighting during World War II. Visitors can listen to original audio and video interviews, look at archival photos and documents, and learn about Buffalo and Blue Helmet soldiers who are featured in the exhibit. This exhibition runs through Aug. 13.
The permanent “Battle of Honey Hill” exhibition features artifacts, a display of both Confederate and Union uniforms, text panels illustrating the timeline of the battle, a video, and a detailed diorama.
During Maj. Gen. William Sherman’s march through South Carolina, a Union expedition led by Brig. Gen. John Hatch attempted to cut off the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. Union troops encountered a determined Confederate blockade at Honey Hill, a few miles from Grahamville, led by Col. Charles Colcock. During a day of fighting, more than 80 Union soldiers perished—10 times that of the Confederates—but the battle was considered a stalemate that merely delayed the eventual Union capture of Savannah.
Notably, nearly half the soldiers in this battle were African Americans from the 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments and the U.S. Colored Troops, Vaughn says. A black soldier who fought in the battle, Andrew Jackson Smith, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001.
To supplement the physical exhibits, the museum frequently offers classes and lectures tied to regional history. Workshops are offered on drawing, painting, indigo dyeing, mosaics, bookbinding and more. Activities are generally free or offered at a very low cost.
The Morris Center was the dream of Danny Morris, a local businessman who grew up in the Tillman community near Ridgeland. Morris opened an antique refinishing business, restored old buildings and was an active member of the Jasper County Historical Society. He especially wanted to preserve the history and culture of the Lowcountry. He passed away in 2005 at age 53, but as part of his legacy, the Morris Center was founded to celebrate the region’s past, present and future. His vision remains the “guiding light” for the center’s administration.
“He just wanted to ensure the residents in the community he called home would have access to the same history that enriched his life,” Herring says.
Morris Center advisory board member Leslie Natoli says the museum’s contributions to the community “cannot be understated.” Her favorite exhibits have been “Black Gold,” which featured handmade award-winning quilts from black artists in South Carolina, and the “Homegrown Heroes” exhibition featuring historical accounts from local World War II veterans.
“Many people see this as an ongoing place to learn, to grow, to socialize, to try new things, and above all, to be welcomed,” says Natoli, a retired teacher. “The center has worked very hard to be all-inclusive—honoring diverse ethnic groups and highlighting their contributions to our way of life.”
Recent visitor Gene Bigelow, a Sun City resident who has lived in the South for more than 50 years, says museums help visitors “get to the heart of a place.” He was joined by his wife, Andrea, and daughter Maureen Harris.
“That’s why places like this are important, because they give the identity of where we come from,” Bigelow says. “It’s such an exciting place—the thrill of seeing these artifacts, the history here, talking with people—plus we come up for the lectures and presentations they have.”
“We’re all history buffs. We came over for the Battle of Honey Hill exhibition,” Harris says. “It’s very nicely presented, and there’s always something interesting to learn about these events that occurred.”
The museum is looking to expand with additional renovations and facilities in the future, Herring says. Since the start of the pandemic, many sessions and lectures have gone virtual. While the museum is back open for in-person visits, they do plan to continue virtual lectures to bring in guests who may be located far away. All the previous virtual content can be viewed on their Facebook page.
“We just want to continue to grow and offer the community what they need,” Herring says.
___
Get There
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is located at 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd in Ridgeland.
Hours: Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free, though donations are welcome. Free parking is available on South Main Street and Jacob Smart Blvd.
Details: For more information, call (843) 284-9227 or visit morrisheritagecenter.org.