Ninety Six National Historic Site
"Lifeways Of The Cherokee Indians
And Colonial Settlers"

Event Scheduled For: April, 2002

Something new and different is on the way to the Ninety Six National Historic Site in April of 2002.  The new "Lifeways" program will feature dozens of living history participants who will take visitors back to the South Carolina frontier of the 1750's.  Through featured historic talks, special music, and authentic craft and skills presentations, visitors will be given a rare glimpse into the everyday lifestyles of settlers, African Americans and Native Americans.

By the early 1700's Ninety Six was the crossroads center for colonial travel and settlement in western South Carolina.  Within a few years hundreds of Europeans and freed and enslaved Africans were carving out homes in the wilderness.  Through a fascinating variety of everyday life skills they adapted to the rugged frontier by building sturdy log houses, planting crops and raising livestock.  The native Cherokees felt threatened by these new inhabitants who were encroaching on their established hunting lands.  This blending of cultures proved to be far from harmonious.

Visitors are invited to participate in the many exciting activities planned in the encampment area which is open from 10 am to 5pm on Saturday and from 10 am  to 3 pm on Sunday.  Colonial life programs to be presented include storytelling, 18th century dentistry, children's games, candlemaking, beehive oven baking, 18th century fashion show, African-American songs and storytelling and much more.  Historic Cherokee culture will come to life through presentations with storytelling, legends, blowgun demonstrations and clothing talks.
Also featured will be a variety of 18th century music presented by talented performers from across the southeast.  At the last "Lifeways" programs, several individuals assisted with the program.  John Golden of Wilmington, North Carolina is well known for his folk and ballad singing.  Ken Bloom of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina demonstrated crafts and plays several musical instruments from the 1700's.  Ron and Connie Aylor of Atlanta, Georgia demonstrated the use of fifes and drums during America's colonial era.

Several highlights rounded out the weekend's activities.  On Sunday morning, an 18th century church service with music took place at the park's circa 1787 log house at 9:00am.  Doyle Moore of Summerfield, NC brought to life Ninety Six Indian trader Robert Gouedy.  Kitty Wilson-Evans of Lancaster, SC told of African-American life during the colonial era through drama, music and games.

Additionally, South Carolina 3^rd District Congressman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) visited the historic site on Saturday.  Visitors were  invited to hear him discuss the importance that South Carolina played in America's development during the colonial period.  This presentation was at 4:00 in the park's auditorium.

The park will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm both days.  Visitors are also invited to walk the one-mile interpretive trail to view reconstructed siegeworks, the Star Fort (redoubt) , colonial townsite and the Stockade Fort.  The visitor center features a newly renovated museum with artifacts, displays and a gift shop which offers for sale a wide selection of books and souvenirs.  Ninety Six National Historic Site is administered by the National Park Service.  It is located on SC Highway 248 two miles south of Ninety Six in Greenwood County.  In case of inclement weather some activities may be cancelled or rescheduled.  For more information call (864) 543-4068 .  There is no admission charge.