Home to a wealth of folk traditions, South Carolina is culturally and geographically diverse. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Sea Islands and from rural crossroads to urban centers, the state boasts rich sources of traditional culture and folklore. Rooted in family and community activities, folklife involves expressive forms of many kinds that are communicated verbally and by observation or imitation. Folk artists can learn through apprenticeships, but most often are taught informally by family members or close friends. This sharing of information can occur in many different group settings - familial, occupational, religious, social, and educational. Folklife is dynamic by nature, a part of a community's history that continues to develop every day, with every generation.
Digital Traditions was developed to provide access to the Folklife Resource Center (FRC) at McKissick Museum. For thirty years, deeply rooted traditions like quilting, pottery, basketry, communal foodways, and folk music have been documented through audio, video, and photography. For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.
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Quilting Ms. Audrey Liddle is a shop owner and quilter in Lexington County. She learned the art of making quilts from her grandmother in Pennsylvania. She started when she was just six years old and...
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The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture at the College of Charleston is the recipient of the Advocacy award for the preservation and promotion of the folk history and...
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The document includes transcripts for Barbara McCormick's audio.
Audio
Henrietta Snype talks about her dependence on her basketmaking tool.
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Gospel group that sang in the Sunday afternoon “Gospel Extravaganza” portion of the Williamsburg County Black Heritage Festival in Kingstree, SC.
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Mill bands were the brass bands of the day and were later replaced by high school bands
