Digital Traditions

General - Traditional Arts

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.

Hallelujah Singers Photos | Digital Traditions
Hallelujah Singers Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Enslaved West Africans who were brought to the South Carolina and Georgia coasts came to an area where plantations were geographically isolated and owners were often absent. These conditions allowed...
Hard Luck Blues | Alda Smith | Digital Traditions

Audio

Ralph Smith performing on Country Earle's WAGI radio program in 1955. Ralph was well-known for his "talking blues" and played many of the same songs as upstate blues musician and talking blues pioneer...
Harold Vernon Riddle Photos | Digital Traditions
Harold Vernon Riddle Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Harold Vernon Riddle played the fiddle for well over fifty years. He was first exposed to the rural folk music of upstate South Carolina in the mill village of Glendale where he was born. He heard...