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.
Photo
The story of two camp meetings, Indian Field and neighboring Shady Grove, is the story of the role religion has played in the shaping of rural life in the Lowcountry. The earliest camp meetings were...
Audio
One of the services of a week-long tent revival in 1988 in McCormick, SC (McCormick County). The evangelist is Charles Booker Jr. of Johnston, SC (Edgefield County)
Audio
Brackett playing fiddle and singing from the "Fiddle Traditions" recording produced by Hairy Toe Productions. Leonard Brackett on banjo and John Fowler on guitar.
Audio
From the album "Cross-Country Swing" by Roger Bellow and Paul Anastasio, 1999. This is a Tommy Duncan number from 1951. Bellow - guitar and vocals, Paul Anastasio - fiddle, Ray Wood - non-pedal steel...
Audio
Song excerpt from Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters Anthology
