LATEST NEWS
Dig In to Fossils!
Budding paleontologists of all ages will love exploring the “Harry and Penny Batten Hands-on Fossil Education” collection at the Dorchester Heritage Center.
The pirates are returning to the Lowcountry this summer at the Dorchester Heritage Center
Guests of all ages can explore an all-new pirate-themed display while learning about pirates and their influence on the Lowcountry. Visitors can also partake in an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the museum, created to make history exciting and entertaining for kids and families.
May Discovery Series to Feature Rachel Barnett
We are pleased to host Rachel Gordin Barnett, Executive Director of the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina, as part of the Dorchester Heritage Center’s Discovery Series. The program will be held on May 26 at the Dorchester County Library, Ashley River Branch from 6:00-7:30 pm.
Rosie Recap-Announcing Our Car Show Winners!
Our annual showcase of classic and vintage cars was a display of timeless design, craftsmanship, innovation, and a plethora of polished chrome!
Introducing Field Trips, Customized to Support Your Curriculum
Teachers, did you know that you can design your own field trip with the Dorchester Heritage Center? We will work with you to brainstorm and design a hands-on educational experience that will bring your South Carolina history curriculum to life.
New Exhibit This Spring
A Store at Every Crossroads: Documenting the Stories of South Carolina’s Jewish Merchants is a traveling exhibition - at the Dorchester Heritage Center.
Field Trip Fridays Planned for Homeschool Groups and Families
Homeschoolers, mark your calendars for an educational field trip! Join us on the 4th Friday of every month, as we offer special hands-on programming for homeschool groups, designed to bring local history and culture to life.
Community Trail Project – SURVEY
SURVEY IS CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT! As part of our planning efforts and upcoming grant applications, we are seeking community feedback on the future trail system at the Dorchester Heritage Center. Your input will help guide decisions about trail features,...
Expanded Market in the Meadow Opens Season on February 7
Market in the Meadow will officially open for the 2026 season on February 7, 2026, offering a refreshed and vibrant weekly market experience. Shoppers can expect traditional farmers market favorites alongside an expanded selection of retail and artisan offerings.
Turn Up the Heat! Chili Cookoff Planned for March 1
Turn up the heat, fine tune your secret recipes, and join us to show off your culinary skills! We’re challenging our community to prepare and share their best chili dishes on National Chili Day, March 1.
The Food We Celebrate – A New Exhibit for the New Year
Developed by the South Carolina State Museum and South Carolina Humanities, this new traveling exhibition will be on display at The Dorchester Heritage Center from January 7 until March 27. Join us to learn about the history of the unique foods from communities in South Carolina.
Save the Date! Annual Rosie the Riveter Car Show Set for March 14
On March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., we'll honor Rosie the Riveter during our annual car show! Rosie represents the strength, independence, and patriotism of American women during World War II. During this period in history, women broke through stereotypes...
Dorchester Heritage Center’s Annual Quilt Show Re-cap: Bigger and Better Than Ever!
It was an honor to showcase the skill and creativity of quilters who tell their stories through this traditional craft. With added categories, so many beautiful entries, and an opportunity to purchase heirloom quality quilts, we attracted visitors from all over the region.
Dorchester Heritage Foundation Receives Coastal Community Foundation Grant
We are pleased to share that the Dorchester Heritage Foundation has been awarded a grant from the Coastal Community Foundation (CCF) in the amount of $3,000. This grant will significantly expand opportunities for students and the public to engage with local history. Our vision is to create a dedicated space where educators can...
Dorchester Heritage Center Celebrates a Historic Groundbreaking in Ridgeville
The Dorchester Heritage Center reached an exciting milestone this month as community leaders, supporters, partners, and neighbors gathered in Ridgeville to officially break ground on our new state-of-the-art facility. This moment has been years in the making, and...
Congrats Katelyn Wagers: Chamber Ambassador for 2025/2026
The Dorchester Heritage Center is proud to celebrate our very own Katelyn Wagers, Director of Membership & Annual Giving, on being named a Chamber Ambassador for the 2025/2026 term with the Greater Summerville Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber...
African American Fiber Art Exhibit at Dorchester Heritage Center
Open August 5 through September 26, this limited-time exhibit features 26 unique works, all thoughtfully curated to highlight the depth and diversity of fiber artistry in the African American community.
DHC’s 8th Annual Quilt Show
Join us December 2 - 6 for Dorchester Heritage Center's 8th annual Quilt Show! There are a few changes this year that include quilt size limitations, new categories, and the ability to sell quilts. Rules of entry: Registration is a first come basis....
Pirates in the Lowcountry
Were there pirates in South Carolina? Yes, there were! In the Spring of 1718 piracy became a major problem for Charles Town and its leaders because it was a direct challenge to good order and the rule of law, and it involved none other than Blackbeard, the...
April Discovery Series: The Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe Today
The Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe, with ancestral roots along the Edisto River, has been an integral part of South Carolina's inland Lowcountry. In the upcoming April Discovery Series, Chief Reverend Dr. John G. Creel, MD, FAAFP, will discuss his forthcoming book detailing the tribe's recent history.
Federal Funding Cut Impacts Native American History Exhibit
We regret to share that our federal grant supporting the permanent Native American history and culture exhibit at the Dorchester Heritage Center has been unexpectedly terminated. While we are deeply disappointed by this decision, our commitment to honoring and...
DHC Discovery Series with Middleton Place Foundation
We're excited to share our Discovery Series talk with the Middleton Place Foundation on March 20! This Discovery Series event features Jeff Sherard from Brockington and Associates. We will hear a discussion on the Inland Lowcountry indigenous experience along...
On Live5 News: DHC Receives Grant for Native American Exhibit
The Dorchester Heritage Center is excited to receive a $25,000 federal grant from National Endowment for the Humanities to expand and build Native American exhibits on site. Live5 News interviewed Robert Sherman, the Director of Museum Operations. Sherman says he...
Dorchester Heritage Center Awarded $25,000 for New Native American Exhibit
Dorchester, SC — The Dorchester Heritage Center is honored to announce a generous grant award of $25,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of their initiative to fund Public Impact Projects at Smaller Organizations. This grant will...
Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe 48th Annual Pow-Wow
Come discover with us! The Dorchester Heritage Center is excited to host the 48th Annual Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe Pow-Wow from April 25-26. You'll have the chance to enjoy music, dancing, arts, and native ware and crafts. This event is open to the public. It will...
Primitive or Profound? African Art & Its Influence
"I have felt my strongest artistic emotions when suddenly confronted with the sublime beauty of sculptures executed by the anonymous artists of Africa. These works of a religious, passionate, and rigorously logical art are the most powerful and most beautiful...
NEW DATE Discovery Series: Resilience & Revolution Exhibit
Come experience a unique opportunity to explore highlights from the South Carolina State Museum’s traveling exhibit, Resilience & Revolution! Join the Dorchester Heritage Center (DHC) for a captivating program celebrating the rich history and enduring...
Traveling Exhibit: Resilience & Revolution
The Dorchester Heritage Center is excited to showcase a traveling exhibit from the South Carolina State Museum. The collection, Resilience & Revolution, features native peoples in 18th century South Carolina. Starting this January, explore the struggles...
Give the Gift of History This Holiday Season!
This holiday season, we invite you to Give the Gift of History and celebrate the rich heritage of Dorchester County. Whether it’s through a donation or a membership your support helps preserve the stories, artifacts, and legacy of our community for generations to come.
Your gift ensures that we can continue to inspire, educate, and honor the past while building a brighter future.
Rosie the Riveter Day and Car Show 2025
March 22, 2025
10 am - 2 pm
964 US Hwy 78 Ridgeville
South Carolina 29471
PAST EVENTS
Rosie Recap-Announcing Our Car Show Winners!
Our annual showcase of classic and vintage cars was a display of timeless design, craftsmanship, innovation, and a plethora of polished chrome!
New Exhibit This Spring
A Store at Every Crossroads: Documenting the Stories of South Carolina’s Jewish Merchants is a traveling exhibition - at the Dorchester Heritage Center.
Dorchester Heritage Center’s Annual Quilt Show Re-cap: Bigger and Better Than Ever!
It was an honor to showcase the skill and creativity of quilters who tell their stories through this traditional craft. With added categories, so many beautiful entries, and an opportunity to purchase heirloom quality quilts, we attracted visitors from all over the region.
Dorchester Heritage Center Celebrates a Historic Groundbreaking in Ridgeville
The Dorchester Heritage Center reached an exciting milestone this month as community leaders, supporters, partners, and neighbors gathered in Ridgeville to officially break ground on our new state-of-the-art facility. This moment has been years in the making, and...
Give the Gift of History This Holiday Season!
This holiday season, we invite you to Give the Gift of History and celebrate the rich heritage of Dorchester County. Whether it’s through a donation or a membership your support helps preserve the stories, artifacts, and legacy of our community for generations to come.
Your gift ensures that we can continue to inspire, educate, and honor the past while building a brighter future.
A Heartfelt Thank You: Donor Appreciation Night at the Dorchester Heritage Center
This October, the Dorchester Heritage Center hosted a memorable Donor Appreciation Night at the Candle Light Pavilion at Summerville Country Club. The evening was a celebration of our generous supporters whose contributions continue to make a lasting impact on preserving the rich history of Dorchester County.
Dorchester Heritage Center Hosting Quilt Show
The Dorchester Heritage Center is accepting entries for their annual upcoming Quilt Show.
Discovery Series – August Event
Come enjoy patriotic poetry from Dorchester County's first Poet Laureate
Discovery Series – July Event
Join us for our July Discovery Series, focusing on the Vietnam War Memorial Traveling Wall.
Dorchester Heritage Center Hiring Two Director Positions
The Dorchester Heritage Center is looking to hire a Director of Membership and Annual Giving and a Director of Museum Operations.



































