The South Carolina State Museum is set to explore the rich history and future of Black culinary traditions with its fall series, Harvesting Heritage. In collaboration with award-winning Chef Amethyst Ganaway, the museum will host three after-hours events that delve into the creativity, innovation, and artistry of Black foodways across the state.
“I’m thrilled to share this series with South Carolina and beyond, as we tell the stories of Black communities here,” said Chef Ganaway. “These events will showcase the delicious food of our coastal regions and the Upstate, made by people from those areas. We’ll also have engaging conversations with panelists, providing an opportunity to highlight the diverse regions of our state.”
The series kicks off on August 17 with Harvesting Heritage: Coastal Connections, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event will focus on seafood, sustainability, and the health of local ecosystems, featuring the stories and experiences of Black workers along South Carolina’s waterways and coastlines. Attendees will enjoy a crab crack reception with ingredients sourced from Black farmers and fishermen. Special guests include Tia Clark, owner of Casual Crabbing with Tia, and Terrell Brown, a fourth-generation Gullah oysterman and owner of Brown Oyster Supply Co.
Upcoming Fall Events:
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Harvesting Heritage: Upstate Fusion – September 21
This event will explore indigenous and African American culinary traditions and the concept of “third spaces” for Black communities in the Upstate. It will feature a cooking demonstration and food samples from various South Carolina culinary experts. -
Harvesting Heritage: Black Appalachia – November 16
Focusing on the foodways, music, and cultural traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this event will include a panel discussion on techniques like canning and preserving farmed ingredients.
Chef Ganaway, who hails from North Charleston, has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Food & Wine. Specializing in Southern and African American foodways, she uses her platform to tell the stories of the region’s history, culture, and cuisine. She was recently named the 2024 Chef of the Year at the Wine and Culture Fest Roses and Rosé Awards.
Tickets for each event, including the August 17 Coastal Connections, are $60 for the general public and $48 for museum members. A series ticket, covering all three events, is available for $150 for the general public and $120 for museum members. Tickets include event activities, food, and a drink voucher, and can be purchased at scmuseum.org.
Photo from SC Museum.