This year’s thematic session is The Archaeology of the American Revolution in South Carolina. As this year’s conference coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this thematic session will spotlight archaeological research pertaining to the Revolutionary War and South Carolina’s role in American independence.

The keynote address will be a presentation by joint speakers John Allison and Dr. Steven Smith. Mr. Allison and Dr. Smith are long-time collaborators in historical preservation and the archaeology of the American Revolution. John Allison is Vice Chairman of the South Carolina American Revolution Trust and a founding member of the Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution Journal, as well as the 2023 recipient of the ASSC Archaeologist of the Year award. He has spent decades using archaeology to locate and document lost Revolutionary War battlefield sites in South Carolina. His process of “ground-truthing” these sites using historical records and archaeological methods will be the focus of his keynote presentation.

Dr. Steven Smith is a research professor at the University of South Carolina Department of Anthropology and South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA). His research has centered on military and conflict archaeology in the southeastern United States, with a particular focus on sites of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. Dr. Smith’s keynote presentation will give a historical overview of the Southern campaign of the American Revolution.

Conference attendees are invited to join us for some exciting outside events offered by the ASSC in partnership with our colleagues at The Warren Lasch Conservation Center, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, and The Charleston Museum. For a registration fee of $30.00, you will receive tickets to guided tours with research staff and archaeologists for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the important archaeological and conservation work that goes on at these three sites. Tour capacity is limited to 40 guests, so register now to secure your spot!

Warren Lasch Conservation Center

Friday, March 6th at 3:00 pm
1250 Supply Street
Building 255
North Charleston, SC 29405
Join WLCC Director Dr. Stéphanie Cretté and research staff for a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-class Warren Lasch conservation lab. Attendees will be able to view the Civil War submarine H.L. Hunley and associated artifacts, as well as other ongoing conservation projects from across the state.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Sunday, March 8th, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
1500 Old Towne Rd
Charleston, SC 29407
Visit Charles Towne Landing on Sunday for a tour of the site’s ongoing archaeological excavations with State Parks Archaeologist Nicole Isenbarger. Charles Towne Landing is the site of the earliest permanent English settlement in South Carolina, established in 1670. Nicole will lead tours showcasing the history of the property and the latest archaeological work at the site. Registrants may choose to attend either the morning or afternoon timeslot.

The Charleston Museum

Sunday, March 8th, 12:00 pm
360 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29403
John Fisher, Curator of Archaeology at The Charleston Museum, will be leading a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum’s storeroom and curation facilities. Guests will have an opportunity to view off-exhibit collections from across the Lowcountry, from both collectors and professional excavations alike.

The Charleston Museum: Heyward-Washington House

Sunday, March 8th, 4:00 pm
87 Church St
Charleston, SC 29403
The Charleston Museum will also offer a guided tour of the Heyward-Washington House museum, a key early house in downtown Charleston. The current house dates to 1772 and belonged to Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the four signers of the Declaration of Independence from South Carolina. The tour will cover the history of the standing structures, as well as previous archaeological work that uncovered contexts dating back to the early 18th century.

Tour tickets at all facilities may also be used for self-guided tours for those unable to make the time slots. The ticket package will also be available for self-guided tours only once the guided tour slots are filled. More information to follow at the 52nd Annual Conference, where tickets will also be available for purchase as space allows.

Please direct any inquiries to info@archaeologysc.org.

Conference Venue:

The Charleston Museum
360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Lodging:

A Google search using the Charleston Museum’s address (above) will give you a good sense of the available hotel options and their proximity to the venue. With the Museum’s location in the heart of the Charleston peninsula, proximity comes with a cost! The following is a list of suggested hotels at a range of price points and locations:

Special Group Rate:

Candlewood Suites Charleston – Mt. Pleasant
400 Magrath Darby Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 972-6106

A small block of 10 rooms is available at the Candlewood Suites Charleston – Mt. Pleasant at a special conference rate of $189, plus tax. These rooms will be held until February 28th. Click here to reserve a room at the conference rate while availability lasts.

Walking Distance to the Conference Venue:

Embassy Suites – Charleston Historic District
337 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-6900
CHSES_GM@hilton.com
Located directly on Marion Square on the original Citadel campus.

Hampton Inn Charleston – Historic District
345 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-4000
CHSHD_Hampton@hilton.com
As close as it gets – right across the street from the Charleston Museum.

The Dewberry
334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
843-558-8000
reservations@dewberryhotels.com
Premium hotel with all the bells and whistles (including a delightful rooftop tiki bar).

A Bit Further Afield:

Holiday Inn Charleston – Riverview
301 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407
843-556-7100
CHSRVFrontOfficeManager@northph.com
Known to locals as the “Round Hotel,” offering a complimentary downtown shuttle and a top-floor restaurant and bar with lovely views.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Charleston Downtown – WestEdge
250 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403
843-722-4000
CHSLDGeneralManger@northph.com

SpringHill Suites – Charleston Riverview
98 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407
843-571-1711
Offers a paid shuttle service to downtown Charleston.

Even Further, but Close to the Warren Lasch Center and Happy Hour Venue:

The Starlight Motor Inn
3245 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405
843-874-2843
info@starlightchs.com
A newly renovated mid-century hotel with the kitschy Burgundy Lounge, and close to chef Shuai Wang’s King BBQ.

Hotel Circulo
4431 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston, SC
843-625-7799
stay@hotelcirculo-pc.com
New independent hotel within walking distance of Holy City Brewing.

Drury Plaza Hotel – North Charleston
2934 West Montague, North Charleston, SC 29418
843-938-1503
New hotel near the Outlet Mall and Top Golf with nightly complimentary happy hour and food.

TownePlace Suites – Charleston Airport/Convention Center
5001 Fashion Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29418
843-990-7777

Support the ASSC by purchasing a sponsorship for this year’s 52nd Annual Conference on South Carolina Archaeology. Sponsorships are available at the following tiers:

Wando River Sponsor ($250):

• Logo in conference program
• Session sponsorship
• Free booth/vendor space outside the auditorium
• 3 free admission passes

Cooper River Sponsor ($150):

• Logo in conference program
• Session sponsorship
• 2 free admission passes

Ashley River Sponsor ($75):

• Logo in conference program
• 1 free admission pass

Booth/vendor spaces at the conference are also available for non-sponsors for $100.

Please contact Jeff Sherard (jeffsherard@brockingtoncrm.com) with inquiries.