South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will help celebrate America’s 250th birthday with two special public events on July 1 at the SCETV studios in Columbia. The events will feature live conversations, historical insight and a preview of SCETV’s upcoming documentary, The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, highlighting South Carolina’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and the enduring legacy of the Southern Campaign.
The day begins with Walter Edgar’s Journal Live: Revolutionary Voices from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will feature a live recording of SC Public Radio’s Walter Edgar’s Journal, followed by a Q&A session and meet-and-greet with host Dr. Walter Edgar, producer and co-host Alfred Turner, and featured guests General Will Grimsley, chair of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), and Molly Fortune, SC250 chief executive officer.
The conversation will explore the work of SC250 and the many ways communities across the state are participating in the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Guests will also discuss South Carolina’s critical role in the Revolutionary War and how battles fought throughout the South helped shape the outcome of the conflict.
Also serving as honorary chair of the SC250 Advisory Council for Scholars, Dr. Edgar hosts two programs on SC Public Radio, Walter Edgar's Journal and South Carolina from A to Z. Dr. Edgar has had a distinguished career as a historian, author and professor at the University of South Carolina, where he served as director of the Institute for Southern Studies and held esteemed academic titles before retiring in 2012. He has written or edited numerous works on South Carolina history, including Partisans & Redcoats: The Southern Conflict that Turned the Tide of the American Revolution and South Carolina: A History.
The evening continues with The Southern Campaign: A Revolutionary Evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m., preceded by a reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The reception will feature a dish from America’s Test Kitchen as part of America’s Potluck launching July 5, a nationwide initiative encouraging communities to come together over a shared meal.
The Southern Campaign: A Revolutionary Evening will feature a premiere screening of The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, which airs July 2 at 8 p.m. on ETV. The documentary explores how South Carolina became the turning point of the American Revolution as fierce backcountry battles shifted the war’s momentum and drove British forces toward defeat at Yorktown. Featuring historians, reenactments and battlefield locations across the Carolinas, viewers will explore the sacrifices, strategy and resilience that shaped America’s fight for independence.
The screening will also include selected clips from The American Revolution, a documentary series by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. The clips highlight themes related to the perspectives explored in The Southern Campaign and provide additional historical context about the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution is a six-part, 12-hour documentary series that examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down as thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence and established a new form of government that reshaped the continent and inspired democratic movements around the globe. A special marathon of The American Revolution will begin airing July 4 at 11:30 p.m. on ETV.
Following the screening, historians and subject-matter experts will participate in a panel discussion moderated by SC Public Radio’s Reagan Knight, local host of All Things Considered, exploring the battles, people and lasting impact of the Revolution in the South.
The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution is produced by SCETV with production funding provided, in part, by the SC250 Commission.
The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution is part of SCETV’s broader efforts to highlight South Carolina’s pivotal role during the American Revolution in honor of the 250th anniversary milestone. In partnership with SC250, SCETV continues to develop content recognizing the moment. SC250’s mission is to commemorate and highlight South Carolina’s role in the conflict by educating, engaging and inspiring both residents and visitors, with programming that spotlights untold stories of individuals whose experiences helped shape America’s future.
In addition to the broadcast, viewers can stream The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and The American Revolution on SCETV.org and PBS.org, as well as through the SCETV app and the PBS app. To view additional SCETV content recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, visit SCETV.org/250.
Both events are free and open to the public. Separate registration is required for Walter Edgar’s Journal Live: Revolutionary Voices and The Southern Campaign: A Revolutionary Evening. Space is limited and early registration is recommended.
QUOTES
“SCETV is honored to mark this milestone by bringing South Carolinians together for thoughtful educational conversations and compelling storytelling centered on the extraordinary contributions of local voices to the founding of our nation. These events reflect SCETV’s commitment to sharing the stories, people and places that continue to shape our understanding of American history and the enduring spirit of the Palmetto State.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“This is an opportunity for South Carolinians to reflect on the people, events and ideals that shaped our nation’s founding. These events commemorate the extraordinary role South Carolina played in the Revolution while encouraging communities across the state to engage with history in meaningful and memorable ways.” –SC250 Chief Executive Officer Molly Fortune
"For me, this documentary represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal reflection on the stories that define South Carolina. As my final film project, it has been especially meaningful to help preserve the legacy of the men and women whose sacrifices during the Southern Campaign helped shape the course of American history for future generations.” –The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Producer Steve Folks
"The Southern Campaign brings together historians, reenactors and preservationists to tell a story that remains vital to understanding how the Revolution was ultimately won. Through powerful locations, expert insight and historical interpretation, the documentary highlights the resilience and determination that defined the fight for independence across the South.” –The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Producer William Richardson
"The Southern Campaign reminds us that many of the defining moments of the American Revolution unfolded here in South Carolina and across the South,” said Walter Edgar. “By exploring these battles, stories and historical perspectives, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of how the Southern Campaign helped shape the outcome of the war and the founding of the nation.” –Walter Edgar’s Journal and South Carolina From A to Z Host Dr. Walter Edgar
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will conclude its America 250 celebration with two complimentary events July 1 at the SCETV studios in Columbia.
- Walter Edgar’s Journal Live: Revolutionary Voices will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and feature a live podcast recording, Q&A session and meet-and-greet with Walter Edgar, Alfred Turner and SC250 leaders.
- The Southern Campaign: A Revolutionary Evening will include a reception, screening of The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and a panel discussion with historians and subject-matter experts.
- The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution premieres July 2 at 8 p.m. on ETV.
- The program is part of SCETV’s broader efforts to highlight the state’s role in the American Revolution. To view SCETV content recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, visit SCETV.org/250.
- Viewers can also stream the program at SCETV.org and PBS.org, as well as through the SCETV app and the PBS app.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About SC250
Chartered by the SC General Assembly in 2018 … “which shall have the authority and responsibility to plan and execute, insofar as authorized and funded by the General Assembly, a proper observance of the Sestercentennial of the American Revolution in South Carolina, and in cooperation with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust; a national organization, if any; and other similar commemorative organizations in other states. This proper observance of the Sestercentennial must include the role of persons of African-American descent in the Revolutionary War.”
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
