The Power of Restoration
What We Can Learn from Successful Efforts of Cultural and Historic Restoration on the Sea Islands
The Progressive Club
- Founded by Esau Jenkins in 1948
- Served purposes of recreation, community activism, and cultural enrichment
- Residents and community members are actively working towards restoration.
The Seashore Farmers' Lodge 767
- Organization founded in 1911
- Building erected around 1915
- Served as meeting place, church, and school
- Provided farmers' education, life insurance, and crop insurance
Fears of Dilapidation
- Eventually, the Lodge fell into disuse.
- After years of disuse, dilapidation became a very possible reality.
- Community members conceived a vision of restoration.
The Power of Community
- The Sol Legare community was joined by other individuals who shared their vision.
- A number of grants were awarded to the restoration project.
- $55,000 grant from the Town of James Island
The Power of Community
The Power of Community
The Power of Community
The Power of Community
As the restoration project progressed, members of the Sol Legare community pooled resources, formed a volunteer committee, and collected artifacts so that in April of 2011, the Seashore Farmers’ Lodge Museum and Cultural Center could open to the public.
A Museum and Cultural Center
- fosters awareness around the coastal African Americans' contributions to the world
- public programs include concerts, family days, storytelling events, and Civil War reenactments
- listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- contains a diorama commemorating Battery Wagner battle
