Digital Traditions

General - Traditional Arts

Home to a wealth of folk traditions, South Carolina is culturally and geographically diverse.  From the Appalachian Mountains to the Sea Islands and from rural crossroads to urban centers, the state boasts rich sources of traditional culture and folklore. Rooted in family and community activities, folklife involves expressive forms of many kinds that are communicated verbally and by observation or imitation.  Folk artists can learn through apprenticeships, but most often are taught informally by family members or close friends. This sharing of information can occur in many different group settings - familial, occupational, religious, social, and educational. Folklife is dynamic by nature, a part of a community's history that continues to develop every day, with every generation.  

Digital Traditions was developed to provide access to the Folklife Resource Center (FRC) at McKissick Museum.  For thirty years, deeply rooted traditions like quilting, pottery, basketry, communal foodways, and folk music have been documented through audio, video, and photography. For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.

Veronica Gerald | Digital Traditions
Veronica Gerald | Digital Traditions

Photo

Veronica Gerald’s familiarity with the South Carolina Gullah culture extends well beyond her professional career of researching and teaching about this unique community. One could say she has spent...
Wade Leitner Photos | Digital Traditions
Wade Leitner Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Over 40 years ago, Wade Leitner decided to make himself a guitar after seeing one in a downtown Columbia pawn shop. Although his first effort became only a conversation piece, this longtime Lexington...
Walter Lee Cornelison Photos | Digital Traditions
Walter Lee Cornelison Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Walter Lee Cornelison is a fifth-generation potter, turning wares in Bybee Pottery - Kentucky’s sole surviving traditional pottery. Cornelison turns on a wheel set up inside the old log pot shop while...
We Need a Way | Digital Traditions

Audio

One of the services of a week-long tent revival in 1988 in McCormick, SC (McCormick County). The evangelist is Charles Booker Jr. of Johnston, SC (Edgefield County)