Digital Traditions

Home to a wealth of folk traditions, South Carolina is culturally and geographically diverse.

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.

More in this Series

Photo

Grades

Higher Education

Old Morrisville Brass Band Photos | Digital Traditions

The Old Morrisville Brass Band of Andrews, under the leadership of the late Isaac Davis, has kept the African-American community tradition of brass bands alive. In many rural African-American...

Photo

Grades

Deacon Robert E. Nelson Sr, Photos | Digital Traditions

For the last century, African-American churches in McCormick, Greenwood and Edgefield counties have maintained a fellowship of song through the Springfield Baptist Singing Convention. Led for 25 years...

Photo

Grades

Higher Education

Moving Star Hall Singers Photos | Digital Traditions

The Moving Star Hall Singers of Johns Island, Charleston County, are nationally recognized for their important contributions to African-American musical heritage. They are a multi-generational family...

Photo

Grades

Higher Education

Malloy Family Singers Photos | Digital Traditions

The Malloy Family Singers, of Chesterfield in Chesterfield County, have been performing gospel music together for over twenty years. Their repertoire encompasses traditional and contemporary music of...

You’ve Got a Friend | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

Higher Education

You’ve Got a Friend | Digital Traditions

Lorenzo Conyers and his three young sons perform original gospel arrangements during the Sunday afternoon “Gospel Extravaganza” portion of the Williamsburg County Black Heritage Festival in Kingstree...