Menu
Search
Browse by Grade & Subjects

Grade

Subjects

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.

Resource Type
Charles Summer Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
Charles Summer Photos | Digital Traditions
Mr. Charles Summer was from a small cotton mill town in Union County. His father was a master fiddler and, consequently, Charles did not even recall the first time he heard the fiddle being played. It...
Gracie's Waltz | J.C. Owens | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Gracie's Waltz | J.C. Owens | Digital Traditions
Written by Owens, this waltz showcases his ability to play slow tempo tunes as well as faster reels and dance numbers. Recorded at the "Fiddle Traditions" CD Release Party at the Spartanburg County...
Harriet Bailem Brown Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
Harriet Bailem Brown Photos | Digital Traditions
Brown was no stranger to sweetgrass basketmaking. She was part of a family of eight generations of basket makers, with four of those generations still practicing today. Harriet made baskets for over...
Craven Pottery Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
Craven Pottery Photos | Digital Traditions
John V. Craven opened the original Craven Pottery in White County, Georgia in 1850. Several generations later, Billy Joe Craven (b. 1947) returned to the family tradition and established the current...
Fiddle Styles | Nick Hallman | Digital Traditions Shady Grove | Nick Hallman | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Shady Grove | Nick Hallman | Digital Traditions
Traditional tune from Hallman's 1973 album "Doublepicks." This number showcases Hallman's virtuosity on the guitar and his proficiency playing in the "flat pick" or "double pick" style.