History department to offer lecture series featuring Walter Edgar Jan. 12–April 20

Colonial South Carolina's rise to prominence among the British colonies and the realities of plantation life will be among the topics addressed in a public lecture series featuring historian and author Walter Edgar. Sponsored by USC's history department, the lectures will be on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 12 through April 20 at the South Carolina Archives and History Center on Parklane Road in Northeast Columbia. Cost to attend the series is $50 per person, with proceeds benefiting teaching and scholarly activities in the USC history department. "This series of lectures offers a great opportunity for members of the community to learn more about our state's fascinating history from the pre-eminent historian of South Carolina's past," says Patrick Maney, history department chairman. The spring lectures series is the first of three annual series on South Carolina history to be hosted by the department. The 2005 series is titled “South Carolina: That Opulent...and Very Important Colony" and will examine topics such as the contest for dominance by Spain, France and England in the 16th century, the rise of South Carolina to become the jewel among British North American colonies, the realities of plantation life and where the best food in Charleston could be found in 1720. The 2006 series will cover South Carolina history from 1769 to 1890, and the 2007 series will go to the present. Space is limited to 200, so early registration is encouraged. To register, send check payable to the USC Educational Foundation to the attention of "S.C. Lecture Series," history department, Gambrell Hall, USC, Columbia, SC 29208. Questions should be directed to the department of history at 7-5195 OR 7-4495 or by e-mail to maney@sc.edu. Edgar is well-known for his award-winning book, "South Carolina, A History" and "Walter Edgar's Journal," which he hosts on South Carolina Educational Radio. 1/05