Explore Native American culture during History Day at SC State Museum

Historians estimate that at least 29 Indian tribes made their home in South Carolina at one time or another and they had quite an influence, not only affecting place names—Waccamaw, Kiawah and Cheraw, for instance, are all named for Indian tribes—but legends as well. One of the most famous is the story of Isaqueena, a Cherokee Indian maiden, who was in love with an English trader and is said to have plunged to her death on the falls near Walhalla that now bear her name rather than return to her tribe.

On a happier note, a follow-up to the story reveals that she may actually have hidden under one of the many ledges that surround the falls and waited for the Indians to leave before reuniting with the Englishman.

Native Americans also paved the way for many South Carolina traditions, including barbecue, which has its roots in the cooking traditions of the Cherokee; and pottery making, which was developed by the Catawbas.

Want to learn more about South Carolina’s Native American heritage? On Saturday, April 2, from 10am until 4pm, the State Museum will hold its 4th annual Native American History Day. The program includes live performances by the Edisto River Singers of the Edisto Natchez Kusso tribe; Catawba tribe members Keith “Little Bear” Brown and Fay Greiner, who are experts in both storytelling and pottery and basketwork techniques; and Cynthia George, who will demonstrate Catawba beadwork. All these artists will have their works for sale.

Dr. Albert Goodyear from the South Carolina Institute of Anthropology and Archeology will also be on hand to discuss Topper Site, a recently discovered 50,000-year-old archeological site located near Allendale.

For more information, scmuseum.org

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 11:34 AM with the headline "Explore Native American culture during History Day at SC State Museum."