Join Us For These Upcoming Events!
Thursday · April 24
Unsung: William Moultrie and the Battle of Sullivan's Island
at Sunrise Presbyterian Church
Have you ever wondered why the story of William Moultrie and the Battle of Sullivan's Island is so little-known outside of our area, despite being one of the pivotal events of the early American Revolution? Well, so did Sullivan's Islander, native Minnesotan, and Park Service volunteer, Norm Rickeman. So he decided to do something about that by writing a new book entitled “Unsung: William Moultrie and the Battle of Sullivan's Island.” Norm will be with us on April 24, at Sunrise Church, to tell us all about the battle and many of the personalities who took part, including Col. Moultrie, Francis Marion, Sir Peter Parker and Gen. Henry Clinton. He will also be signing and selling his new book, all proceeds from which go to the Friends of Charleston National Parks. Don't miss this one!
Tuesday · May 20
Second Annual Roy Williams Memorial Lecture
at Sunrise Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
May is Historic Preservation Month. This year we are thrilled to have architectural historian, Brittany Lavelle Tulla as our guest speaker. In addition to leading her own company, Brittany serves as an adjunct professor in Clemson University’s School of Architecture, where she teaches a course on researching historic properties. She also serves on the board of the Preservation Society of Charleston's Charleston Heritage Symposium and is a member of the SC250 Charleston Steering Committee. The presentation will be followed by a reception in the Sunrise Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
In May…
Jazz in the Fort
at Fort Moultrie
We are happy to once again co-sponsor, along with the Friends of Charleston National Parks, Jazz in the Fort, featuring Grammy award winning member of Charleston's own Ranky Tanky, Charleton Singleton and his jazz ensemble. If you've attended this concert during the last two years, you know what a fantastic performance this is. If you have not, you don't want to miss it this year. The date will be announced very soon. But heads up! Just as we have the last two years, early access to the limited number of tickets will be made available to BGCC members who are current. This is a great reason to check now to make sure you are up to date on your dues. Not sure? Contact us at batterygadsden@gmail.com
Saturday · June 28…
Carolina Day
at Fort Moultrie
We encourage you to take part in all the historical activities at Fort Moultrie.
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How Will Sullivan’s Island Celebrate Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary? We Need YOU!
April 19, 2025 will mark the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world,” and the opening armed conflict of the American Revolution, our war for independence that ultimately lasted for eight years.
In 2016 the U.S. Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and the America250 Foundation to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The enabling legislation went further and designated four communities as “Signature Cities,” Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charleston! That’s no surprise. By the time of the Revolution, South Carolina was the most prosperous of the original 13 colonies. The per capita wealth in Charlestown was five times that of Boston. Ultimately, there were more battles and skirmishes fought in South Carolina than in any other state. The Battle of Sullivan’s Island on June 28, 1776, alone stymied the British designs on the southern colonies for another four years. And it was fought six days before the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Following the formation of America250 each state was tasked with forming its own commission. All 50 states now have such organizations including our own SC250, officially the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, chartered by the General Assembly in 2018 to insure, “a proper observance of the Sestercentennial of the American Revolution in South Carolina.” In turn, each South Carolina county was encouraged to form their own steering committee, resulting in SC250 Charleston.
Our town council tapped Battery Gadsden Cultural Center to be the liaison between the town and SC250 Charleston. BGCC president, Mike Walsh, has been to two meetings of that group and attended two webinars, and the situation is clear. It’s time for Sullivan’s Island to get to work! What will the eight years of commemorating not just the Revolution, but really the entirety of what this great nation has become over the past two and a half centuries look like in our community? And we’re not just talking about Carolina Day and July 4, 2026. We’re not just talking about people dressing up in three-cornered hats and powdered wigs. This is not just fireworks and hot dogs. We are celebrating Americana… American culture in the broadest sense, keeping in mind those communities that are often underrepresented or marginalized. And for this project to have the eight year longevity it deserves, we must involve our youth.
Recently a dozen folks with creative minds gathered at town hall to begin this discussion. The brainstorming session was very productive and included representatives from town government, the arts community, educators, community service organizations, and islanders at large. But we need more. We need your input. I’ll try to keep you informed as this project progresses, but in the meantime if anyone has thoughts about how the 250th anniversary of this great nation of ours should be celebrated locally, please send them to batterygadsden@gmail.com. And please visit SC250Charleston.org to learn more and see all the many enthusiastic groups already hard at work on this important commemoration.
Your Opinion
Your opinion matters when it comes to our programming. What would you like to see in the way of programs and activities? Our Board of Directors would love to hear from you about any topic, but especially new ideas for programming. This becomes especially important as we see the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding rapidly approaching. BGCC is serving as the liaison between the town and SC250 Charleston, the local planning committee for all events we hope to have happen between 2025 and 2033, covering eight years of celebration, the same length of time as the American Revolution. If you're not familiar with the work of this group or its parent organizations, America250 and SC250, be sure to check our their websites. The goals of this group are very similar to BGCC's: preserving our shared history, providing inclusive events and programs, and bettering the fabric of our communities. Please be in touch with us regarding your ideas.
Our Purpose
Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, a non-profit established in 1992, seeks to share the rich history of Sullivan's Island through lectures and performances. We hope to create a museum of the civilian life of Sullivan's Island. We host community events and wish to serve as a showcase for artists, lecturers, musicians, and performers.
Our local publication, "Sullivan's Island Magazine," wrote about us in its Winter-Spring 2018-2019 issue. Click here to read an article about the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center.
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Throughout the year we organize and sponsor a variety of events... Carolina Day, Oral History Project, Theatrical Performances, Speakers, Preservation, Art Exhibits, Book Signings, and more!
Please consider becoming a member. Our programs need your support and you will enjoy the community!
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Your membership provides support for the many meaningful programs of BGCC to promote civilian history, arts, and culture on Sullivan’s Island.
