This thought-provoking series delves into the complex and often untold history of African American contributions to the Confederate war effort during the Civil War. Participants will explore the roles African Americans played—often involuntarily—in supporting the war, their struggles and resilience, and how their stories resonate today.

• Week 3: Civil War Cooking: What the Confederate Soldiers Ate
  Explore the food Confederate soldiers consumed, prepared by skilled African American camp cooks. Discover how cooks utilized limited resources to feed soldiers and how the challenges of war influenced survival. This session features displays of period cookware and food.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Walter B. Curry, founder of Renaissance Publications & Interpretive Education, LLC, is an award-winning author and historian whose work focuses on family lineage, slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction in South Carolina. His engaging presentations have been featured at conferences and workshops across the country.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course
Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

In partnership with the Nickelodeon Theater
Location: Nickelodeon Theatre, 1607 Main Street

Documentaries have surged in popularity across theaters, television, and online platforms, shaping how we understand and engage with the world around us. This course critically examines the social function of documentaries, focusing on those that challenge dominant ideologies through subversive storytelling. Over four sessions, participants will explore a variety of documentary styles—including experimental, historical, essay, and activist films—while discussing their potential to influence political socialization, public policy, and activism.

Through screenings and in-depth discussions, this course offers insights into how documentary form and content can disrupt established narratives and inspire change.

About the Instructor:
Dr. David Whiteman, retired USC professor of political science and film studies, brings his extensive expertise on the political impact of documentary films. With research funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the National Science Foundation, he has published widely in academic journals and is a recognized leader in political communication. A passionate advocate for diverse programming, Dr. Whiteman is the current President of the Nickelodeon Board and a recipient of the Nickelodeon’s “Lifetime Member” award for his outstanding contributions.

When was the last time you saw a caboose on a freight train? This engaging course traces the fascinating history of railroads in the United States, from their origins—many of which took root in South Carolina—to their golden age in the early 20th century, and their modern role in moving freight and passengers across the nation.

Rather than focusing on economics or politics, this class delves into how railroads shaped the lives of citizens and transformed communities across the country. Discover the captivating stories behind the rise, fall, and evolution of railroads and the lasting mark they’ve left on American society.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Rodger E. Stroup is the Superintendent of The South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, SC. A distinguished historian, he holds an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina and has served as director/curator of the Historic Columbia Foundation, deputy director of the South Carolina State Museum, and director and state historic preservation officer for the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Recognized for his lifelong contributions to history and preservation, Dr. Stroup was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in 2009.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

This February, the Lourie Lectures series highlights the diverse talent of South Carolina visual artists. Each week features a different artist who will share their creative journey, techniques, and contributions to the art world. From the transformative power of light to the vibrant storytelling of civil rights history, this series celebrates the profound impact of South Carolina’s artistic voices.

February 18: Heidi Darr-Hope

Columbia-based artist Heidi Darr-Hope shares her constantly evolving creative process, using techniques such as collage, sculpture, and mosaics, along with diverse materials like acrylics, pastels, and found objects.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

1650 Park CircleColumbia, SC 29201 Phone (803) 252-7734

Pricing: Lourie Center Members: $20/course
Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

Explore Shakespeare’s timeless exploration of love, marriage, and jealousy through three iconic plays spanning his career: Much Ado About Nothing (1598), Othello (1602/4), and The Winter’s Tale (1610). Each of these works uses a similar plot—male jealousy and its devastating impact on marriage—but unfolds in a unique genre: comedy, tragedy, and romance (or tragicomedy). Together, they offer a fascinating look at Shakespeare’s dramatic evolution, from laughter to heartbreak to redemption.

Over four weeks, we’ll delve into Shakespeare’s language, characters, and key themes, considering what makes these plays enduring favorites for audiences around the globe.

Week 3: Othello

Dive into Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, exploring the motivations and vulnerabilities of the villainous Iago, the honorable Cassio, and the romantic yet flawed Othello. Consider the dramatic settings of Venice and Cyprus.

About the Instructor:
Lawrence Rhu, professor emeritus of English at the University of South Carolina, is a Shakespeare scholar and an expert on the English and Italian Renaissance. He is also a poet, with his debut collection Pre-owned Odyssey & Rented Rooms recently published by Main Street Rag.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course
Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

In partnership with the Nickelodeon Theater
Location: Nickelodeon Theatre, 1607 Main Street

Documentaries have surged in popularity across theaters, television, and online platforms, shaping how we understand and engage with the world around us. This course critically examines the social function of documentaries, focusing on those that challenge dominant ideologies through subversive storytelling. Over four sessions, participants will explore a variety of documentary styles—including experimental, historical, essay, and activist films—while discussing their potential to influence political socialization, public policy, and activism.

Through screenings and in-depth discussions, this course offers insights into how documentary form and content can disrupt established narratives and inspire change.

About the Instructor:
Dr. David Whiteman, retired USC professor of political science and film studies, brings his extensive expertise on the political impact of documentary films. With research funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the National Science Foundation, he has published widely in academic journals and is a recognized leader in political communication. A passionate advocate for diverse programming, Dr. Whiteman is the current President of the Nickelodeon Board and a recipient of the Nickelodeon’s “Lifetime Member” award for his outstanding contributions.

This thought-provoking series delves into the complex and often untold history of African American contributions to the Confederate war effort during the Civil War. Participants will explore the roles African Americans played—often involuntarily—in supporting the war, their struggles and resilience, and how their stories resonate today.

• Week 2: Lavinia Corley Thompson’s Story
  Learn about the remarkable life of Lavinia Corley Thompson, born enslaved in 1844 in Aiken County. Lavinia followed her master into battle, serving as a cook for the Confederate army, and decades later became one of about 100 Black South Carolinians to receive a Confederate pension. Her life story is a testament to survival and endurance.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Walter B. Curry, founder of Renaissance Publications & Interpretive Education, LLC, is an award-winning author and historian whose work focuses on family lineage, slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction in South Carolina. His engaging presentations have been featured at conferences and workshops across the country.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

When was the last time you saw a caboose on a freight train? This engaging course traces the fascinating history of railroads in the United States, from their origins—many of which took root in South Carolina—to their golden age in the early 20th century, and their modern role in moving freight and passengers across the nation.

Rather than focusing on economics or politics, this class delves into how railroads shaped the lives of citizens and transformed communities across the country. Discover the captivating stories behind the rise, fall, and evolution of railroads and the lasting mark they’ve left on American society.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Rodger E. Stroup is the Superintendent of The South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, SC. A distinguished historian, he holds an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina and has served as director/curator of the Historic Columbia Foundation, deputy director of the South Carolina State Museum, and director and state historic preservation officer for the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Recognized for his lifelong contributions to history and preservation, Dr. Stroup was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in 2009.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

This February, the Lourie Lectures series highlights the diverse talent of South Carolina visual artists. Each week features a different artist who will share their creative journey, techniques, and contributions to the art world. From the transformative power of light to the vibrant storytelling of civil rights history, this series celebrates the profound impact of South Carolina’s artistic voices.

February 11: Robert Matheson

Robert Matheson, a mixed media and photography artist from Newberry, incorporates found materials to craft work inspired by the community he calls home.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

1650 Park CircleColumbia, SC 29201 Phone (803) 252-7734

Pricing: Lourie Center Members: $20/course
Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

Explore Shakespeare’s timeless exploration of love, marriage, and jealousy through three iconic plays spanning his career: Much Ado About Nothing (1598), Othello (1602/4), and The Winter’s Tale (1610). Each of these works uses a similar plot—male jealousy and its devastating impact on marriage—but unfolds in a unique genre: comedy, tragedy, and romance (or tragicomedy). Together, they offer a fascinating look at Shakespeare’s dramatic evolution, from laughter to heartbreak to redemption.

Over four weeks, we’ll delve into Shakespeare’s language, characters, and key themes, considering what makes these plays enduring favorites for audiences around the globe.

Week 2: Much Ado About Nothing

Examine the sources of this beloved comedy, its double plot, and why Beatrice and Benedick outshine Claudio and Hero. Discover how near-tragedy becomes a turning point for love’s most reluctant pair.

About the Instructor:
Lawrence Rhu, professor emeritus of English at the University of South Carolina, is a Shakespeare scholar and an expert on the English and Italian Renaissance. He is also a poet, with his debut collection Pre-owned Odyssey & Rented Rooms recently published by Main Street Rag.

This thought-provoking series delves into the complex and often untold history of African American contributions to the Confederate war effort during the Civil War. Participants will explore the roles African Americans played—often involuntarily—in supporting the war, their struggles and resilience, and how their stories resonate today.

• Week 1: South Carolina African American Confederate Pensioners
  Examine why South Carolina relied on African American labor during the war, the diverse roles these individuals undertook, and the process by which Confederate pensions were approved for African Americans. Notable pensioners, including those from Richland County, will be highlighted.
  

About the Instructor:
Dr. Walter B. Curry, founder of Renaissance Publications & Interpretive Education, LLC, is an award-winning author and historian whose work focuses on family lineage, slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction in South Carolina. His engaging presentations have been featured at conferences and workshops across the country.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

When was the last time you saw a caboose on a freight train? This engaging course traces the fascinating history of railroads in the United States, from their origins—many of which took root in South Carolina—to their golden age in the early 20th century, and their modern role in moving freight and passengers across the nation.

Rather than focusing on economics or politics, this class delves into how railroads shaped the lives of citizens and transformed communities across the country. Discover the captivating stories behind the rise, fall, and evolution of railroads and the lasting mark they’ve left on American society.

About the Instructor:
Dr. Rodger E. Stroup is the Superintendent of The South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, SC. A distinguished historian, he holds an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina and has served as director/curator of the Historic Columbia Foundation, deputy director of the South Carolina State Museum, and director and state historic preservation officer for the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Recognized for his lifelong contributions to history and preservation, Dr. Stroup was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in 2009.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

This February, the Lourie Lectures series highlights the diverse talent of South Carolina visual artists. Each week features a different artist who will share their creative journey, techniques, and contributions to the art world. From the transformative power of light to the vibrant storytelling of civil rights history, this series celebrates the profound impact of South Carolina’s artistic voices.

February 4: Philip Mullen

Renowned for his permanent exhibit at Columbia’s Koger Center, Philip Mullen explores the interplay of light and its profound impact on art and the world around us.

Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

1650 Park CircleColumbia, SC 29201 Phone (803) 252-7734

Pricing: Lourie Center Members: $20/course
Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

Explore Shakespeare’s timeless exploration of love, marriage, and jealousy through three iconic plays spanning his career: Much Ado About Nothing (1598), Othello (1602/4), and The Winter’s Tale (1610). Each of these works uses a similar plot—male jealousy and its devastating impact on marriage—but unfolds in a unique genre: comedy, tragedy, and romance (or tragicomedy). Together, they offer a fascinating look at Shakespeare’s dramatic evolution, from laughter to heartbreak to redemption.

Over four weeks, we’ll delve into Shakespeare’s language, characters, and key themes, considering what makes these plays enduring favorites for audiences around the globe.

Week 1: Introduction to Shakespeare and His World

Gain background on Shakespeare, his England, and the language and literature of his time. We’ll also discuss the shared plot structure of the three plays and how Shakespeare transforms it across genres. (Spoiler alert: there will be spoilers!)

About the Instructor:
Lawrence Rhu, professor emeritus of English at the University of South Carolina, is a Shakespeare scholar and an expert on the English and Italian Renaissance. He is also a poet, with his debut collection Pre-owned Odyssey & Rented Rooms recently published by Main Street Rag.