1 Aug A Toast to Liberty: Hopsewee Plantation celebrates Founding Father’s birthday Published Aug. 1, 2025 Honoring the birth of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Thomas Lynch Jr., a special event will soon be held at his former home, Hopsewee Plantation, near Georgetown on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®. The event will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. and includes an enlightening presentation of a new Revolutionary War Speaker Series. This event is one of many celebrations planned for America’s 250th anniversary and is presented in partnership with the Georgetown County 250 Committee. Thomas Lynch Jr. was a Founding Father who signed the Declaration of Independence (Courtesy of Hopsewee Plantation) “This will be a lively and meaningful evening at Hopsewee Plantation,” said Lori Deal, Hopsewee Historical Museum director. “Enjoy an engaging talk that highlights Lynch’s remarkable, if short-lived, contributions to the founding of our nation—paired with elegant small bites, refreshing drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and the timeless atmosphere of this National Historic Landmark. It’s a toast to liberty, legacy, and local history.” Born at Hopsewee, Lynch became one of only four South Carolinians to sign the Declaration of Independence. The others were Thomas Heyward Jr., Arthur Middleton, and Edward Rutledge. Moving from Hopsewee with his family at age 13, Lynch continued his education in England, served briefly in the military and then returned to South Carolina. He settled at Peachtree Plantation, a property near Hopsewee that was gifted to him by his father, Thomas Lynch Sr., who fell ill during the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Lynch lived at Peachtree with his wife, Elizabeth, until his untimely death at sea in 1779. At just 27, Lynch was the second-youngest signer overall and the youngest to die, passing away just three years after the signing. “His passion for liberty was a family affair; he and his father, Thomas Lynch Sr., were the only father-son duo to serve in the Continental Congress,” Deal said. “Their sacrifice and service laid the groundwork for both state and national independence.” Lynch didn’t just sign the Declaration; he also served in the First and Second Provincial Congresses, helped shape South Carolina’s first constitution, and briefly led a militia company before illness cut short his military career. Hear powerful stories about his life and legacy and enjoy delicious refreshments alongside fellow history buffs and community members. “He represents the Lowcountry’s commitment to liberty—a commitment that helped define the American experiment,” Deal said. “By attending this event, you’re helping keep those stories alive. It’s a way to connect the past with the present—and maybe even discover something new about the place we call home.” Hopsewee is the only plantation in Georgetown County that is open for tours. (Photo courtesy of Hopsewee Plantation) Deal said that celebrating Lynch’s birthday is more than honoring a name, it is celebrating the history of our nation. “It’s recognizing the bold spirit of youth, the deep roots of patriotism in the South, and the unique role the Lowcountry has played in shaping our country,” she said. “If you love history—or just a beautiful summer evening with great food and conversation—this is the perfect event for you.” Tickets for this special event are $25 for adults and seniors, $20 for youth ages 12-17, and $15 for children ages 6-11, and can be purchased online here, or by calling 843-546-7891. About Georgetown County 250 The Georgetown County 250 Committee is working in concert with the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and to promote South Carolina’s pivotal role in the war. The Revolutionary War started on July 4, 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence and ended on September 3, 1783, with the Treaty of Paris. They have organized several events in the area, including The Day of the Fox celebrating Gen. Francis Marion (known as the Swamp Fox), Carolina Day, Georgetown Tea Party, and more. The group continues to plan events to celebrate Revolutionary history in the area and educate the public about the beginning of this great country. Kenneth Baeszler, chair of the Georgetown County 250 Committee, said that as a port town, Georgetown played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the Revolution, and that role was played out over many years and in many different ways. During the Day of the Fox, an event celebrating Gen. Francis Marion, reenactors in costume show the public muskets that were used during the Revolutionary War. (Photo by Clayton Stairs/Georgetown County Chamber) “It wasn’t a one-time event on July 4, 1776,” he said. “Consequently, we plan to hold many events over the next few years that will celebrate, educate and inspire those in our community and visitors alike. Ours is an exciting and dramatic story that involves all of this area’s inhabitants.” He said in addition to planning events, the GC250 Committee is also working to identify important sites and people involved in the American Revolution to be highlighted as part of the anniversary celebration – and beyond. The sites in Georgetown County may be added to others in the state that are part of the Liberty Trail. About Hopsewee Plantation Since purchasing Hopsewee Plantation in 2001, Frank and Raejean Beattie have made it their mission to share the history of this historic rice plantation, formerly owned by Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. They especially want to make sure people know as much as possible about the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®, said this event is a great way to celebrate life of Thomas Lynch Jr. and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. “Hopsewee Plantation, the only plantation open for tours in Georgetown County, is a unique place on the Hammock Coast,” he said. “I can’t think of a better place to raise a glass to our local Founding Father, Thomas Lynch Jr.” Hopsewee Plantation is located at 494 Hopsewee Rd., Georgetown, SC 29440. Tickets for guided tours of the home and grounds are available here for quick, easy and secure booking, as well as by phone at (843) 546-7891. Admission to the Hopsewee Museum is free. House tours are available Tuesday to Saturday on the hour, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Dining is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and over, $5 for students ages 12 to 17, and $3 for children ages 6 to 11. Contact Hopsewee for groups of 10 or more. By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® 0 Hammock-All, Georgetown
