4 Nov Celebrating America’s 250th birthday is uniquely important on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast As the United States approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, Georgetown County’s 250 Committee is striving to lead a celebration that is more than just a look back — it’s a chance to bring people together and inspire hope for the future. South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, which is Georgetown County’s official and trademarked tourism moniker, will be highlighting the 250th birthday throughout 2026. Georgetown County 250, the county’s local initiative under the statewide SC 250 Commission and the national America250 umbrella, is organizing events, building partnerships and calling on residents from every corner of the county — and every walk of life — to be part of this once-in-a-generation commemoration. “This isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a celebration of who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going,” said Ken Baeszler, chairman of the Georgetown County 250 Executive Committee. “Our country was founded on the idea that people from all backgrounds could come together to build something greater. Georgetown County 250 is about capturing that spirit and making sure every community has a voice in this story.” A Revolutionary War re-enactor fires a musket during last years Francis Marion Living History Day in Georgetown. The event was put on by Georgetown County 250. (Photo by Jackie Broach/Georgetown County) Celebrating Georgetown’s Role in the Revolution The mission of Georgetown County 250 is clear: to educate, engage and inspire residents and visitors by connecting them to the people, places and events of the American Revolution in Georgetown County. From Revolutionary War heroes to unsung figures who helped shape the course of local history, Georgetown 250 is committed to telling the full story — and ensuring it’s accessible to all. Recent events have included a symbolic tea dumping in Georgetown Harbor, echoing the Boston Tea Party, and Francis Marion Living History Day, which brought Revolutionary War reenactors to historic Georgetown. These events serve both to educate and to unite — but they are just the beginning. Hopsewee Plantation, just south of the city of Georgetown is uniquely important to the Revolution, as its owner, Thomas Lynch Jr. was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Today, Hopsewee is one of the Hammock Coast’s most important destinations for understanding the Revolutionary War and its impact on South Carolina. Making History Inclusive and Meaningful Moving forward, the committee is focused on expanding its reach and broadening participation. “A lot of our early events attracted history buffs,” Baeszler explained. “But we also want to bring in new voices — especially from communities that haven’t always been included in how we tell history.” For example, the 250 Committee is currently developing new events aimed at highlighting African American contributions to the fight for independence. And it wants to invite more residents into the conversation. “This is a countywide celebration,” Baeszler said. “We want people from Plantersville to Pawleys Island, from Andrews to Murrells Inlet — every community, every background — to see themselves in this moment.” In an effort to make the committee and its meetings more accessible, the group has elected to begin meeting in other locations across the county. The group met recently, for example, at the Waccamaw Library in the Litchfield community of Pawleys Island and is looking at taking its meetings to other communities across the county. At a 2025 event called “Day of the Fox”, an artist displays his artwork depicting Francis Marion, who became known as the Swamp Fox during the American Revolution. (Photo by Clayton Stairs/Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce) From Reflection to Celebration Chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019, the SC 250 Commission works to commemorate the American Revolution across the state by promoting the people, principles, and pivotal events that shaped South Carolina’s path to independence. Georgetown County, with its deep Revolutionary roots, plays a critical role in that story. As part of the national America250 initiative — a nonpartisan effort that invites all Americans to reflect on our past and envision our future — Georgetown 250 is helping carry out that vision on a local level. The committee’s goals include not only honoring history, but also boosting cultural heritage tourism, supporting economic development and strengthening community pride. “This is about more than the past,” Baeszler said. “It’s about continuing to build the future together. And what better time than now?” Get Involved Georgetown 250 welcomes new members and volunteers. There is no fee to join. To learn more and view upcoming meetings and events, click here. Let’s come together — to remember, to reflect, and to celebrate the story we’re all still writing. — By Jackie Broach, public information officer for Georgetown County 0 Hammock-All, Georgetown
