Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 5
A Celebration of the Cultural Contributions of the Huguenots and their Descendants
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2026
Our offerings for each day of the Fête are listed below. Some activities have an entrance cost and some are free of charge. The underlined items have a cost and require you to purchase a ticket which you may do by scrolling down and “add to cart” your selections. All funds go toward recovering the cost of arranging private events, exhibits and speakers.
Thursday, April 9
Anniversary Meeting
Reception : Huguenot Punch, Pop Up Shop & Fête information
free for members
Friday, April 4
Walking in Revolutionary Huguenot Footsteps 1
The Gibbes Museum of Art: Huguenot Miniatures
Charleston Library Society: Revolutionary Huguenots
South Carolina Society Hall: Two Bit to the French Society
Saturday, April 5
Walking in Revolutionary Huguenot Footsteps 2
Walking in Revolutionary Huguenot Footsteps 3
Walking in Revolutionary Huguenot Footsteps 4
South Carolina Historical Society: Huguenots 250!
The Charleston Museum: Ringleaders of Rebellion and the Huguenots
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: Huguenot Patriots, Prisoners and Spies!
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Thursday, April 9
Members are free. Guests $50/each.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
4:00pm - 5:00pm
FOUNDERS HALL
CHARLES TOWNE LANDING
DIRECTIONS >
Following the business portion from 4:00pm - 4:15pm, the program will feature special guest speaker Dana Dorman, Archivist, The Library Company of Philadelphia who will present the history of the library and its importance to the early colony. The Library Company hired its first Librarian, Louis Timothée (d. 1738), in November 1732. When Timothée left for Charleston the following year to become a printing partner of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), Franklin himself took over as Librarian.
Members and their guests will enjoy learning of the direct connection of the Timothée family to the library and the further connection to the Charleston Library Society. All of this history then ties into the Society’s Revolutionary Huguenots 250 program of 2026. It is a fascinating beginning to the Society’s enhanced celebration of America250 that will continue through the remainder of the year.
Dana Dorman joined the Library Company in 2021. In addition to serving as Development and Special Projects Manager, Dana is Archivist for the grant-funded Library Company of Philadelphia Papers Project, which focuses on the processing and digitization of the Library Company’s first 150 years of history. Dana has more than 25 years of public history, nonprofit management, and fundraising experience, including as Archivist at the Historical Society of Haddonfield and as Project Archivist, Researcher, and Digital History Project Manager at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. A Certified Archivist, Dana earned a M.A. in public history from Temple University and a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Reception to follow immediately after the talk and all are encouraged to attend and enjoy the fellowship.
Dinner on your own.
Friday, April 10
Friday, April 10
8:30am - 10am
Tour Begins at The French Protestant (Huguenot) Church, 138 Church Street, and ends at The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
Directions >
NEW: Walking in Revolutionary Huguenot Footsteps (1)
$35 per person / Capacity 20 persons per tour
NEW TOUR CELEBRATES REVOLUTIONARY HUGUENOTS 250!
This is an updated version of the walking tour researched to feature several colonial residents of Charles Towne who were of Huguenot descent and contributed greatly to the fight for Independence. Join our resident guide, Abbey Markiewicz, on this 80-minute tour that covers about a one-mile route in historic Charleston. Some of the Huguenot descended patriots discussed include Peter Timothy, Elisha Poinsett, Peter Leger, George Washington, Daniel DeSaussure, Francis Marion, Dr. Peter Fayssoux, Alice DeLancey Izard, Peter Bocquet, Benjamin Huger, Anthony Toomer, Jonathan Sarrazin, Henry Peronneau, Samuel Bacot, Benjamin Guerard, Isaac Holmes, and John Poyas.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
11:00am - 12:30pm
The Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Capacity: 75
For generations the museum’s collection of miniatures has been an important part of the preservation of Huguenot history in Charleston and the United States. This exhibit features miniatures of notable Huguenots and descendants in colonial Charleston hosted by a museum curator. Joining the program will be Renee Marshall of The Huguenot Society of South Carolina who will provide insight into the people and families represented in miniatures. On display will be miniatures that are not part of the permanent installation - don’t miss this opportunity to study a rarely displayed portion of our shared history.
Importance of Gibbes Miniature Collection
The first American miniature portraits were painted in Charleston, and today the Gibbes is home to one of the most prestigious portrait miniature collections in the United States. Containing more than 600 items, the collection spans nearly two hundred years and represents the work of over a hundred artists. It includes works by major American easel painters such as John Trumbull, Henry Benbridge, Charles Willson Peale, and Thomas Sully, as well as an exceptional inventory of works by notable miniature portrait specialists such as Mary Roberts, Edward Greene Malbone, and Charles Fraser. The Gibbes collection also contains important examples of American sitters painted abroad by British miniaturists such as John Smart and George Engleheart, and at home by significant French émigrés including Pierre Henri and Louis Antoine Collas who came to the United States for patronage.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
1:30pm - 2:45pm
The Charleston Library Society
164 King Street (connected by a walkway to The Gibbes Museum of Art)
Charleston, SC 29401
Capacity: 75
Established on December 28th, 1748, nineteen young gentlemen of various trades and professions united in a mission to seek enlightenment by acquiring the best of the latest books, pamphlets and periodicals from Great Britain. Among the founders were several Huguenot descendants. Membership and the collection grew quickly, with nearly 5,000 volumes by 1778 before a fire consumed much of the city and the library’s contents. Collections began anew in 1792 with volumes increasing to 4,500 by 1808 and over 12,000 by 1826.
Join your Huguenot Society host in this special exhibit of pieces from the collection directly associated with our Huguenot heritage. Included in the exhibit will be printed currency and early bound books printed by a Huguenot printer as well as the Mazyck Bible currently in the bindery will be on display. The story of the Timothy family continues with this exhibit as booked printed by Lewis and Peter Timothy are included.
Dinner on your own.
Abbey Markiewicz
Abbey is a member of the Society and its Registrar. Abbey has also been a licensed tour guide in Charleston for several years. She has worked with our historians to craft a special tour in celebration of America250 and our Revolutionary Huguenots.
Saturday, April 3
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
10:00am - 11:00am.
French Santee Cross Site
Mt. Moriah Avenue
Charleston, SC 29453
There is no charge for this event, however, we do need you to add this to your cart at checkout so we can plan the space and program count.
Members and guests welcome.
This special service will be held to remember the Promulgation of the Edict of Nantes utilizing the The Liturgy of the French Protestant Church.
The service will be conducted in French and officiated by the Society’s chaplain, Rev. Charles Jenkins.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To attend, you need to be able to walk on firm dirt ground to the cross area. We will have some limited disabled parking space close to the cross.
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR
Saturday, April 5
We are very pleased to partner with Coastal Expeditions to offer this unique opportunity. Join us for an adventure as we travel back in time on the beautiful and pristine Santee River. We will explore the river course known colloquially as the "French Santee" due to the influence and settlements established by the Huguenot families at Jamestown as early as 1687. As we meander slowly down the river we will be able to view the Huguenot cross site on the bluff that was the historic gathering site for the frontier community.
Coastal Expeditions will provide an interpretive naturalist. The Huguenot Society will provide remarks on the Huguenot history. (https://www.coastalexpeditions.com/)
Saturday, April 5
10:30am - 2pm
Fairfield Plantation c. 1730
Directions >
The Society has been provided access to this private home for our event, offering a rare opportunity to our members. The oldest part of Fairfield was probably built by Thomas Lynch I (1680-1738). The Lynch home later became Hopsewee on the North Santee (c1739-1740) was apparently built by Thomas Lynch II, who also built PeachTree (Peachtree) (c1762), located a short distance up the river from Fairfield. Eventually, Jacob Motte, provincial treasurer and his wife Rebecca Brewton Motte acquired Fairfield after their marriage in 1758.
Interior tours begin every half hour.
Ramble ticket holders only. Tour guide will host interior tour.
Tours hosted by Dr. Kendy Altizer. On top of a sandy rise, nestled among new growth pines on the lower reaches of the South Santee River near its delta, sit the ruins of what is said to have been one of the grandest colonial era plantation homes in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. It was once the home of the prominent Lynch family who were Lowcountry rice planters and politicians. Thomas Lynch, Jr. was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The main house, though now a ruin, is an example of Palladian architecture not often seen in plantation contexts. The house was built between 1760 and 1762 and burned in 1840; it was never reconstructed and what remains today is a ruin of partial walls and rubble.
Remaining spaces only available for 1:00pm - 2:30pm.
Saturday, April 5
Dr. Richard Porcher, Society member and highly regarded scientist and author will host private talks at the observation area inside this stunning reserve. Dr. Porcher will discuss the natural environment as our ancestors would have experienced it and the rice culture that developed at French Santee thereafter. The Society is very pleased to offer this special experience with a most gifted and knowledgable expert.
Saturday, April 5
With full supper buffet, Huguenot punch and more!
Hampton Plantation
1950 Rutledge Rd
McClellanville, SC 29458
SUPPER AT 4PM: Our day of rambling will culminate with a delightful buffet supper on the lawn of Hampton Plantation with a view of the home. We have a delicious catered menu, seating at dining tables, pop up shops, and a terrific shag music DJ for dancing. There will be disabled and regular parking and a shuttle between dinner and the rest rooms. This is your opportunity to relax after a day rambling and to visit with fellow Huguenot descendants and close the Fête with us. Our menu will have grilled healthy options. The full menu will be shared closer to the event date. The price includes a custom gift bag with curated items (retail value $75) and a complementary photo of the group ancestor photo which will be provided electronically after the event.
SOLD OUT
suggestions for
A Natural Ramble
If you prefer a day outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of French Santee and its history, this natural ramble may be perfect for you.
French Service
French Santee Cross Site
French Service outside at Huguenot Cross Site: French Santee. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the same order of service and liturgy as your ancestors did along the bank of Santee River.
Santee River Tour
14 people per cruise, + guide and crew
Select a boat tour and take a ride on the Santee with our historian and hear of the journey our ancestors made from Charles Towne to Jamestown Advance ticket required.
Old Georgetown Road
After you depart the boat landing, drive down Hwy 45/French Santee Road and turn left onto the Old Georgetown Road to enjoy this historic route to Wambaw/Brick Church.
Brick Church/Wambaw
A perfect place to stop and picnic, two tables are available in the front churchyard. Rest easy under the grand oaks and enjoy your picnic. A docent will be available in the church if you would like a history talk.
Peachtree Ruins with Dr. Kendy Altizer
Peachtree Plantation, c. 1762
After Brick Church, you may continue down the Old Georgetown Road to Rutledge Road take a left to park at Hampton Plantation to take the guided van ride into the Peachtree Ruins. Advance ticket required for this excursion.
Eldorado Ruins
Eldorado Plantation, c. 1797
After Brick Church, you may continue down the Old Georgetown Road to Rutledge Road and turn right. Cross over Hwy 17 onto Santee Road and head into Santee Gun Club Road. A beautiful drive into the protected lands of the Santee Coastal Reserve followed by a walk in the wooded lane to the ruins of Eldorado.
The Natural Environment and Rice Culture with Dr. Richard Porcher
After visiting Eldorado, proceed to the Observation Area in the Reservoir to meet Dr. Porcher and enjoy his talk. Advance ticket required for this talk.
Grand Finale at Hampton
After a full day outdoors, come enjoy a nice early supper at 4pm on the lawn of Hampton Plantation. You will have had a beautiful natural day in the pinelands of our ancestors and this will provide a lovely way to celebrate with your fellow ramblers. Advance ticket required.
a suggested itinerary for...
Properties Ramble
If you prefer to avoid walking on dirt lanes and driving back roads and are more interested in properties and a seated lunch, this ramble is ideal.
French Service
French Santee Cross Site
French Service outside at Huguenot Cross Site: French Santee. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the same order of service and liturgy as your ancestors did along the bank of Santee River.
Old Georgetown Road
After you depart the boat landing, drive down Hwy 45/French Santee Road and turn left onto the Old Georgetown Road to enjoy this historic route to Wambaw/Brick Church.
Brick Church/Wambaw
A perfect place to stop and picnic, two tables are available in the front churchyard. Rest easy under the grand oaks and enjoy your picnic. A docent will be available in the church if you would like a history talk.
Fairfield Plantation
Fairfield Plantation c. 1730
PRIVATE HOME, EXCLUSIVE TOUR OFFER
10:30am - 2pm Ramble ticket holders only.
Hopsewee Plantation
Hopsewee Plantation c. 1740
OPEN TO PUBLIC 10am - 3pm
Payment upon entry. $22 adults/$20 seniors. Members and guests welcome. Enjoy a gracious lunch in the River Oak Cottage Tea Room at Hopsewee. Reservations recommended.
Village Museum
401 Pinckney Street
10am - 3pm
Tour guide will escort visitors.
Conclude your rambling with a visit to this museum and enjoy its gift shop, too.
Grand Finale at Hampton
After a full day outdoors, come enjoy a nice early supper at 4pm on the lawn of Hampton Plantation. You will have had a beautiful natural day in the pinelands of our ancestors and this will provide a lovely way to celebrate with your fellow ramblers.
suggestions for
Rambling French Santee
Lunch Options
Dining Out
Full Lunch Menu Available.
Reservations Recommended.
494 Hopsewee Rd.
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-7891
Menus and further details available on the websites or social media pages of the establishments.
Picnic
Pack your own picnic and enjoy a leisurely break at one of several picnic locations.