Second Annual Members Event
One of the most popular benefits of membership in Battery Gadsden Cultural Center has become the annual lowcountry feast for its current members. On Friday evening, November 3, 2023 about 80 people gathered on the grounds of Battery Gadsden to enjoy an evening of food and fellowship. (Click here to see more photos.)
Adele Tobin, vice-president of the group, noted, “It’s amazing. You take a nice evening with good food and drink, then offer people the chance to get together with old friends and to make new ones, and you have the perfect recipe for a good time. You don’t have to do anything fancy. This is what community is all about.”
An addition to the food and fun was the announcement by BGCC of its Volunteer of the Year Award. This year’s recipient was Rob Byko. Rob has donated his remarkable talents to the group by photographing nearly every one of its events over the past several years.
“Our board is constantly looking for new ways to serve the community and provide benefits to our members”, Walsh said. “But this evening’s dinner is far and away our favorite way of saying thanks to our members and supporters.” From remarks heard afterward, everyone in attendance felt the same.
Jazz in the Fort
BGCC is always looking for collaborations. 
On June 6, 2023 we were pleased to join forces with the Friends of Charleston National Parks to co-sponsor a jazz concert presented by the Charlton Singleton Quartet at Fort Moultrie. Almost 250 patrons enjoyed world class jazz on the parade ground of the old fort. As a special member benefit, our dues paying members were given early access to the limited number of tickets and offered a discounted price. The sold-out concert was a tremendous success, although slightly shortened when a thunderstorm rolled in. Spirits weren't dampened though and all comments were extremely positive. We'll be looking to do more functions like this and hopefully work again with our friends who support our national park.
Native Plants
Wow! Who knew we had this many avid gardeners in our community? If there was any doubt, they were dispelled on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the Island Club when an overflow crowd heard master naturalist and long-time garden designer, Derek Wade, present "Native Plants in the Landscape". This was a great presentation. Of course, it may have been accentuated by the freshly popped popcorn by BGCC member and popcorn chef, Bill Brumley. Thanks, Derek! And thanks, Bill!
Photographers' Showcase
On Friday, April 21, 2023, we had a tremendous response to an exhibition of works from local photographers. It was a beautiful evening at Battery Gadsden and attendees enjoyed the artistic talents of the exhibitors, a glass of wine, and the chance to gather with friends and neighbors. Just as with last year's local artists' show, this was a chance to showcase the incredible talent that we are so lucky to have in our island community! Thanks to all who participated.
An Evening With Author, Angela May
On March 23, 2023, BGCC was pleased to host award-winning children's author, Angela May, who discussed her most recent book, "The Islanders' Search for Treasure", in a presentation titled "Nature is Magic: The Inspiration of the Islanders Book Series". Angela brought out probably the youngest audience we've ever had, all of whom had fun with the chance to ask Angela many of their favorite questions. Thanks, Angela, and good luck with your future books in the series!
Military Wife/Military Life
Over 171 years, from 1776 to 1947, the history of Fort Moultrie has centered on the military men who served there, but many women were present as well. In September 2022 our invited speakers, Mary Hatcher and Jean Hutchinson, revealed a captivating parallel history through the stories of the women of Fort Moultrie: the military wives and families and the women who served including the WWII Women’s Army Corps “WACs”.
These stories employed the words of the women themselves from diaries, journals, and letters to family and friends as they faced the challenges of the constraints of military life, meager salaries and housing that - depending on the era - could range from tents to officer’s quarters. Their words were paired with numerous images of daily life. In addition, Mary and Jean, both members of the Costume Society of America, exhibited a sampling of women’s clothing of the times.
Mary Hatcher, with a degree in US History, has worked for the National Park Service in living history interpretation and as a staff historian. Jean Hutchinson, with an art degree, has specialized in the daily lives and clothing of women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Both share their expertise with local and national organizations.
First Annual Members Event
On Friday, October 28, 2022, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center held its first annual members' event. A social event to recognize and thank dues paying members. Creative talent Jamie Westendorff prepared a delicious low country meal to the 80 members in attendance.
BGCC president, Mike Walsh, noted that Battery Gadsden Cultural Center is best known for its speaker series, and promised to continue to bring interesting speakers to Sullivan's Island.
BGCC board member, Adele Tobin, commented, “It’s obvious with the laughter and conversation that people have enjoyed the chance to get together, renew old acquaintances, and make new friends. This is what our area needs more of, the opportunity to feel like a real community. We’re proud to have provided that opportunity.”
A certificate of appreciation to BGCC’s very first volunteers of the year was presented to Diane and Bill Brumley. “While we’ve had many folks pitch in and help when we’ve needed it, Bill and Diane have gone the extra mile and have helped with practically every event we’ve had,” Walsh said. “They are most deserving of this recognition.”
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.