Magnolia Speaker Series
At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, we are proud to host engaging speaker sessions that bring history, culture, and tradition to life. Throughout the year, we welcome esteemed historians, authors, and experts to share their knowledge on a variety of topics, from Charleston’s rich past to the stories of the enslaved and the cherished traditions of the Lowcountry.
Whether you are a history enthusiast looking for new insights or simply curious about the deep-rooted heritage of the region, our speaker events offer something for everyone. Each session provides a unique opportunity to learn from renowned voices, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and deepen your connection to the past.
Check Magnolia Events for upcoming speaker sessions at Magnolia, where history and storytelling come together to inspire and educate.
Past Speakers
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens has been honored to host a variety of distinguished speakers. Below, we highlight a few of the voices that have enriched our Speaker Sessions, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the future.
Elizabeth Chew, Ph.D. – Chew has led major projects to integrate slavery’s history into plantation landscapes, including the award-winning exhibition The Mere Distinction of Colour. She was a curator at Monticello for 13 years and has published extensively on race, gender, and family politics in art and architecture.
Blake Scott, Ph.D. – A historian and professor specializing in Caribbean and U.S. South cultures, Scott is the author of Unpacked: A History of Caribbean Tourism and co-editor of Port Cities of the Atlantic World. Listen here.
Joel Caldwell – A photographer, writer, and filmmaker, Caldwell has spent the past decade documenting conservation and environmental justice stories worldwide, focusing on ecosystem restoration and humanity’s relationship with nature. Listen here.
George W. McDaniel, Ph.D. – Former Executive Director of Drayton Hall, McDaniel is the author of Drayton Hall Stories: A Place and Its People, a collection of oral histories that explores the site's diverse community and history. Listen here.
Henrietta Snype – A master Sweetgrass basket weaver, Snype has taught and exhibited her craft worldwide, including at the Smithsonian and the Henry Ford Museum. She received the South Carolina Arts Commission’s Heritage Award in 2018. Listen here.
Nakia Wigfall – A fifth-generation Sweetgrass basketmaker, Wigfall preserves and shares Gullah culture through demonstrations and presentations. She is also the author of Butsie’s First Basket: Sweetgrass Gullah Series, a children’s book. Listen here.
Margaret Seidler – A retired Organization Development consultant and master trainer, Seidler specialized in leadership, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, focusing on improving organizational and community systems.
The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley – Ordained as the 15th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina in 2021, Woodliff-Stanley has served in various leadership roles within the Episcopal Church, focusing on strategic change and community engagement.
George H. McDaniel – Director of Interpretation at Magnolia, McDaniel played a key role in designating Four Holes Swamp as a site in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. His work explores how enslaved people used Lowcountry waterways as paths to freedom. Listen here.
Grant Gilmore, Ph.D. – A leader in heritage management and policy, Gilmore’s research covers slavery’s impact, vernacular architecture, and public archaeology.
