Fundraising Events
Join us in celebrating the History Center and our collective achievements at an upcoming fundraising event. Your support will help us sustain our work for the years ahead.
Crate to Plate | October 2, 2025
About the Event:
Crate to Plate began in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. How could we celebrate together, but remain distant and safe? From crisis came creativity and Crate to Plate was born! Each crate contains a complete, hot, and ready-to-eat meal for two, one bottle of wine, and a few surprises from regional vendors! Each year’s crate follows a different theme. Attendees can enjoy their crate on the grounds of the History Center in fellowship with friends and neighbors take it to go!
Sponsor Benefits:
Crate to Plate sponsors receive recognition on all print and digital marketing before, during, and after the event as well as at least one complimentary crate. Additional benefits increase in scale to the underwriting level. Portions of each sponsorship may be considered tax deductible. Please contact your tax preparer following the event for additional information. Sponsorships are available to individuals, couples, and companies. SponsorsUnderwriters may also remain anonymous.
Upcoming Event Details:
Crate to Plate returns in October 2025. If you have any suggestions for themes or area vendors who would like to be considered for inclusion in the crate, please contact the History Center today.
33rd Annual Pilau Dinner | November 4, 2025
About the Event:
Pick up your dinners on Jerger Street from 4pm until 6:30pm. We invite you to enjoy picnic-style dinners on our grounds starting at 5:30pm while you enjoy live music from the Smith Homestead porch. Tickets are $12 each and plates include pilau, coleslaw, pickles, crackers, and dessert.
What is Pilau?
Pronounced “per-loo,” pilau is a savory chicken and rice dish spiced with black pepper and served with crackers, sweet pickles, coleslaw, and dessert. A variation of pilaf, which combines rice and protein cooked in seasoned broth, pilau has global roots and various names. It likely came to the American South in the 18th century through the blending of African and European food traditions in South Carolina’s low country and has since become a staple meal across the South.