Fourth grade students and teachers from schools across South Carolina will gather at the South Carolina Statehouse on Friday, January 16, 2026, for Liberty Day, a statewide educational experience held as part of South Carolina’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Participating schools include Westwood Elementary (Abbeville County School District 60), Grassy Pond Elementary (Cherokee County), McKissick Academy of Science and Technology (Pickens County), Laurens Elementary School (Laurens District 55), H.E.bCorley Elementary School (Lexington–Richland School District 5), Lake Murray Elementary School (Lexington School District One), Jane Edwards Elementarym(Charleston County), Cainhoy Elementary (Berkeley County), Latta Elementary School (Dillon School District 3), Carolina Elementary (Darlington County), Michael C. Riley Elementary School (Beaufort County), and Discovery School (Lancaster County).
Liberty Day is presented through a partnership between the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) and the South Carolina Department of Education and is designed to
deepen students’ understanding of South Carolina and United States history, with a special focus on the state’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. On this day, the Statehouse will be transformed into a living classroom, immersing students in hands-on educational experiences tied directly to the place where history was made.
Two hundred fifty fourth grade students from across the state will participate in Liberty Day. Students will meet historical interpreters, engage in interactive demonstrations highlighting Revolutionaryera life, and step into the role of state leaders as they debate and cast votes inside the South Carolina House Chamber.
The event will include welcoming remarks from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, and SC250 Commission Chair General William Grimsley.
South Carolina played a critical role in the American Revolution, with more than 200 battles fought across the state. Liberty Day helps students connect classroom lessons to the real people, places, and decisions that shaped the nation’s path to independence, while also celebrating South Carolina educators and their commitment to civic engagement for young people.
“Liberty Day offers students a chance to see history come alive,” said Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250. “By bringing students into the Statehouse, we are helping them better understand our state’s role in America’s fight for independence and the importance of civic participation.”
Liberty Day at the Statehouse is supported by the National Society of The Colonial Dames in the State of South Carolina (NSCDA-SC), which originated the concept for the field trip and is providing volunteer support and student lunches. Interns from the University of South Carolina History Department will also assist throughout the day, guiding students between learning stations. Participating teachers will be eligible to earn continuing education credits.
About SC250
The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) leads statewide commemoration efforts marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. SC250 partners with communities, historians, and cultural institutions to educate the public and honor the diverse people who shaped the struggle for independence.
