Roots of the Past: Heritage Village
Located in Hampton Plaza near the Rocket
A visit to the South Carolina State Fair’s Heritage Village offers a glimpse into history and early American life. Explore reconstructed historical structures, observe traditional crafts and demonstrations, and learn about the daily lives of early settlers. Heritage Village recreates the atmosphere of a frontier community. Encounter reenactors dressed in period clothing who can provide information about the challenges and customs of the time. Heritage Village offers a tangible connection to history and a meaningful way to see how the roots of the past continue to shape the present.
Hot Glass Academy
Watch amazing glass-blowing demonstrations by professional glass artists. Creating their works of art at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, these glass blowers will shape the molten material to convey their vision. No two artworks are exactly alike. This is exciting and mesmerizing to watch from start to finish.
Michael Felk - Tinsmith
Using rarely seen 18th–century tools, Michael Felk brings the past to life with interpretive demonstrations. Felk’s knowledge and personality will draw fairgoers in and keep them entertained, while educating them on the craft of making practical and beautiful products. He also will have some of his tinware available for sale.
American Heritage Museum
Feel the fibers of America’s past with a hands-on museum experience. This historical exhibit shows what hard work and ingenuity have accomplished through the years. Experience historically accurate displays – showing how the country developed from earlier times to the present day – and how our ancestors did such things as cut wood, make syrup or ice cream and perform various other activities – all without the help of modern-day technology.
Heart Felt Creations
Discover the world of timeless craftsmanship with Heart Felt Creations! Experience living history demonstrations that transport you to a bygone era, as Bob and Cindie showcase their deep commitment to preserving our rich heritage.
Reggie DeLarm
For more than 20 years, East Knoll Pottery has been devoted to accurately reproducing the style of pottery known as “Yellow Ware,” using yellow clays, traditional designs and a clear, lead-free glaze for everyday use. Reggie Delarm will dress in period costume as she throws clay on a potter’s wheel and demonstrates how pottery has been made for centuries.
Roger Abrahamson
Roger Abrahamson, a craftsman and teacher, performs wooden bowl turning on a human-powered spring pole lathe – a lost art dating back to times past. He enjoys educating audiences about wood, and his presentation features a continuous demonstration of how woodworking was done before machines and factories.
Blacksmithing
Experience the art of traditional blacksmithing with experts Trenton Tye and Ty Worthy of purgatory iron works. Demonstrations feature an 1840s-style coal-burning wagon forge, original tools, and handcrafted equipment. Learn about the history of the craft while watching items like knives, spoons, candle holders, and arrowheads come to life.
Broom Making
Join artisan Kristina Wood for a captivating look at traditional broom making. Each 20–30 minute demonstration features a different style—like turkey wing brooms, witch’s brooms, and colonial yard brooms—crafted with 19th-century broomcorn and native materials like willow and birch. Discover the history and techniques behind this time-honored craft.
Woodworking
A master craftsman will showcase early American woodworking using tools like a shaving horse, splitting block, and a clockwork lathe. From shaping chair legs to crafting bows and paddles, each demo explores traditional techniques, the history of the timber trade, and the role of early water power in shaping the craft.