Cultural Crafting: Sweetgrass Basketmaking at Hopsewee Plantation

Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina, is a mid-18th century colonial rice plantation and historic house museum open to visitors. The site preserves the original house, heirlooms, and outbuildings, and interprets the lives of families and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate. Hopsewee offers guided Historic Landmark House Tours, self-guided museum visits focused on enslaved history, and the Hopsewee Inclusive Experience highlighting the birthplace of a South Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors can relax at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room for Southern-inspired lunches and a Hopsewee Blend House Tea, participate in hands-on programs such as the Art of Indigo Dyeing Workshop, or attend seasonal Wine by the River events by the North Santee. Group Event options include touring, tearoom dining, and the supplemental Gullah Presentation led by local Cultural Historians. Special accommodations for accessibility and dietary needs are available for group visits. On the grounds, guests can walk shaded paths, view the river, explore original enslaved dwellings, and browse a gift shop that features local authors during events. Hopsewee also hosts seasonal programs like Hopsewee Hallows, which pairs historic storytelling with riverfront reception. Interpretation emphasizes factual history and cultural context, and staff and guides work with scholars and community historians to present responsible programming. The site provides both timed guided tours and untimed, self-paced museum admission for flexible visiting. Seasonal author appearances and signed books are offered in the gift shop during special events and public programs throughout the calendar year annually.