Expert Lecture at the American Theatre with Dr. Bernie Powers

In a newly re-designed educational series, we welcome a variety of expert speakers to the historic American Theater for a captivating lecture and program inspired by the Lowcountry. 

In this important and powerful lecture, celebrated historian and professor, Dr. Bernie Powers, dives into how the Civil War and emancipation transformed the South in dramatic and unprecedented ways. However, unlike popular perceptions, the end of slavery wasn’t immediate. The new world of freedom was at once exhilarating and daunting, threatening and appealing. But it was only defined through a process of countless negotiations and conflicts, both physical and psychological between freedpeople and their former owners. This swirling vortex of uncertainty was the foundation of a new South then and its legacy still informs our contemporary racial challenges.

Each Experts at the American Theater program will be followed by a short reception with the speaker. Space is limited and tickets are required.