A Historic Charleston Foundation Fundraiser
Robert Smalls: The Inside Story with descendant, Michael Moore
Fri, Apr 04
|Capt. James Missroon House
Learn more about Robert Smalls and his legacy on Charleston and beyond from a very personal perspective, his great-great-grandson. Lunch included. $55.
Time & Location
Apr 04, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
About the event
On May 13, 1862, enslaved man Robert Smalls, then 23 years old, commandeered the Confederate ship CSS Planter in Charleston Harbor. Under the cover of darkness, he and his crew—many of whom were also enslaved—sailed the vessel past heavily armed Confederate checkpoints, using the ship’s secret signals to avoid detection. Smalls delivered the ship, its weapons, and vital intelligence to Union forces, securing freedom for himself, his crew, and their families. This courageous act made him an instant hero and a powerful symbol of African Americans' fight for freedom.
Following his heroic feat, Smalls became a vocal advocate for abolition and equality, using his growing platform to push for African American enlistment in the Union Army. After the Civil War, Smalls continued to break barriers, becoming one of the most influential African American leaders of the Reconstruction era and going on to serve five terms in the U.S. House of…
Sales Policy and Guide to The Charleston Festival
Please note, as a fundraising event, ALL ticket sales are final. No refunds.
Please read our Sales Policy and Guide to The Charleston Festival to answer most frequently asked questions. This guide will also provide valuable information about The Charleston Festival, including a new ticket office location, new venues, etc. CLICK HERE for the full Sales Policy and Guide.