Food for Thought
Luncheon Lecture Series

Historian Harlan Greene digs deep and uncovers a wealth of knowledge about Charleston's LGBTQ past and present in his acclaimed work, The Real Rainbow Row. For this program, Greene will dive deeper with guests to discuss the history of LGBTQ life in Charleston and the Lowcountry from pre-settlement to today.

Join Charleston native and noted author, Louisa Pringle Cameron, for a look at the history of Charleston gardens. Be inspired by the extensive knowledge and collection of photographs in this lecture, evoking the beauty of Charleston’s gardens, past and present. In a Festival favorite, Ms. Cameron is back to sing the praises of the many talented gardeners, designers, nurserymen, and landscape architects who were proud to call the Lowcountry home. 

Celebrated historian and author, Christina Butler, joins us for an illustrated lecture outlining her latest book, Charleston Horse Power: Equine Culture in the Palmetto City. Christina Butler will dive into her research of the history of working horses in the city. Looking at a variety of aspects, from the types of work they did (from racing to private and public transportation to delivery work), the animal care, carriages and material culture and the humans who worked with horses and mules, Butler can paint a picture of the architectural legacy of Charleston’s equine past.

The novel The Invention of Wings was inspired by daring real-life abolitionists Sarah and Angelina Grimké. Valerie Perry, HCF’s Aiken Rhett House Museum Manager, will describe how she assisted author Sue Monk Kidd in her research. Lee Ann Bain, certified tour guide, will discuss how she separated fact from fiction to develop The Original Grimké Sisters Tour with her colleague Carol Ezell- Gilson.