Education at Hagood Mill Historic Site

Traditional Focus (our suggestion for first time visitors)

• Native American Petroglyphs: Inside the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site, students will see over 30 ancient carvings, as well as a collection of portable petroglyphs that provide insight into early Native American culture. Native American artifacts and art are also on display for students to view.
• Life in the 1800s Upcountry: Students are led on a tour through two on-location cabins and the grist mill while the instructor explains what life was like in the 1800s. Students will gain appreciation for the hard work of early settlers as they learn about chores such as fetching water and firewood, hunting, and caring for livestock.
• Traditional Appalachian Games: A fun, interactive session where students play classic children’s games like hoop and stick, Tug of War, and Game of Graces.
• Native American Life in the Upcountry: Students will learn about indigenous survival skills used by Native Americans such as hunting with bows and arrows, the use of river cane, making dugout canoes, and starting a fire. Examples and demonstrations of techniques and primitive tools will provide a unique experience to better understand aspects of Native American life.

Native American Focus

• Native American Petroglyphs: Inside the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site, students will see over 30 ancient carvings, as well as a collection of portable petroglyphs that provide insight into early Native American culture. Native American artifacts and art are also on display for students to view.
• From Trails to Roads: Students will walk along part of an ancient Native American trail on the mill site that was used by early travelers on foot and later by early automobiles. Comparisons are made between animal and human trails and some of the well-known roads of the Upstate that developed during the 1800s.
• Traditional Native American Games: Students will engage in games played by Native American tribes, learning their cultural significance and the skills they helped develop.
• Native American Life in the Upcountry: Students will learn about indigenous survival skills used by Native Americans such as hunting with bows and arrows, the use of river cane, making dugout canoes, and starting a fire. Examples and demonstrations of techniques and primitive tools will provide a unique experience to better understand aspects of Native American life.

Appalachian Settler Focus

• Farming & Gardening in the 1800s: This hands-on activity demonstrates traditional farming techniques, crops, and tools that early settlers used to sustain their families. Examples of old farm implements and methods of food preservation are explained in a way that makes the past come to life.
• Blacksmithing: Students will become familiar with the blacksmith’s forge, observe techniques and explanations given by the mill’s professional blacksmith, and learn about the vital role this trade had in the 1800s.
• Hearthside Cooking: Students will churn their own butter while learning how early settlers cooked without electricity or gas. They’ll sample their handmade butter with a special treat.
• Traditional Appalachian Games: A fun, interactive session where students play classic children’s games like hoop and stick, Tug of War, and Game of Graces.

Recreational Activities Focus

• Pottery (Native American or Appalachian): Students will explore the historical significance of pottery in indigenous and pioneer cultures, then create their own pinch pot or animal figurine to take home.
• Jug Band: An exciting introduction to Appalachian jug band music, where students will learn about the unique instruments that made this folk music style famous.
• Games (Native American or Appalachian)
• Bead Working: Students will learn the history of pony beads and beadwork before creating their own bracelet or necklace to take home.