Education at Hagood Mill Historic Site
Bringing History to Life Through Hands-On Learning
At Hagood Mill Historic Site, we believe that history is best experienced, not just read in books. Our educational programs are designed to engage learners of all ages, offering immersive, hands-on experiences that explore South Carolina’s rich cultural heritage, from early Native American history to pioneer life, traditional crafts, and historic industries.
Whether you’re a teacher planning a field trip, a homeschool group looking for interactive learning, or a lifelong learner passionate about history, Hagood Mill has educational opportunities that bring the past to life in a meaningful and engaging way.
Educational Programs & Opportunities
Field Trips & Group Tours
We welcome school groups, homeschool co-ops, and educational organizations for guided field trips that offer an up-close look at history in action. Our curriculum-based experiences align with South Carolina educational standards and provide a unique way for students to connect with the past.
📍 Field Trip Highlights:
- Historic Hagood Mill Tour – Discover how this 1845 gristmill still operates today.
- Petroglyph Site & Native American Studies – Explore ancient carvings and the region’s indigenous history.
- Cabin Life & Early Settler Skills – Experience pioneer living, hearth cooking, and traditional crafts.
- Blacksmithing, Spinning, & Woodworking Demonstrations – Watch skilled artisans practice historic trades.
💡 Custom tours available! Contact us to tailor an experience to your group’s needs.
FAQs
Field Trips Are Tailored To Your Needs
At Hagood Mill Historic Site, students have the unique opportunity to step back in time and experience history firsthand through a variety of engaging educational stations. These interactive sessions cover everything from early settler life and Native American culture to traditional crafts and historical trades. Up to 4 activities of your choice are included.
📌 Pricing:
- Groups of 29 or fewer OR 81 or more: $15 per student
- Groups of 30-80: $10 per student
Each station is designed to provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience, making history come alive in a fun and meaningful way.
Included Educational Stations
Native American Life in the Upcountry: Arts & Trails
Students walk along an ancient Native American path, learning about indigenous survival skills, the use of river cane, and traditional dugout canoes.
Farming & Gardening in the 1800s
A hands-on lesson about traditional farming techniques, crops, and tools that early settlers used to sustain their families.
Native American Petroglyphs
Inside the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site & Museum, students will see over 30 ancient carvings, as well as a collection of portable petroglyphs that provide insight into early Native American culture.
Housekeeping & Daily Chores in the 1800s
Students will gain an appreciation for the hard work of early settlers as they learn about chores such as fetching water and firewood, hunting, and animal care.
Traditional Appalachian Games
A fun, interactive session where students can play classic 19th-century children’s games like hopscotch, jump rope, and the Graces gam
Primitive Technology
Students will explore how early settlers and Native Americans survived before modern conveniences, learning about fire-starting, tool-making, and other primitive skills.
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 Storytelling
Through captivating stories from the Choctaw Nation, students will discover the meaning behind colors, hunting traditions, leadership roles, and the significance of drums in Native American culture.
Native American Storytelling
Through captivating stories from the Choctaw Nation, students will discover the meaning behind colors, hunting traditions, leadership roles, and the significance of drums in Native American culture.
Beading Demonstration
Students will observe a demonstration of traditional beading techniques and view completed beadwork, learning about the artistry and cultural significance of this craft.
Fur Trapping & Trading in the Upcountry
A deep dive into the fur trade’s role in South Carolina’s history, including the Cherokee Nation’s trading routes, furs as currency, and the equipment used by trappers. Authentic trade goods and furs will be on display.
Additional Hands-On Activities ($2 per student per activity)
Blacksmithing
Students will watch a blacksmith at work, learning about the importance of this trade in the 1800s.
- Older students may get the chance to enter the forge and practice.
- Younger students will use mallets and clay to simulate blacksmithing techniques.
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.
Jug Band Experience
An exciting introduction to Appalachian jug band music, where students will learn about the unique instruments that made this folk music style famous.
Pottery Making – 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.
Early American Artifacts & Archaeology
A hands-on introduction to archaeological methods and artifact identification. Students will excavate and identify artifacts and take home an arrowhead.
Bead Working
Students will learn the history of pony beads and beadwork before creating their own bracelet or necklace to take home