Annual Francis Marion Symposium  -  This is  www.francismarionsymposium.com                            Home    

Earlier Francis Marion Symposium history:  2003-2007 - Click here

                        Agenda is a work-in-progress for the next Symposium - Oct 18-19, 2013

             Revolutionary War Enthusiasts!!  Call for Papers:
    The prime topic area's focus is on Marion, explanations of the engagements and the war in South Carolina.   Gen. Francis Marion

played a major role in the American Revolution.  Many of these engagements took place in the Clarendon County area.  

According to Professor Henry Lumpkin about a third of all battles were fought in SC and Marion had a hand in roughly a third of those.

   Topics relative to Marion & the Southern Campaign are considered.

   Plan & submit what you can present. Let us know your intentions ASAP.

   11th Francis Marion Symposium   October 18-19, 2013    

    Mail your proposals to:  Attn: Francis Marion Symposium c/o C. Hester,  PO Box 667, Manning, SC 29102              

           Link for symposium_proposals_form to print and send before August 17, 2013

11th Francis Marion Symposium - Register soon for October 18-19, 2013

Come immerse yourself in Francis Marion's world and the significance of the Southern Campaign of the

American Revolution. Gen. Francis Marion played a major role in the American Revolution.  According

to Professor Henry Lumpkin about a third of all battles were fought in SC and Marion had a hand in

roughly a third of those.   Tentative agenda:

   *  Christine Swager introduces her new Southern Campaign book and ties the backcountry events together.

   *  Steven Smith presents Francis Marion in the Pee Dee.

   *  Ricky Roberts discusses Marion’s Bridges Campaign with McCottry Riflemen.

   *  Will Graves presents the "rest of the story" and the corrected version on James Williams.

   *  John Buchanan, author of "The Road To Guilford Courthouse," delivers "Modern Myths About the Revolutionary War"

   *  The Marquis de Lafayette takes the stage at the Evening in History Dinner Theater.

  Mail your registration to:  Attn: Francis Marion Symposium c/o C. Hester  PO Box 667, Manning, SC 29102
 Link for symposium_registration_form : print first page, mail your registration before Oct 1, 2013  (before Sept 17 for the EARLY Bird discounts)

    Site: DuBose Campus / Central Carolina Tech College, 3315 Sumter Hwy. US 521, Manning, SC:  33.725°N, 80.2°W

 Remember you’re in the backcountry with the militia, so dress comfortably.

   Included: All Presentations Friday & Saturday, Friday: Reception Dinner,

   Saturday: Breakfast snacks, Lunch, Dinner Theater   Price $ 95 ($175 / couple) By 10/1/13

       Early Bird Discounts (before 9/17/13) $90 / person ($165 / couple) -   803-478-2645 or   gcsummers@ftc-i.net   

       If you prefer to charge to a credit card, we'll need to add $4 for individuals and $6 for couples.

     "Like" or "Share" on Facebook: Francis Marion Symposium, plan to come...

 "Clarendon County Tour" app will tell and show you these sites and markers; 

    download here or at Google Play apps Store.  This is your walking and talking tour of the historic markers & sites

   Or tour at home & pick the site to visit in Clarendon County, South Carolina

    Thank you committed and returning Sponsors for 2013:

 Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree;  Santee Electric Coop, Lake City

  Best one ever, DVDs are ready: October 12-13, 2012:  10th Francis Marion / Swamp Fox Symposium

 Francis Marion and the Southern Campaign

 Immersing yourself in Francis Marion's world and learning the significance of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.

   Site: DuBose Campus / Central Carolina Tech College, 3315 Sumter Hwy. US 521, Manning, SC:  33.725°N, 80.2°W

      Many Thanks to our Sponsors & helpers, 2012:    

Bank of Clarendon, Manning; The Citizens Bank of Turbeville; The Clarendon Citizen, Manning; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning; Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree;  J & N Black, Manning; Edward Jones, R. Bradshaw, Manning; Manning Restaurant; NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; Santee Electric Coop, Lake City; SCS SAR; G & C Summers, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning & the Ladies with the flowers.

        Francis Marion Symposium 2012  Stories in the local news:

In The Clarendon Citizen:  http://www.clarendoncitizen.com/article/marion-symposium-thrills-attendees

In The Item:  http://www.theitem.com/clarendon_sun/historians-to-discuss-francis-marion-and-the-southern-campaign/article_44473a1a-b790-589d-9f3b-1c845b261294.html

In The Clarendon Citizen (can't fix it, copy & paste): http://www.clarendoncitizen.com/article/south-carolina%E2%80%99s-own-bad-boy

     10th Francis Marion Symposium, Oct 12-13, 2012

          Agenda schedule:   

  Ricky Roberts built a scale model of Fort Watson

  and the Maham tower for the Clarendon Museum,

  displayed in front of a Fort Watson mural, 10-19-12.

Tributes to Francis Marion on-line:

Karen MacNutt reminds us why we admire General Francis Marion at his tomb:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdF1r1Y_j8s

Professor Joe Stukes recounts a brief Francis Marion history:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSw7ms2qUKw

Professor Joe Stukes recounts a horse for Francis Marion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qaYMQS-PBY&feature=related

Francis Marion Foils the British By Jefferson M. Gray 

http://www.historynet.com/up-from-the-swamp-francis-marion-foils-the-british.htm

         If you missed it, DVDs now available $15 or 2 for $25:

   9th Francis Marion/Swamp Fox Symposium was October 14-15, 2011

 Presenters at the Francis Marion Symposium 2011.

  Thanks to our Sponsors & helpers, 2011:    

Bank of Clarendon, Manning; The Citizens Bank of Turbeville; The Clarendon Citizen, Manning; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning; Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree;  In Honor of Nell Black, Manning; Edward Jones, R. Bradshaw, Manning; Manning IGA, L. Kennedy; Manning Restaurant; NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; G & C Summers, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning & the Ladies of the Azalea Garden Club

        Francis Marion Symposium 2011 Wrap up stories in the local news:

In The Clarendon Citizen: http://www.clarendoncitizen.com/article/symposium-takes-audience-through-revolutionary-journey

In The Item:  http://www.theitem.com/clarendon_sun/article_d327d832-2427-5cb4-9019-5d47a1ae3afd.html

Agenda:  Friday, October 14, 2011  
    2 PM  Registration / Sign-In / Welcome folders / Intros    
       J. Queen & D. Watkins: Land Genealogy: Colonial plats & maps of 1750’s along the Santee River

       B. Segars: Early Colonial/Rev. Era Churches 

       C. Swager: British Intentions Thwarted: How it all went wrong in SC
       Reception Dinner at the Manning Restaurant
 Saturday, October 15, 2011  
    9:15 AM  Opening, Drinks & Breakfast Snacks
        K. MacNutt: Francis Marion and Georgetown

        B. Rubin: Walking On Eggshells: The delicate matter of prisoner exchange

        T. Zeiss: Major Thomas Young remembers the Revolution and Fort Motte
        C. Baxley: Marion and the Battle of Parker's Ferry

        D. Neilan: Marion & the Establishment of Civil Government in SC and the Jacksonboro Assembly

        J. Piecuch: Marion at the Battle of Eutaw Springs 
           Displays/ Book Signings
      An Evening in Revolutionary War History Dinner Theater:

          Garland Hart & the Fife &  Our Historian Joe Stukes as Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
 

       Site: DuBose Campus / Central Carolina Tech College, 3315 Sumter Hwy. US 521, Manning, SC:  33.725°N, 80.2°W

    Sorry you missed it, order your DVD of the Symposium NOW, $15 or 2 for $25.

         9th Francis Marion Symposium   October 14-15, 2011

You missed the best one yet:  October 15-16, 2010:  Francis Marion / Swamp Fox Symposium
    8th Francis Marion Symposium: "Explore General Marion and the Southern Campaign"
  Immerse yourself in Francis Marion's world and in the significance of the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War.
 Approx. Times:  Friday, Oct. 15, 2010: 2 PM - 9 PM and Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010: 9 AM - 10 PM

Sponsors 2010:    Bank of Clarendon, Manning; J & N Black, Manning; R. Bradshaw of Manning; Citizens Bank,  Turbeville; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning; Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree; The Clarendon Citizen; In Honor of Rep. C. Harvin, Summerton; Manning IGA, L. Kennedy; Manning Restaurant; NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; G & C Summers, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning.  

2010 Presentations * Best Attendees & Presenters Yet.

           DVD Videos, including this last year's Symposium, are NOW available: 2 years for $25, 1 for $15

In Clarendon Citizen - October 19, 2010 - By Chuck Waters 
Marion Symposium a hit again  
 
      The eighth Francis Marion Symposium was a great success - again. That is the thought of organizer George Summers of Manning. He and his wife, Carole, and a group of dedicated volunteers have been putting the symposium together for eight years and despite successful events in the past, this one ranks up there with the best. People from all across the country came to Clarendon County to listen, learn and even eat from the Revolutionary War era.
“All the presenters were exceptionally good this year,” said Summers. “It went better than we thought it would go. We had high expectations, but we exceeded those. It really came together this year.”

The Summers received an email from a Charles Baxley, lawyer in Camden, commending them on their work to make the symposium a great experience.  His email read, “I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Francis Marion Symposium. The pace seemed to be more relaxed this year. I thought the atmosphere was terrific. Thanks for all your hard work for making it happen.”

The symposium got started Friday afternoon with two presentations.
The first was from John Parker; author of Parker’s Guide to the Revolutionary War in S.C. and the second was from Val Green speaking about the ancient Indian town named Cofitachequi.
 The night ended with a meal and a meet and greet event at the Manning Restaurant.
“I think this guy (Baxley) probably mirrors everybody,” said Summers. “They really liked the dinner at Manning Restaurant Friday night. They had a great time of fellowship and the food was tremendous.”
According to Summers, the highlight was Dr. Joseph Taylor Stukes’ portrayal of Otho Williams Saturday evening.
Stukes entered the stage following the dinner and portrayed Williams about being a military leader alongside Marion in the South.
“Every presenter had stuff they’d dug out in their research that I personally had never heard before,” Summers said.
The South had an important role in the American Revolution and Summers said that a focal point of the symposium.
Gaining a better and clearer perspective on this area and what role it played in the Revolution to aid in the formation of the country was something the Summers and each participant aimed for.
“I think the participants took away a greater appreciation for the part of South Carolina played in the American Revolution,” Summers said. “In particular, the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The action was in our area of South Carolina. I think that was fairly evident to everybody.”
With the success of the symposium and great feedback from attendees, Summers definitely wants to put together a ninth symposium. Even though they do not begin the planning process until the spring, the organizers have ideas and interested individuals possibly lined up. “I don’t think we’ll change it much,” Summer said. “We’ll have different presentations with different presenters; but the format will stay the same. After eight years, we have the schedule worked out. “We already have people talking about what they’re doing in their research and what they would like to present.”

Happened not to be the Last Symposium, great fun & history info:

                    Friday, October 16, 2009

Sponsors 2009:  Bank of Clarendon, Manning; J & N Black, Manning; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning;  Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Elliott's Landing, Pinewood; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree; Representative Cathy Harvin, Summerton; The Manning Times; Manning IGA, Lamar Kennedy; Midway Presbyterian Church, New Zion;  NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; G & C Summers, Manning; The Tearcoat Framery, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning.

                                             PO Box 667 

                            Questions:  George Summers 803-478-2645; 803-460-9626 or  gcsummers@ftc-i.net

Drum and fifes (Ray Moran, Garland Hart and Dan Culpepper) at Francis Marion Symposium 2005 were a big hit.    Photo provided by The Item.  

Videos Available: (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, & NOW 2011)

   By Sandi Chaney in The Item

         Karen MacNutt came from Massachusetts for the second year in a row to learn about Francis Marion and area history.  “I have been a big Revolutionary War fan, in particular a fan of the Southern campaign, and in particular a fan of Francis Marion for more years than I can remember,” she said, “probably from the time that Walt Disney created the “Swamp Fox” television productions with Leslie Nielsen.   But I quickly realized the man (Marion) was much more complex, much more interesting than he's ever been portrayed in fiction.   I've read a lot of biographies, and many people who were in the army during the Revolutionary War were pretty shallow.  But some are real patriots and have quite a depth.  I think Marion felt the cause passionately.”

      MacNutt believes there are some valuable life lessons to be learned from studying Marion's life and times – lessons that transcend the man himself.  “They had nothing, really,” she said.  “Everybody was surrendering, but he didn't do that.  He kept going, and by the force of his own character, he kept things together.  It's a lesson we can all learn, that if something is worth having, it requires you to fight hard for it.  The fact that you don't have everything you need or you don't have the best of everything just means you have to be smarter than the next guy.  And if you have that force of character, that force of will, the commitment, and a belief in something bigger than yourself, you will have the advantage.”
        “People have to have a feeling for their history or they lose it,” said MacNutt.  “They lose a sense of who they are and why they're here.”