In this episode, host Scott Richards explores the rich maritime history of Georgetown, South Carolina, with Hope McFaddin, Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Museum. The conversation opens with a look at Georgetown’s transformative journey—once a powerhouse commercial port that drove the Southeast’s economy, the city is now transitioning as the industrial port closes, paving the way for a new era including recreational boating, celebrating their maritime heritage and heritage tourism.
Hope describes the deep connection between the community and the Sampit River, explaining how the water remains the lifeblood of the city even as its purpose evolves. You’ll hear the inspiring story of how the museum itself was born from local passion; what started as a wooden boat exhibit at the Bayfest Festival in the 1990s was transformed by visionary business owners into the famous Wooden Boat Show. This grassroots effort led to the formation of a 501(c)(3) and, in 2011, the museum found its permanent home on Front Street in the historic building formerly known as “The New Store.”
Today, the Wooden Boat Show remains the heartbeat of the museum and its largest annual fundraiser. This high-energy event is the primary reason the museum can offer free admission to the public year-round. The competition gives teams the boat plan, screws, nails, and lumber to build a Carolina Bateau, and teams have just four hours to build a boat from scratch. At 5:00 PM, the “hope it floats” race begins, featuring incredible craftsmanship and the occasional dramatic sinking. Beyond the races, the museum preserves “everything to do with the water,” from Civil War schooners to shipwrecks and the quirky local tradition, “The Burning of the Socks,” returning this Thursday, March 19th!
The South Carolina Maritime Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at SCMaritimeMuseum.org.
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