Food for Thought
Luncheon Lecture Series

Throughout its 350 year old history, courageous and innovative women have helped shape the history of Charleston. Hear their stories as told by Valerie Perry, HCF's Assistant Director of Museums. 

Karl Beckwith Smith, a distinguished muralist and decorative painter, has spent over three decades bringing Charleston's historic spaces to life through his art. His vibrant works grace homes, institutions, and plantations across the Lowcountry, blending creativity with a deep respect for Charleston’s heritage. In this program, Karl shares his artistic journey, process, and the intersection of art and preservation that helps sustain the city’s rich cultural legacy.

Back by popular demand, internationally award-winning author Natasha Boyd will share the astounding accomplishments of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, who as a teenaged girl developed one of South Carolina’s most lucrative cash crops. So influential was Eliza in early America, President George Washington served as a pallbearer at her funeral. Boyd’s novel, The Indigo Girl, is based on historical documents, including Eliza's letters.

David Hoffman, a master craftsman and founder of Edgewood Builders, has been preserving Charleston’s historic architecture since 1979. In this program just for the Festival, David will draw inspiration, and examples, from his collection of 10,000 antique tools to both demonstrate, and share, his passion for traditional craftsmanship. 

Bermuda stone was first used in Charleston by Bermudian immigrants and traders in the late 17th century and was imported in great quantities throughout the 18th century. Join Justin Schwebler, Preservation Manager at Historic Charleston Foundation, who will share the history of Bermuda stone’s importation, use, and locations in Charleston where it still exists today.

On May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls, a 23-year-old enslaved man, commandeered the Confederate ship CSS Planter in Charleston Harbor, delivering it, its weapons, and critical intelligence to Union forces, securing freedom for himself, his crew, and their families. Historian, politician and great-great-grandson Michael Moore will share Smalls’ extraordinary story during the 2025 Food for Thought Lecture Series, offering unique insights into his courage, resilience, and enduring legacy.

In summer 2024, Dr. Andrew Agha, RPA, led excavations under the Nathaniel Russell Kitchen House, uncovering thousands of artifacts that shed light on the Russell family and the enslaved Africans who lived there. This spring, he will share his findings during the Food for Thought Lecture Series, discussing how these discoveries enhance the interpretation of the historic house.

Third generation Charlestonian, Robert Rosen, is the author of A Short History of Charleston and Confederate Charleston, and more. Join Robert in a storytelling journey to the Battle of Sullivan's Island and into the lives of the soldiers engaged in the first decisive patriot victory over the British Royal Navy. The battle shocked the world and protected Charleston during a critical early stage of the American Revolution.