Experts at the American Theater

The University of South Carolina's Moving Image Research Collections (MIRC) is among the nation's largest film and video archives and our holdings comprise more than 8,000 hours of moving image material. The University's Moving Image Research Collections (MIRC) preserves film and video produced outside the American feature film industryand its collection includes the Fox Movietone News Collection, the United States Marine Corps Film Repository, and more.

Valerie Perry, HCF Assistant Director of Museums, with a career including museum education, curation, and administration over decades. Known for her innovative approach to museum programming, Valerie has spearheaded initiatives that make exhibitions more accessible and interactive for diverse audiences. Her expertise in collections management and exhibit design has earned her recognition as a passionate advocate for the arts and history. Through her work, Valerie ensures that museums continue to serve as vital spaces for education, inspiration, and cultural enrichment.

Matt and Ted Lee are acclaimed chefs, food writers, and culinary entrepreneurs hailing from Charleston, South Carolina. Known as "The Lee Bros.," they have made a significant impact on Southern cuisine through their inventive approach to traditional recipes. They gained national recognition with their award-winning cookbooks, including The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook, which celebrates the rich flavors and heritage of Southern food.

Wendy Kvalheim is the President of Mottahedeh, a renowned luxury porcelain company specializing in antique reproductions and historic designs. She has played a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing the company’s legacy as a leader in fine porcelain, combining timeless artistry with contemporary relevance. Under her leadership, Mottahedeh has continued to collaborate with prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, producing exquisite tableware and decorative items that blend historical authenticity with modern elegance. Wendy is celebrated for her deep appreciation of design history and her commitment to quality craftsmanship, ensuring that Mottahedeh remains a standard of excellence in fine ceramics. Her vision has helped the company maintain its appeal to collectors, institutions, and discerning individuals around the world.

Lee Ann Bain is a historian, author, and expert on the lives and legacy of the Grimké sisters—Sarah and Angelina Grimké—renowned abolitionists and women’s rights advocates from Charleston, South Carolina. Bain’s work focuses on the sisters' groundbreaking efforts to challenge the social and political norms of the 19th century, advocating for racial equality and gender justice at a time when such views were highly controversial. With a passion for Southern history and a commitment to uncovering overlooked narratives, Bain has written extensively about the Grimkés, placing their work in the broader context of antebellum America. She is known for her engaging storytelling and in-depth research, which illuminate the sisters' enduring influence on the abolitionist movement and the fight for women's rights. Through her writing and lectures, Bain ensures that the Grimkés' pioneering contributions to social justice remain an integral part of American history.