The Center for African American History, Art and Culture (CAAHAC) preserves and celebrates the rich history, creativity, and  resilience of Aiken’s African American community. Housed in the historic Immanuel Institute, CAAHAC honors a legacy rooted in education, faith, and cultural advancement while serving as a vibrant space for learning and connection. Through engaging exhibits, lectures, art shows, concerts, and special events, the Center invites visitors to explore the past, experience the present, and help shape the future of our shared cultural heritage. As a community museum, CAAHAC is dedicated to preserving stories, amplifying voices, and fostering meaningful dialogue across generations.

Albert “Pete” Peters is a Tourism Supervisor for the City of Aiken. A Clemson graduate, he spent over 20 years
as a regional manager for national corporations, leading marketing and franchise development. A longtime promoter of Aiken, Pete has volunteered as marketing director for local tourism events, earning an AP award for Best South Carolina Event Ad. A local history enthusiast, he has written extensively and serves as President of the Aiken-Barnwell Genealogy and Historical Society.

Hitchcock Woods, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is the largest privately owned urban forest in the United States. Owned and managed by the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, the Woods encompass 2,100 acres of rolling sandhills featuring extensive stands of mature longleaf and loblolly pine forests, along with ecologically rich bottomland hardwoods. Hitchcock Woods supports exceptional biodiversity, providing habitat for more than 500 species of plants and animals, including species of conservation concern such as the federally threatened red-cockaded woodpecker. More than 70 miles of well-maintained trails wind throughout the forest and are open year-round to the public for walking and horseback riding. Designated as a
South Carolina Heritage Preserve, Hitchcock Woods is permanently protected by a conservation easement held by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, ensuring the long-term preservation of this unique natural and recreational resource. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to take a guided walk through the Woods with Heather.

Heather Levy is the Education & Grants Coordinator for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation and serves as Vice President of the Augusta–Aiken Audubon Society. She holds a BSc in Environmental Science from Florida State University and an MSc in Wildlife Sciences from the University of Georgia. Her professional and volunteer work centers on bird conservation, spanning environmental education, research, and community and private landowner engagement.

Aiken County During the Revolution – Although Aiken County itself is relatively young, the land was established from in 1871 can trace its history back thousands of years. This presentation will focus on the events that unfolded in the area before, during, and after the American Revolution. Some of the topics that will be addressed are Fort Galphin, the Siege of Augusta, the Martin Daughters, and the Hammonds.

Lauren Virgo was born and raised in North Augusta, South Carolina. She attended Clemson University and received a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Fine Arts. She then went on to the University of South Carolina for her graduate studies where she received a Master’s in Art History and a Certificate in Museum Management. Ms. Virgo has worked professionally in the museum field for twenty years. She joined the staff of the Aiken County Historical Museum in 2017. She first worked as the collections manager before becoming the museum’s director in late 2018.

Field Explorations
A guided walk in the Hitchcock Woods – (April 1)
A private wagon ride and behind-the-scenes tour at Eudora Farms Wildlife Safari Park.

 **Please wear comfortable clothes/shoes and bring essentials such as sunscreen, hats, bug spray, rain jacket, and water if planning to participate in the field studies.