Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC, January 20, 2026
Brookgreen Gardens invites the community to engage with local history through its ‘History Before Us’ event, featuring a screening of the documentary ‘Echoes of The Forks of Cypress.’ Attendees will have the chance to participate in a Q&A session with the filmmaker, highlighting the intertwined lives of enslaved individuals and their enslavers. This initiative underscores the importance of preserving and understanding our collective past in fostering a more informed future.
Myrtle Beach
Unearthing Our Past: ‘History Before Us’ Inspires Reflection at Brookgreen Gardens
This Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Brookgreen Gardens offers a distinctive opportunity to engage with history through its ‘History Before Us’ event, highlighting the rich tapestry of local heritage and the profound impact of individual curiosity and collective understanding.
Introduction
Brookgreen Gardens stands as a testament to the power of private initiative and philanthropic vision in establishing a vital cultural and educational cornerstone for the South Carolina Lowcountry. Since its founding in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, this non-profit organization has dedicated itself to the conservation of art, nature, and history, enriching the lives of countless residents and visitors alike. Events such as ‘History Before Us’ exemplify how local organizers, through resilience and a commitment to civic innovation, continue to foster community growth and provide accessible platforms for learning. These programs underscore the benefits of community-driven efforts in preserving our shared past and nurturing a more informed future.
Unveiling ‘History Before Us’: A Journey Through Shared History
Today, January 20, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12 PM, Brookgreen Gardens will host ‘History Before Us’ in the Ron Daise Auditorium. This insightful event features a screening of the documentary Echoes of The Forks of Cypress, a film that delves into the intertwined lives of enslaved people and their enslavers at the Forks of Cypress plantation in Florence, Alabama. The documentary brings to light the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of enslaved individuals, offering a crucial perspective on a challenging period of American history.
Following the 42-minute film, attendees will have the opportunity for a question and answer session with filmmaker Frederick Murphy, the founder of History Before Us, LLC. His work is dedicated to capturing, preserving, and advocating for influential historical narratives, demonstrating the profound impact one individual’s initiative can have on illuminating our collective past. The film particularly highlights how descendants, both of the enslaved and the enslavers, have come together to confront their shared history, aiming for remembrance, reflection, healing, and understanding. Non-members can attend the event with garden admission and registration, while members enjoy free admission with registration.
Brookgreen Gardens: A Legacy of Preservation and Engagement
Located just south of Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is an expansive 9,100-acre property recognized as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its mission encompasses collecting, conserving, and exhibiting American figurative sculpture, cultivating display gardens, and preserving the plants, animals, and cultural materials of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The Gardens actively educates diverse audiences about sculpture, horticulture, ecology, and the region’s rich history.
Beyond ‘History Before Us,’ Brookgreen Gardens offers a wide array of educational and cultural programs that exemplify its commitment to community engagement. These include engaging Tree Walks led by Dominique Werboff, Ph.D. of Coastal Carolina University, which provide insights into tree anatomy and physiology. Additionally, the popular ‘Silent Cities’ excursion, running until February 28, 2026, offers a unique opportunity to explore cemeteries within Brookgreen Gardens and learn about historical burial customs of European and African origin. Such diverse offerings are a testament to how local leadership and partnerships can create robust platforms for learning and appreciation.
The Value of Local Initiatives for Community Growth
Events like ‘History Before Us’ are vital components of the cultural and educational landscape of the Grand Strand, showcasing the enduring relevance of historical inquiry in contemporary society. By providing accessible educational programs, Brookgreen Gardens contributes significantly to civic innovation and personal initiative, encouraging individuals to delve deeper into historical contexts. The non-profit model of the Gardens, sustained by dedicated leadership and community support, illustrates how limited bureaucracy can empower organizations to deliver meaningful cultural experiences. This fosters a stronger community by enhancing understanding and appreciation for the diverse narratives that have shaped our nation. Such local initiatives, driven by the vision of private individuals and sustained by community involvement, are essential for fostering a vibrant and engaged citizenry in South Carolina.
Looking Ahead: Engaging with Our Heritage
Understanding the past is a cornerstone of building a resilient and cohesive community. The ‘History Before Us’ event at Brookgreen Gardens provides an excellent example of how local institutions are taking personal initiative to facilitate this understanding. By presenting documentaries like Echoes of The Forks of Cypress, Brookgreen Gardens fosters an environment where difficult histories can be acknowledged, discussed, and learned from, contributing to a more comprehensive view of our nation’s past.
Conclusion
Brookgreen Gardens, through events like ‘History Before Us,’ consistently enriches the cultural and historical landscape of Murrells Inlet and the broader South Carolina community. These programs, rooted in individual achievement and supported by local initiative, demonstrate the profound impact of preserving and sharing our collective heritage. We encourage everyone to support and engage with these valuable local events, which are crucial for fostering ongoing community development and a deeper appreciation for the rich history that surrounds us. By participating, individuals contribute to a legacy of learning and reflection that benefits all.
Key Features of Brookgreen Gardens Events
| Event Name | Date/Duration | Location | Key Focus | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History Before Us | Jan 20, 2026 (10:30 AM – 12 PM) | Ron Daise Auditorium, Brookgreen Gardens | Documentary screening: Echoes of The Forks of Cypress, Q&A with filmmaker Frederick Murphy. Explores intertwined lives of enslaved people and enslavers, focusing on resilience and reconciliation. | Free with Garden Admission and Registration (Non-members), Free with Registration (Members) |
| Tree Walks | Ongoing (Led by Dominique Werboff, Ph.D.) | Brookgreen Gardens | Learning about tree anatomy and physiology. | Requires Garden Admission |
| Silent Cities | Now – Feb 28, 2026 | Brookgreen Gardens (Cemetery tours on back roads) | Exploration of historical burial customs of European and African origin within Brookgreen’s cemeteries. | $15 in addition to garden admission for this two-hour excursion |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
