Discovery Night at the Museum
Discovery Night at the Museum programs run from September through April. Please check back in late summer for the upcoming schedule.
Discovery Night at the Museum
Discovery Night at the Museum programs run from September through April. Please check back in late summer for the upcoming schedule.
PAST PROGRAMS
PAST PROGRAMS
INDIGO EXPLORATION
TEA TOWEL EDITIONApril 24, 2025 5-6 pm
Meet Eliza Lucas Pinckney through the engaging storytelling of author and living history presenter Margaret (Peggy) Pickett, then dive into the fun of indigo dyeing! In this special Tea Towel Edition, you’ll fold, twist, and dip your way to four beautifully patterned indigo tea towels to take home. The museum provides 4 tea towels per person. If you prefer to dye a t-shirt, we’ll have sizes ranging from child medium to adult XL available.
$25 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
Register Now
INDIGO EXPLORATION
TEA TOWEL EDITIONApril 24, 2025 5-6 pm
Meet Eliza Lucas Pinckney through the engaging storytelling of author and living history presenter Margaret (Peggy) Pickett, then dive into the fun of indigo dyeing! In this special Tea Towel Edition, you’ll fold, twist, and dip your way to four beautifully patterned indigo tea towels to take home. The museum provides 4 tea towels per person. If you prefer to dye a t-shirt, we’ll have sizes ranging from child medium to adult XL available.
$25 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
Register Now
BUSY
BEESApril 10, 2025, 5:30-7 pm
Honeybees are always hard at work, collecting nectar and pollen to create honey, beeswax, and more. They’re also vital pollinators, helping plants thrive. Discover what bees are busy making, then try your hand at crafting your own beeswax candle and lip balm to take home. Sample different types of honey and guess which flowers the bees were pollinating.
Important: This program is for ages 7 and up, and children must be accompanied by an adult participating in the workshop. Space is limited, and only registered participants are allowed in the program area. Please do not attend if you have allergies to bee products.
$20 per participant (ages 7 and up, please)
Register Now
BUSY
BEESApril 10, 2025, 5:30-7 pm
Honeybees are always hard at work, collecting nectar and pollen to create honey, beeswax, and more. They’re also vital pollinators, helping plants thrive. Discover what bees are busy making, then try your hand at crafting your own beeswax candle and lip balm to take home. Sample different types of honey and guess which flowers the bees were pollinating.
Important: This program is for ages 7 and up, and children must be accompanied by an adult participating in the workshop. Space is limited, and only registered participants are allowed in the program area. Please do not attend if you have allergies to bee products.
$20 per participant (ages 7 and up, please)
Register Now
INDIGO
EXPLORATIONApril 3, 2025 5-6 pm
Step back in time with author and living history presenter Margaret (Peggy) Pickett and meet Eliza Lucas Pinckney. In 1739, Eliza — at just 17 years old —experiments with indigo plants and helps establish a thriving industry in colonial South Carolina. Discover her fascinating story, learn about the process of making indigo dye, and create your own indigo tie-dye t-shirt to take home. The museum provides one t-shirt (sizes range from child medium to adult XL). Feel free to bring one additional small cotton item to dye, such as a t-shirt, tea towel, scarf or apron.
$20 per person (ages 7 and up, please)
Register Now
INDIGO
EXPLORATIONApril 3, 2025 5-6 pm
Step back in time with author and living history presenter Margaret (Peggy) Pickett and meet Eliza Lucas Pinckney. In 1739, Eliza — at just 17 years old —experiments with indigo plants and helps establish a thriving industry in colonial South Carolina. Discover her fascinating story, learn about the process of making indigo dye, and create your own indigo tie-dye t-shirt to take home. The museum provides one t-shirt (sizes range from child medium to adult XL). Feel free to bring one additional small cotton item to dye, such as a t-shirt, tea towel, scarf or apron.
$20 per person (ages 7 and up, please)
Register Now
iPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY:
TIPS & TRICKS FROM A PROMarch 27, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm
With beautiful scenery all around, learn how to capture picture-perfect moments using your iPhone (12 or higher) in this hands-on workshop led by photographer Sophia Schade. You’ll explore camera modes, functions, and techniques to enhance your photography skills. Note: Participants must bring an iPhone 12 or higher and charger.
$35 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
iPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY:
TIPS & TRICKS FROM A PROMarch 27, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm
With beautiful scenery all around, learn how to capture picture-perfect moments using your iPhone (12 or higher) in this hands-on workshop led by photographer Sophia Schade. You’ll explore camera modes, functions, and techniques to enhance your photography skills. Note: Participants must bring an iPhone 12 or higher and charger.
$35 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
GROW YOUR OWN
EDIBLE MUSHROOMSMarch 20, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm
Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry are home to a variety of native mushrooms, particularly in wooded and humid areas. During this hands-on workshop Dave Desjardins, retired environmental scientist and mushroom enthusiast, will introduce you to the fascination world of mushrooms and mushroom cultivation, focusing on techniques inspired by nature. Learn how to inoculate logs with mushroom spawn to grow your own delicious oyster and shiitake mushrooms. You'll leave with two prepared plug logs—one for each variety—so you can continue your mushroom-growing adventure at home. Perfect for curious minds and nature lovers!
$40 (ages 13 and older only please)
Register NowGROW YOUR OWN
EDIBLE MUSHROOMSMarch 20, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm
Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry are home to a variety of native mushrooms, particularly in wooded and humid areas. During this hands-on workshop Dave Desjardins, retired environmental scientist and mushroom enthusiast, will introduce you to the fascination world of mushrooms and mushroom cultivation, focusing on techniques inspired by nature. Learn how to inoculate logs with mushroom spawn to grow your own delicious oyster and shiitake mushrooms. You'll leave with two prepared plug logs—one for each variety—so you can continue your mushroom-growing adventure at home. Perfect for curious minds and nature lovers!
$40 (ages 13 and older only please)
Register NowHAIKU WORKSHOP
WITH MIHO KINNAS
March 13, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pmDiscover how poetry can deepen your connection to art. In this workshop, local poet, writer, and translator Miho Kinnas will guide you in crafting haiku —short, evocative poems of 17 syllables — inspired by the artwork in This Is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect, on display in the museum’s main gallery.
Learn to closely observe a piece of art, reflect on your experience, and distill it into just three lines. Miho will share practical tips for capturing inspiration, making this workshop perfect for writers of all levels.
Miho Kinnas is the author of three poetry collections, including Waiting for Sunset to Bury Red Camellias (Free Verse Press). Her work has been featured in Best American Poetry and nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
Registration option to include Miho’s book, Waiting for Sunset to Bury Red Camellias.
$30 per person (ages 13 and older, please)
$40 per person, including her book (ages 13 and older, please)
HAIKU WORKSHOP
WITH MIHO KINNAS
March 13, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pmDiscover how poetry can deepen your connection to art. In this workshop, local poet, writer, and translator Miho Kinnas will guide you in crafting haiku —short, evocative poems of 17 syllables — inspired by the artwork in This Is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect, on display in the museum’s main gallery.
Learn to closely observe a piece of art, reflect on your experience, and distill it into just three lines. Miho will share practical tips for capturing inspiration, making this workshop perfect for writers of all levels.
Miho Kinnas is the author of three poetry collections, including Waiting for Sunset to Bury Red Camellias (Free Verse Press). Her work has been featured in Best American Poetry and nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
Registration option to include Miho’s book, Waiting for Sunset to Bury Red Camellias.
$30 per person (ages 13 and older, please)
$40 per person, including her book (ages 13 and older, please)
SEA GLASS
WINDCHIMES
Feb 27/5:30-7:30 pmUnwind and tap into your creative side at this enchanting evening of coastal artistry. Led by the talented Camilla Pagliaroli, owner of Create with Camilla, you'll craft your own sea glass windchimes to take home and cherish. All materials are provided, and you're welcome to bring your favorite wine and snacks to savor while you create. Whether you come with friends or make new ones, this interactive experience promises a fun, relaxed atmosphere where creativity flows freely.
$60 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
SEA GLASS
WINDCHIMES
Feb 27/5:30-7:30 pmUnwind and tap into your creative side at this enchanting evening of coastal artistry. Led by the talented Camilla Pagliaroli, owner of Create with Camilla, you'll craft your own sea glass windchimes to take home and cherish. All materials are provided, and you're welcome to bring your favorite wine and snacks to savor while you create. Whether you come with friends or make new ones, this interactive experience promises a fun, relaxed atmosphere where creativity flows freely.
$60 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS:
TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLSFeb. 20/4:30-6:30 pm
Join experienced wildlife photographer Mary Alice Tartler for a hands-on class that will elevate your wildlife photography. You'll learn creative techniques to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of wildlife in their natural habitats. This class covers everything from mastering your camera and essential equipment to the art of composition, animal behavior, and locating wildlife in the Lowcountry. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, you'll find valuable insights to take your photography to the next level. All nature and wildlife enthusiasts are welcome—just bring your camera!
$35 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS:
TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLSFeb. 20/4:30-6:30 pm
Join experienced wildlife photographer Mary Alice Tartler for a hands-on class that will elevate your wildlife photography. You'll learn creative techniques to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of wildlife in their natural habitats. This class covers everything from mastering your camera and essential equipment to the art of composition, animal behavior, and locating wildlife in the Lowcountry. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, you'll find valuable insights to take your photography to the next level. All nature and wildlife enthusiasts are welcome—just bring your camera!
$35 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
CAMELLIAS AND THE ART OF
WAXING FLOWERSFeb. 13 2025, 4:30-6 pm
Discover the history of camellias and the art of preserving their beautiful blooms with our museum horticulturist and camellia expert. You’ll choose your own flower from our Camellia Garden — home to more than 135 varieties and listed on the American Camellia Trail. Then you'll head indoors to learn the technique of flower waxing, creating a beautifully preserved camellia (along with a few other flowers) to take home.
$25 per person. No children under 7.
CAMELLIAS AND THE ART OF
WAXING FLOWERSFeb. 13 2025, 4:30-6 pm
Discover the history of camellias and the art of preserving their beautiful blooms with our museum horticulturist and camellia expert. You’ll choose your own flower from our Camellia Garden — home to more than 135 varieties and listed on the American Camellia Trail. Then you'll head indoors to learn the technique of flower waxing, creating a beautifully preserved camellia (along with a few other flowers) to take home.
$25 per person. No children under 7.
INDIGO EXPLORATION
SCARF EDITION
Feb. 6/5-6 pmStep back in time and “meet” Eliza Lucas Pinckney. In 1739, Eliza – just 17 years old – experiments with indigo and helps establish a thriving industry in colonial South Carolina. Discover her fascinating story, learn about the process of making indigo dye, and create your own indigo tie-dye scarf to take home. The museum provides one scarf per person (if you would like to dye a T-shirt instead of a scarf, T-shirts are available (child medium to adult XL). Feel free to bring one additional small cotton item to dye as well, such as a shirt, tea towel or apron.
$22 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
INDIGO EXPLORATION
SCARF EDITION
Feb. 6/5-6 pmStep back in time and “meet” Eliza Lucas Pinckney. In 1739, Eliza – just 17 years old – experiments with indigo and helps establish a thriving industry in colonial South Carolina. Discover her fascinating story, learn about the process of making indigo dye, and create your own indigo tie-dye scarf to take home. The museum provides one scarf per person (if you would like to dye a T-shirt instead of a scarf, T-shirts are available (child medium to adult XL). Feel free to bring one additional small cotton item to dye as well, such as a shirt, tea towel or apron.
$22 per person (ages 13 and up, please)
CREATIVE COLLAGE:
A COMMUNITY ART EXPERIENCEJan 16, 2025, 5-7pm
Join us for a glass of wine and an evening of collaborative artmaking as we launch a two-month collage project inspired by Aldwyth, the renowned Hilton Head artist, whose work is featured in the exhibit, This is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect, in our Main Gallery.
Participants will have the chance to engage with the artist’s process by placing the first elements on a 20-foot-long piece of Okawara paper, the same Japanese paper Aldwyth used for her large-scale collages.
In addition, inspired by her iconic work, Cigar Box Encyclopaedia, attendees will create their own collaged cigar box to take home.
$25 per person
CREATIVE COLLAGE:
A COMMUNITY ART EXPERIENCEJan 16, 2025, 5-7pm
Join us for a glass of wine and an evening of collaborative artmaking as we launch a two-month collage project inspired by Aldwyth, the renowned Hilton Head artist, whose work is featured in the exhibit, This is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect, in our Main Gallery.
Participants will have the chance to engage with the artist’s process by placing the first elements on a 20-foot-long piece of Okawara paper, the same Japanese paper Aldwyth used for her large-scale collages.
In addition, inspired by her iconic work, Cigar Box Encyclopaedia, attendees will create their own collaged cigar box to take home.
$25 per person
INDIGO TIE DYE:
HOLIDAY EDITIONDec 12, 2024, 5-6:30 pm
Get into the holiday spirit with a special hands-on tie-dye experience. Using natural indigo dye from the indigo plant, you'll create your own designs. Each participant receives a T-shirt (child M - adult XL), apron, tote bag, four tea towels, and a scarf to dye. Our museum staff will be there to guide you through the process. Make something unique for yourself or craft one-of-a-kind holiday gifts! You're invited to bring wine and snacks.
$45 per person
INDIGO TIE DYE:
HOLIDAY EDITIONDec 12, 2024, 5-6:30 pm
Get into the holiday spirit with a special hands-on tie-dye experience. Using natural indigo dye from the indigo plant, you'll create your own designs. Each participant receives a T-shirt (child M - adult XL), apron, tote bag, four tea towels, and a scarf to dye. Our museum staff will be there to guide you through the process. Make something unique for yourself or craft one-of-a-kind holiday gifts! You're invited to bring wine and snacks.
$45 per person
CREATIVE COASTAL
DECOUPAGEDec 5, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
In this workshop, you’ll discover the art of decoupage—decorating objects with paper napkins and applying a protective finish for a beautiful, glossy finish. Guided by local artist Camilla Pagliaroli, owner of Create with Camilla, you'll transform oyster shells and large scallop shells into unique ornaments and trinket dishes to keep or share as holiday gifts. No prior experience is needed. By the end of the evening, you’ll have two original decoupage projects (choose between two ornaments, two trinket dishes, or one of each).
All supplies are included, and you’re invited to bring your favorite wine and snacks. Come with friends, or make new ones in this fun, interactive experience!
$40 per person
CREATIVE COASTAL
DECOUPAGEDec 5, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
In this workshop, you’ll discover the art of decoupage—decorating objects with paper napkins and applying a protective finish for a beautiful, glossy finish. Guided by local artist Camilla Pagliaroli, owner of Create with Camilla, you'll transform oyster shells and large scallop shells into unique ornaments and trinket dishes to keep or share as holiday gifts. No prior experience is needed. By the end of the evening, you’ll have two original decoupage projects (choose between two ornaments, two trinket dishes, or one of each).
All supplies are included, and you’re invited to bring your favorite wine and snacks. Come with friends, or make new ones in this fun, interactive experience!
$40 per person
FISH LANTERN
WORKSHOPNov 21, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Light up the night at Hilton Head Island's Lantern Parade with your own handcrafted fish lantern! In this workshop, you'll dive into the creative process, with museum staff on hand to guide you every step of the way. All materials, including lights, are provided—just bring your imagination. Get ready to shine during the festivities on November 23!
Note: Space is limited, and only registered participants will be allowed in the program area. $40 per person, includes 1 lantern kit
FISH LANTERN
WORKSHOPNov 21, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Light up the night at Hilton Head Island's Lantern Parade with your own handcrafted fish lantern! In this workshop, you'll dive into the creative process, with museum staff on hand to guide you every step of the way. All materials, including lights, are provided—just bring your imagination. Get ready to shine during the festivities on November 23!
Note: Space is limited, and only registered participants will be allowed in the program area. $40 per person, includes 1 lantern kit
JELLYFISH LANTERN
WORKSHOPNov 14, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Join the tradition and create your own jellyfish lantern for Hilton Head Island’s beloved Lantern Parade! This workshop is your chance to craft a unique lantern with guidance from our museum staff, who will provide all the necessary supplies—including the lights. Bring your creativity and get ready to light up the beach during this year’s celebration on November 23.
Note: Space is limited, and only registered participants will be allowed in the program area. $40 per person, includes 1 lantern kit
Register Now
JELLYFISH LANTERN
WORKSHOPNov 14, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Join the tradition and create your own jellyfish lantern for Hilton Head Island’s beloved Lantern Parade! This workshop is your chance to craft a unique lantern with guidance from our museum staff, who will provide all the necessary supplies—including the lights. Bring your creativity and get ready to light up the beach during this year’s celebration on November 23.
Note: Space is limited, and only registered participants will be allowed in the program area. $40 per person, includes 1 lantern kit
Register Now
INDIGO
EXPLORATIONNovember 7, 2024, 5 - 6 pm
Eliza Lucas Pinckney makes a return appearance! Step back into colonial South Carolina and “meet” the remarkable Eliza Lucas Pinckney, portrayed by author, historian and re-enactor Peggy Pickett. At just 17 in 1739, Eliza’s innovative work with indigo helped establish a booming industry in the Lowcountry. Immerse yourself in her captivating story, discover the art of indigo dyeing, and create your own indigo tie-dye t-shirt as a keepsake. The museum will provide one T-shirt (available sizes range from child medium to adult XL). You’re also welcome to bring one additional small cotton item to dye, such as a tea towel, scarf, or apron.
$20 per person.
Peggy’s book, Eliza Lucas Pinckney: Colonial Plantation Manager and Mother of American Patriots, 1722-1793, is available for purchase in the Museum Store.
INDIGO
EXPLORATIONNovember 7, 2024, 5 - 6 pmEliza Lucas Pinckney makes a return appearance! Step back into colonial South Carolina and “meet” the remarkable Eliza Lucas Pinckney, portrayed by author, historian and re-enactor Peggy Pickett. At just 17 in 1739, Eliza’s innovative work with indigo helped establish a booming industry in the Lowcountry. Immerse yourself in her captivating story, discover the art of indigo dyeing, and create your own indigo tie-dye t-shirt as a keepsake. The museum will provide one T-shirt (available sizes range from child medium to adult XL). You’re also welcome to bring one additional small cotton item to dye, such as a tea towel, scarf, or apron.
$20 per person.
Peggy’s book, Eliza Lucas Pinckney: Colonial Plantation Manager and Mother of American Patriots, 1722-1793, is available for purchase in the Museum Store.