2025 Fall Speaker Series
Hilton Head Island: Legends & Luminaries
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Coastal Discovery Museum presents a special fall lecture series featuring entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders who helped shape Hilton Head Island. Hear firsthand memories and family stories that offer an insider’s view of the island’s transformation since 1985 and earlier. Scroll down for lecture descriptions.
Event details (except October 23):
- 5 pm – Wine and conversation
- 5:30–6:30 pm – Presentation and Q&A
Special October 23 schedule:
- 3 pm – Presentation and Q & A
- 4 pm – Wine and conversation
$10 per person. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Register NowBeacon Sponsor: Lori and David Wellinghoff
Lantern Sponsors: Coligny Plaza, Lesley Green, Lindsay Bunting and Charlie Wilmot | Sea Pines Real Estate – Harbour Town
Sponsorship Opportunities
2025 Fall Speaker Series
Hilton Head Island: Legends & Luminaries
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Coastal Discovery Museum presents a special fall lecture series featuring entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders who helped shape Hilton Head Island. Hear firsthand memories and family stories that offer an insider’s view of the island’s transformation since 1985 and earlier. Scroll down for lecture descriptions.
Event details (except October 23):
- 5 pm – Wine and conversation
- 5:30–6:30 pm – Presentation and Q&A
Special October 23 schedule:
- 3 pm – Presentation and Q & A
- 4 pm – Wine and conversation
$10 per person. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Register NowBeacon Sponsor: Lori and David Wellinghoff
Lantern Sponsors: Coligny Plaza, Lesley Green, Lindsay Bunting and Charlie Wilmot | Sea Pines Real Estate – Harbour Town
Sponsorship OpportunitiesDAVID LAUDERDALE
From Headlines to History: A Lowcountry Reporter’s Tales
Tuesday, October 7, 5 pm & Thursday, October 9, 5 pm
For four decades, David Lauderdale has chronicled Hilton Head’s milestones, influential figures and everyday people who give the island its character. An award-winning reporter, columnist, and senior editor at The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette who retired in 2020, he continues to reflect and write about the people and events that shape the island’s history and community.
Register for Oct. 7th Session Register for Oct. 9th Session
DAVID LAUDERDALE
From Headlines to History: A Lowcountry Reporter’s Tales
Tuesday, October 7, 5 pm & Thursday, October 9, 5 pm
For four decades, David Lauderdale has chronicled Hilton Head’s milestones, influential figures and everyday people who give the island its character. An award-winning reporter, columnist, and senior editor at The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette who retired in 2020, he continues to reflect and write about the people and events that shape the island’s history and community.
Register for Oct. 7th Session Register for Oct. 9th Session
THOMAS BARNWELL, JR., EMORY CAMPBELL, LOUISE COHEN
Gullah Days: Stories From the Heart of Hilton Head
Thursday, October 23, 3 pm
Thomas Barnwell Jr., Emory Campbell, and Louise Cohen bring to life Hilton Head's Gullah heritage and how the community has navigated the island's transformation over four decades. Barnwell, a fourth-generation islander and founding chairman of the Mitchelville Preservation Project, has long championed community development and land preservation efforts. Dr. Campbell, a leading voice in cultural preservation, is the founder of Gullah Heritage Consulting Services, and the former Executive Director of Penn Center. Dr. Cohen, founder of the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, is a recognized storyteller and historian. Together, they tell stories of tradition, change, and enduring spirit of the Gullah community.
Register NowTHOMAS BARNWELL, JR., EMORY CAMPBELL, LOUISE COHEN
Gullah Days: Stories From the Heart of Hilton Head
Thursday, October 23, 3 pm
Thomas Barnwell Jr., Emory Campbell, and Louise Cohen bring to life Hilton Head's Gullah heritage and how the community has navigated the island's transformation over four decades. Barnwell, a fourth-generation islander and founding chairman of the Mitchelville Preservation Project, has long championed community development and land preservation efforts. Dr. Campbell, a leading voice in cultural preservation, is the founder of Gullah Heritage Consulting Services, and the former Executive Director of Penn Center. Dr. Cohen, founder of the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, is a recognized storyteller and historian. Together, they tell stories of tradition, change, and enduring spirit of the Gullah community.
Register NowRUTHIE EDWARDS
The Greenery: From Humble Nursery to Island Landmark
Thursday, October 30, 5 pm
In 1973, Ruthie and Berry Edwards bought a small Hilton Head nursery with six employees and two trucks. They moved a historic 1873 church by barge and transformed it into a garden center and gift shop, growing the nursery into The Greenery — now 100% employee-owned, and one of the region’s most respected landscaping companies. Ruthie will share how a modest family venture became a story of growth, resilience, and community.
Register Now
RUTHIE EDWARDS
The Greenery: From Humble Nursery to Island Landmark
Thursday, October 30, 5 pm
In 1973, Ruthie and Berry Edwards bought a small Hilton Head nursery with six employees and two trucks. They moved a historic 1873 church by barge and transformed it into a garden center and gift shop, growing the nursery into The Greenery — now 100% employee-owned, and one of the region’s most respected landscaping companies. Ruthie will share how a modest family venture became a story of growth, resilience, and community.
Register Now
GREGG RUSSELL
Music & Memories: If This Old Tree Could Talk
Tuesday, November 4, 5pm
Since 1977, Gregg Russell, the island's beloved singer, songwriter, and actor, has entertained audiences under the iconic oak tree in Harbour Town, performed across the country, appeared in films, and collaborated with renowned artists. He will share memories of his early days on Hilton Head, his friendship with Charles Fraser (the founder of Sea Pines), and his lifelong dedication to bringing laughter and song to generations of families through his performances and humanitarian efforts.
Register NowGREGG RUSSELL
Music & Memories: If This Old Tree Could Talk
Tuesday, November 4, 5pm
Since 1977, Gregg Russell, the island's beloved singer, songwriter, and actor, has entertained audiences under the iconic oak tree in Harbour Town, performed across the country, appeared in films, and collaborated with renowned artists. He will share memories of his early days on Hilton Head, his friendship with Charles Fraser (the founder of Sea Pines), and his lifelong dedication to bringing laughter and song to generations of families through his performances and humanitarian efforts.
Register Now
MARGARET GOLSON PEARMAN
Growing Up with Charlie’s Bistro
Thursday, November 6, 5 pm
Certified sommelier Margaret Golson Pearman shares stories about her father, Charlie Golson, and the early days of his family-run bistro, Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, known for its French-inspired coastal cuisine and cozy atmosphere. She reflects on what it was like to start a restaurant on Hilton Head in the early 1980s and how she and her brother Palmer have carried forward their father’s approach to food, hospitality, and community.
Register Now
MARGARET GOLSON PEARMAN
Growing Up with Charlie’s Bistro
Thursday, November 6, 5 pm
Certified sommelier Margaret Golson Pearman shares stories about her father, Charlie Golson, and the early days of his family-run bistro, Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, known for its French-inspired coastal cuisine and cozy atmosphere. She reflects on what it was like to start a restaurant on Hilton Head in the early 1980s and how she and her brother Palmer have carried forward their father’s approach to food, hospitality, and community.
Register Now
WYMAN FRASER DAVIS
Reflections on Charles Fraser and the Making of Sea Pines
Thursday, November 20, 5 pm
Wyman Fraser Davis, daughter of Charles Fraser, shares personal stories of her father, visionary founder and developer of Sea Pines Resort. She will reflect on his legacy, offering life lessons that reveal his deep love of the land, his delight in learning, and unwavering dedication to protecting Hilton Head Island.
Register NowWYMAN FRASER DAVIS
Reflections on Charles Fraser and the Making of Sea Pines
Thursday, November 20, 5 pm
Wyman Fraser Davis, daughter of Charles Fraser, shares personal stories of her father, visionary founder and developer of Sea Pines Resort. She will reflect on his legacy, offering life lessons that reveal his deep love of the land, his delight in learning, and unwavering dedication to protecting Hilton Head Island.
Register NowLOUANNE LAROCHE
Artist and Former Owner of The Red Piano Gallery
Thursday, December 4, 5 pm
Louanne LaRoche, artist and former owner of The Red Piano Gallery (1980–1995), was instrumental in shaping the Round Table, a group of 15 prominent artists who met weekly to share ideas about art and foster creativity. She will share stories about The Red Piano, the Round Table, and the Museum’s exhibition, “It’s Thursday! Artist of the Round Table,” which features the work of these artists, including Aldwyth, during a defining moment in the arts on the island.
Register Now
LOUANNE LAROCHE
Artist and Former Owner of The Red Piano Gallery
Thursday, December 4, 5 pm
Louanne LaRoche, artist and former owner of The Red Piano Gallery (1980–1995), was instrumental in shaping the Round Table, a group of 15 prominent artists who met weekly to share ideas about art and foster creativity. She will share stories about The Red Piano, the Round Table, and the Museum’s exhibition, “It’s Thursday! Artist of the Round Table,” which features the work of these artists, including Aldwyth, during a defining moment in the arts on the island.
Register NowJR RICHARDSON, MARC PUNTERERI AND CHUCK SCARMINACH
Hilton Head Island from Heel to Toe:
Tales of Community, Planning & What’s Next
Thursday, December 11, 5 pm
JR Richardson, a resident since 1955, developed Coligny Plaza, Windmill Harbour, and the South Carolina Yacht Club, while serving in civic leadership roles. Marc Puntereri helped guide Sea Pines through pivotal transitions and co-founded the Cypress Group retirement communities. Chuck Scarminach, former General Counsel of the Sea Pines Company and co-founder of Novit & Scarminach law firm, shaped land-use policy and community association law. Together, they share personal perspectives on four decades of growth and the challenges and opportunities for Hilton Head's next era.
Register Now
JR RICHARDSON, MARC PUNTERERI AND CHUCK SCARMINACH
Hilton Head Island from Heel to Toe: Tales of Community, Planning & What’s Next
Thursday, December 11, 5 pm
JR Richardson, a resident since 1955, developed Coligny Plaza, Windmill Harbour, and the South Carolina Yacht Club, while serving in civic leadership roles. Marc Puntereri helped guide Sea Pines through pivotal transitions and co-founded the Cypress Group retirement communities. Chuck Scarminach, former General Counsel of the Sea Pines Company and co-founder of Novit & Scarminach law firm, shaped land-use policy and community association law. Together, they share personal perspectives on four decades of growth and the challenges and opportunities for Hilton Head's next era.
Register Now