The Beginning

The city of Seneca, SC, announced the new Arts, History, and Culture department on September 21, 2021, by city administrator Scott Moulder, at the program presented by Ms. Jannie Harriott on behalf of the SC African American Heritage Commission entitled, “Black Carolinians Speak.” The program showcased the oral history exhibition exploring the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on Black South Carolinians.

The department of Arts, History, and Culture recognizes that preserving history allows us to create an unbroken link between the past, present, and future from generation to generation. In celebrating our community, we support the understanding through education of the values and practices of our local and global society.

“Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs.” – Thomas Wolfe

Visual and performing arts, history, and culture are interconnected elements that shape and define each other. Through the arts we are given different avenues by which we can explore stories and historical events that allow us to gain a deeper connection to our past and bridge the gaps in our appreciation for all of humanity.

“The humanities are the study of human culture, history, and experience.”

The humanities generally include fine arts, performing arts, literature, philosophy, religion, and history. The department of Arts, History, and Culture includes three unique small museums; an archives facility, two historic public cemeteries, two outdoor recreation spaces, a fine arts center, and an Amphitheatre:

  • Lunney Museum, a historic house museum, ca. 1909

  • Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum, ca. 2015

  • Oberlin Faith Cabin Library Museum (under restoration), ca. 1936

  • Carter Archives (under renovation), Gignilliat building ca. 1960

  • Oak Grove Cemetery, ca. 1870

  • Mountain View Cemetery, ca. 1880

  • Storybook Trail Literacy Park

  • Historic Blue Ridge Field Park ca. 1956

  • SC Upstate Black Heritage Trail (Oconee Trail)

  • Seneca Center for the Arts (under construction)

  • Seneca Amphitheatre (planned)

We invite you to experience the city of Seneca’s department of Arts, History, and Culture!

The arts are defined as “modes of expression that use skill or imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others.” - Britannica

The department of Arts, History, and Culture is further developing the city’s first formalized public arts program that includes a public murals initiative and performing arts initiatives. The department will assist the city in creating a welcoming community for people of all ages.