South Carolina Department of Education partners on state-focused Revolutionary War classroom resources

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has launched a partnership with the American Battlefield Trust to introduce new Revolutionary War educational materials in classrooms across the state. The initiative, described as a first-in-the-nation collaboration, aims to provide teachers with free resources that are tailored to South Carolina’s significant role in America’s fight for independence.

South Carolina was the site of numerous pivotal events during the Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, which marked an early American victory and contributed to the state’s nickname, “Palmetto State.” The curriculum highlights these and other key moments, such as battles at Cowpens and Kings Mountain.

This new program includes four standards-aligned lesson plans: Revolutionary SC, Revolutionary People of South Carolina, Along South Carolina’s Liberty Trail, and Charleston Virtual Field Trip. The materials are designed to help students connect with local history by exploring important figures, battles, and community impacts from the era.

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said:

"South Carolina students are privileged to walk in the footsteps of ordinary men and women who made extraordinary sacrifices for freedom. To visit our preserved battlefields and know their stories is to see that liberty is fragile, hard-won, and never guaranteed. That’s why, through initiatives like this partnership and our larger Palmetto Civics Project, we are purposefully preparing every South Carolina graduate to embrace the responsibilities of citizenship and carry America’s Founding promise forward. We must teach the next generation that, through triumph and trial, we remain one people—united in truth, courage, and shared purpose."

Van Hipp of the American Battlefield Trust Board added:

"At the heart of every battlefield is a story of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring fight for freedom. Through this partnership, we’re helping South Carolina students discover those stories in the very places they live and learn. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that these lessons will not only teach history but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the values that continue to shape our nation."

Corey Bedenbaugh, South Carolina Teacher of the Year and middle school social studies teacher, emphasized how localized history can engage students:

"When students see that the fight for independence happened right here in South Carolina, history becomes real to them. This curriculum gives us the tools to spark curiosity, build civic understanding, and connect students to the values that shaped our nation. On Constitution Day, it’s especially meaningful to help young people see that they are part of a story that continues to unfold and that their voices and actions matter."

Dr. Beth Taylor from Greenwood School District 52 noted:

"We’re incredibly proud to host this announcement in a place surrounded by the very history our students are now learning about. South Carolina’s role in the fight for independence is something every student should know and now, thanks to this partnership, they will. The stories in our communities will reach classrooms across the state, helping students connect with the past and understand the legacy they’re part of. I encourage educators everywhere to take advantage of these resources and help students discover the powerful history that was made right here in South Carolina."