The Horry County Museum and The AVX Foundation present a lecture by Robert Insley on Saturday, February 17th, on his book Renty’s Bell.
Renty’s Bell is the story of an enslaved African American, Renty Tucker (1831-1913), who became a master builder, building among other notable structures, the most elaborate slave chapel ever constructed. He went on, after emancipation, to become a respected and active community member in Georgetown County, SC in the segregated South during reconstruction and into the Jim Crow era. His legacy, in spite of seemingly insurmountable challenges, helped to dispel stereotypes and paved the way for future generations.
Robert (Bob) Insley is a retired science educator who has lived on the site of the original Hagley Plantation for over 40 years. As a young teacher, raised and schooled in the North, he came to South Carolina to “Save the South”. He now says the South saved him. Besides local history, his interests include bird watching, wildflowers, fishing, and all things aquatic.
His public presentation includes a power point slide show along with a discussion of Renty’s life. Relevant artifacts from the plantation era relating to the story are also made available for display. Copies of the book Renty’s Bell will be available for purchase after the program.
The program will begin at 1 pm in the McCown Auditorium located at 805 Main Street, Conway SC and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 843-915-5320 or email hcgmuseum@horrycounty.org. To view a full list of programs, visit our website at www.horrycountymuseum.org.