The Events Speaker Directory is a vital resource for executing the SCSSAR mission of educating the greater public about the American Revolutionary War, preserving the history of the conflict and memorializing our Patriot ancestors, and promoting the principles of liberty through Patriotic activities.   We look forward to connecting with outside organizations in order to discuss the dynamic struggle for independence and the Sons of the American Revolution.  All SAR, DAR, and CAR chapters are likewise encouraged to utilize the Speaker Directory for meetings or program development.

PLEASE HAVE AREA MEETING AND EVENT SPEAKERS EMAIL THEIR NAME, CONTACT EMAIL AND / OR FELEPHONE NUMBER, PHOTOGRAPH, AND BACKGROUND BIO TO:

WEBMANAGER@SCSSAR.ORG

CLICK ON THE BUTTOLN BELOW TO COMPLETE THIS EMAIL PROCESS ON THE WEBSITE.

Rod Andrew Jr. is Professor of History at Clemson University and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  He earned his Ph.D. in History at the University of Georgia in 1997.  Andrew is the author of The Life and Times of General Andrew Pickens: Revolutionary War Patriot, American Founder (University of North Carolina Press, 2017).

Dan Bell has worked as a historic resource coordinator for the South Carolina State Park Service since 1988.  He has conducted historical research, led interpretive programs and developed interpretive media, and helped manage resources at a number of state historic sites and properties including Colonial Dorchester, Hampton Plantation, and the burial sites of Isaac Hayne, Francis Marion, and Thomas Sumter.  He’s particularly interested in the preservation and interpretation of historic cemeteries and monuments.

Mr. Davies is also an active member of multiple historical organizations including, the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, the Sons of the American Revolution [recognized for over 60 years of membership], the Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the American Battlefield Trust, the American Friends of Lafayette, the Blue and Gray Educational Society, the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, the SC Military History Club, the Historical Societies for Beaufort, Colleton, Edgefield, Greenwood, and Kershaw Counties among others.

William Davies was born and had his basic education in Greenwood, South Carolina, while spending all his summers at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. He has been happily married to the former Mahalie King Brown of Anderson, South Carolina since 1966. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

Discussion topics include The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission and The South Carolina Liberty Trail:  This talk covers the actions and plans of the new state commission to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution as well as The South Carolina Liberty Trail. The Commission’s mission is to celebrate and promote South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution by educating, engaging, and inspiring South Carolinians and visitors.

Length is flexible and the presentation will include a video and/or a PowerPoint component. I would appreciate the hosting organization providing a screen and projector and someone to hook me up. Audio is necessary for the video. If you cannot provide it, I can bring a small set of speakers. I will bring a laptop and remote. Sponsored by The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission and The South Carolina Liberty Trail.

Lafayette and The Rights of Man:  Biographical in nature with stress on his two visits to South Carolina. It is an approximately 45-minute presentation with PowerPoint (requires a screen, projector and person to help hook up). Sponsored by the South Carolina Historical Society.

Lafayette In South Carolina: A discussion of the two visits Lafayette made to South Carolina in 1777 and in 1825. Background general information on Lafayette is included. It is a 25-30-minute PowerPoint supported presentation (requires a screen, projector and person to help hook up). Sponsored by the South Carolina Historical Society.

Fritz Hamer retired as the Curator of History/ Archivist of the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum in Columbia 2020. He received his education at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and the University of South Carolina. He has worked in the Museum field since the 1980s. He spent 25 years at the South Carolina State Museum as the Curator of History followed by a short time working at the South Caroliniana Library at USC. Over the years he has researched and helped develop many exhibitions and programs related to South Carolina and military history. Among several he curated an exhibition on SC and the Home Front in World War II and another on the same topic for World War I. He has been involved in organizing small exhibitions on the Revolution, including the siege of Fort Motte and Fort Watson. His interest in the Southern campaigns of American Revolution has focused on Native Americans and their role along with the US Agent for Southern for Indian Affairs, George Galphin. He is also interested in militia groups in South Carolina and their leaders, Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion.

Rick Morris was born and raised in Morgantown, WV and following graduation from high school accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.  Upon graduation from the Academy, he served for 28 years as a C-130 pilot, safety officer, IG inspector and staff officer.  Morris retired for 2 years, then accepted a civilian position with the Air Force for 8+ years dispatching strategic airlift all over the world before retiring again.  Since moving to South Carolina in 2015, he have become extremely interested in South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution.  Morris volunteers at The Ninety-Six National Historic Site conducting tours, doing demonstrations, welcoming visitors and participating in Park events.  His Revolutionary ancestor was part of the Delaware Regiment, which fought at the Battle of Camden.  After his capture, he served time on Edisto Island before being exchanged and returned to Delaware.  Morris is a member of the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution, where he has served as the President of the Cambridge Chapter and currently serves as the Piedmont Regional Vice President.

His primary expertise is the battles that occurred at Ninety-Six but is well versed in the major battles fought in South Carolina.

Dr. Erick Nason is a retired Army Special Forces Senior Noncommissioned officer, and military historian. His degrees include a BA in World Military History, a MS in Military Studies-the American Revolution, and holds a doctorate in education, specializing in teaching history and leadership. His area of expertise is colonial warfare, covering the French and Indian War to the American Revolution. Key areas include Rogers Rangers, Partisan warfare and unconventional warfare in the colonies. Dr. Nason is the commander of the 2nd Regiment, South Carolina Continental Line and has been an avid reenactor since 1987. He is a published author, with an autobiography covering his time in Special Force and Iraq, to his “In the Presence of Wolves” series following his main character from the early days of Rogers Rangers to the serving with Francis Marion in the American Revolution. He is a speaker at the annual Francis Marion Symposium, a member of the board of the Southern Campaign 1780, supporter of the Liberty Live education program, Southern Battlefield trust where he is a researcher and demonstrator at Fort Fairlawn and other education venues. Currently, Dr. Nason is the Chairman of the Continental Line that includes reenacting groups from Maine to Georgia.

Greg Ohanesian received a B.A. in History and a M.A. in Government and International Studies from the University of South Carolina.  He received a J.D. from George Mason University School of Law.  He has practiced law for 41 years and has served as an Assistant Solicitor, a Municipal Judge, and as a member of the South Carolina Bar’s House of Delegates.  Presently, he is President of the Senior Lawyers Division of the South Carolina Bar and member of the South Carolina Bar Board of Governors.

Ohanesian is a member of the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution, serving as the President of the General Francis Marion Chapter. He has also served as a Past National Vice President General, National Trustee, Alternate Trustee, past SCSSAR President, Senior Vice President, Vice President of Chapter Renewal, Chancellor, and Chair of the Legal Advisory Committee.

He has researched and delivered presentations about General Francis Marion to the Wofford American Revolution History Roundtable, the Marlborough Historic Society, and the SCSSAR Commemoration at the tomb of Francis Marion. He also speaks about General George Washington and has presented to the Marlborough Historic Society, and meetings of the SCSSAR.  He has made several journeys to Mount Vernon and has researched various aspects of Washington’s life. Ohanesian has also spoken about The American Revolution to classes ranging from grade school to high school.  He has two complete Revolutionary War uniforms including, swords, muskets, and accoutrements.

Steven D. Smith, is a Research Professor at the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina. He is the former Director of the Institute, and has over 40 years’ experience in historical archaeology, largely focused on military sites of the American Revolution in the South. He has conducted excavations associated with Francis Marion and American Revolutionary War battlefields including the siege of Fort Motte, Parker’s Ferry, Black Mingo, Snow’s Island, Camden, the siege of Ninety-Six, and the battle of Williamson’s Plantation. He is the author or co-author of six books, including, Partisans, Guerillas, and Irregulars: Historical Archaeology of Asymmetric Warfare, 2019, University of Alabama Press, and Francis Marion and the Snow’s Island Community, United Writers Press, 2021, both available on Amazon. His forthcoming book, coauthored with Colonel Kevin Dougherty, is entitled Leading Like the Swamp Fox: The Leadership Lessons of Francis Marion, Casemate Publishers, scheduled for Spring 2022.

Interpreter, Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site is willing to arrange private organizational tours of the battlefield.

Mike Young is the author of the forthcoming book, “Women Who Would Be Free,” which features stories of intrepid women who struggled, fought and won the American Revolutionary War.  Mr. Young is a twelfth generation American whose maternal ancestors came to America from England in the early 1600s.  He is a member of the SC Society Sons of the American Revolution, Maj. Gen. William Moultrie Chapter, having descended from ancestors who fought in our war for Independence. His paternal grandparents were Canadian of English, French, and Metis Origin.  Young served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and is retired from a career in medical biotechnology.  He is the author of numerous scientific and political op-ed articles and two novels, “John’s Remarkable Journey” and “Dying In Your Sleep.”  His avocation is American History.