The Francis Marion Hotel

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Thursday Pre-conference

SCCSS is offering two very exciting pre-conference sessions. Both of these are free but require registration. Make a selection on the registration form. If you wish to attend the grades 6-12 seminar, make sure you also register at the link in the description. 

Revolutionizing the Elementary Classroom (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the Francis Marion Hotel)

Join SC250's Tim Lipsey of Palmetto Christian Academy Gaffney and Erica Evett-Lipsey of Pine Street Elementary School for an impactful PD. Expand your pedagogical toolbox and engage students through innovative, hands-on experiences that explore the five main social studies themes of geography, history, culture and society, government and civics, and economics, while fostering critical thinking and active learning. 

George Washington Teacher Institute: Washington, Charleston, and the 250th (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM at the Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403)

Grades 6-12 educators will dive into Charleston’s Revolutionary War history and the legacy of George Washington’s visit to the city in 1791. Hear from experts in the field of education and history, tour The Charleston Museum’s galleries, visit the Heyward-Washington House, get hands on with Revolutionary War programming. Participants will also learn how to incorporate in-person and virtual visits to the Mount Vernon estate, The Charleston Museum, and the Heyward-Washington House into their curriculum. This program is offered in partnership with George Washington’s Mount Vernon as part of their series of George Washington Teacher Institute. This event is open to teachers who teach in a formal 6-12 classroom or school setting. Participants will receive ready-to-use curriculum and resources. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is required and can be made at this link.

6:00- 8:00 PM Early Registration/Reception

Join us for Hors d'oeuvres and networking at the opening reception and registration. 

Thursday night EXCURsIons

Looking for something to do Thursday evening? HC
(paid by attendee) Walking Ghost tour - Ghost Tour | Ghosts of the South
October 29th- 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 pm; $30, 1hr tour: meet at Thonz Restaurant, 80 N. Market Street (14 minute walk from hotel)

(paid by attendee) Carriage Ghost Tour - Downtown Charleston Carriage Rides | Charleston Carriage Works

October 29th- 7:00, 7:30, 8:00; $50, 45 minute tour: 8 Guignard Street (16 minute walk from hotel)

FRIDAY, OCtober 30, 2026

7:30-8:30 am Registration/Continental Breakfast

8:30-8:50 AM Opening Session

9:00-9:50 AM Concurrent Session 1

10:00-10:50 AM Concurrent Session 2

10:50-11:20 AM Vendor Break

11:20 AM -12:10 PM Concurrent Session 3 

12:20-1:40 PM Seated Lunch/Awards Program/ Keynote

1:45-2:35 PM Concurrent Session 4

2:35-3:00 PM Vendor Break 

3:00-3:50 PM Concurrent Session 5

Check back for up dates!

EXCURsIons

Below is a list of excursions that are being offered. During registration, you will be prompted to select ONE option. Friday or Saturday excursions are FREE WHEN INCLUDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION. 

Friday, October 30th

Charleston and the Revolution Walking tour- 5:30 pm;  45-minute tour: meet in the lobby of the Francis Marion Hotel. 

Saturday morning, October 31st 

• Palmetto Log Fort Exhibition- Town of Sullivan's Island 9:00-11:00 AM. Select this option on the registration form.
• St. Philips Church 9:00-11:00 AM. Select this option on the registration form.
• Charleston Museum 9:00 AM- This tour is limited to the first 90 participants. Select this option on the registration form. 
  
• International African American Museum 10:00 AM- This tour is limited to the first 90 participants. Select this option on the registration form. 
• Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon 10:00-11:00 AM- This tour is limited to the first 40 participants. Select this option on the registration form. 
  
• Drayton Hall 10:15 AM- This tour is limited to the first 25 participants. Click here  for  free admission registration link