COLUMBIA, S.C. — Fourth grade teachers from public schools across South Carolina are invited to apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse, a one-of-a-kind educational experience that brings South Carolina history and civics to life for students from across the state.
The deadline for teacher applications is Friday, October 2, 2026.
Liberty Day will be held Friday, February 19, 2027, at the South Carolina Statehouse. As part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, 250 fourth grade students will spend the day learning about the people, places, and ideas that shaped South Carolina and the nation.
SC250 is encouraging eligible teachers from communities throughout South Carolina, including schools and counties that have not previously participated, to apply.
“Liberty Day gives students an opportunity to experience history in a way they simply cannot inside a classroom,” said Molly Fortune, CEO of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission. “We want fourth graders from communities across South Carolina to have the opportunity to stand in the Statehouse, engage with history and better understand the important role our state played in the American Revolution.”
During Liberty Day, the Statehouse becomes a living classroom. Students meet historical interpreters, participate in hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, and explore South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. The experience also introduces students to state government and civic participation in the setting where South Carolina’s leaders conduct the business of the state.
South Carolina was the site of more than 400 battles and skirmishes during the American Revolution. Liberty Day helps students connect what they learn in the classroom with the people, places and events that shaped the nation’s fight for independence.
Liberty Day is presented through a partnership between SC250, the South Carolina Department of Education, and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of South Carolina (NSCDA-SC).
All South Carolina public school teachers currently teaching fourth grade social studies are eligible to apply. Because space is limited, selected teachers may bring up to 35 students rather than an entire grade level. Schools that are unable to send a single class may select participating students through an essay competition or similar process.
Teachers are asked to make a good faith effort to secure transportation to and from the Statehouse. Limited transportation assistance may be available through SC250 when other options are not available.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 2, 2026.
APPLY FOR 2027 LIBERTY DAY AT THE STATEHOUSE
Teacher application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5bmm3cuyfi7hPilslHXgTcwVnyvqqDBUPRSd7uKHOvjdHHA/viewform
For questions about Liberty Day or the application process, contact Katherine Pemberton at (803) 553-9505 or [email protected].
About SC250
The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) leads statewide commemoration efforts marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. SC250 partners with communities, historians and cultural institutions to educate the public and honor the diverse people who shaped the struggle for independence.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
