Slave Dwelling Project Conference, 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance

The 9th national Slave Dwelling Project (SDP) Conference will take place October 1-3, 2026, in North Charleston, South Carolina and is presented in partnership with SC250. This year’s theme, 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance explores South Carolina’s fertile grounds for juxtaposing its Black colonial era scholarship with other colonies of that era. From 1708 when Blacks became the majority population in South Carolina, their presence has factored in significantly to this nation’s history. South Carolina and other states have become more active in commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance will showcase South Carolina’s commitment to telling the complete story of its participation.

The 9th SDP Conference will feature an engaging Keynote Address by Kellie Carter Jackson, author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance and the award-winning book, Force & Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend many informative and enlightening sessions by notable scholars and historians who will explore and critically engage with themes of historic preservation, public history, memory, resilience, reconciliation, and the continuing legacy of slavery. The conference will include many experiences, including an opening reception with Joseph McGill Jr and Herb Frazier where they will announce their upcoming book release, a performance by Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk, a guided boat tour of historic Charleston harbor and the option to register for an exclusive campfire conversation and overnight at the International African American Museum.

The conference will take place at the North Charleston Embassy Suites and surrounding areas in Charleston, SC.