Ninety Six National Historic Site Announces Installation of New Interpretive Wayside in Partnership with Friends Group

NINETY SIX, S.C. - Ninety Six National Historic Site installed a new interpretive wayside exhibit for visitors to experience the Star Fort as it may have appeared during the siege of 1781. Through this outdoor interpretive display, visitors can observe an artistic rendering of the Star Fort, etched in glass and positioned along the Battlefield Trail. The glass panel is set in front of the preserved Star Fort earthworks, allowing visitors to see the historic fort image superimposed on the modern landscape.

Local artist Eric Williams created the artwork, titled "Star Fort Under Arms," to help visitors imagine the fortified position alive with activity, tension and determination during the early years of the American Revolution. The glass panel offers a layered experience, visually connecting the past with the present landscape.

The park developed this exhibit through a partnership with the Friends of Ninety Six National Historic Site, which secured grant funding from Americana Corner's Preserving America Grant for the project. The Friends worked closely with park staff and the artist to refine the artwork, interpretive text and donor recognition elements that accompany the design. The Friends will formally unveil the new wayside during a ceremony on Aug. 22 to celebrate the park's 50^th anniversary.

"The Friends of Ninety Six National Historic Site has been a steadfast partner in bringing this vision to life," said Superintendent Diana Bramble. "The organization's dedication to generate philanthropic support for the park, coupled with the generosity of Americana Corner, exemplify the importance of collaborative public-private partnerships to advance education at national park sites and enhance the visitor experience."

"Ninety Six National Historic Site is one of Char's and my favorite historic places to visit and a national treasure that needs to be preserved and properly interpreted for visitors," said Tom Hand, founder and publisher of Americana Corner,who funded this project. "It was a significant part of the larger fight for control of the South in the American Revolution, a troublesome theater for the British that ultimately broke the will of Great Britain to continue the conflict. Americana Corner is proud to partner with the Friends of Ninety Six and assist them in telling their part of the Great American Story."

"Special thanks to Mr. Tom Hand, founder and publisher of Americana Corner for this very generous gift," said Ken Coffey, president of the Friends of Ninety Six National Historic Site. "Mr. Hand is a man devoted to educating the public on our nation's history. His commitment to Ducit Amor Patriae (Love of country leads me), coupled with his generosity through Americana Corner's Preserving America Grant, allowed us to create a unique interpretive experience that immerses visitors in the story of the Star Fort in a whole new way."

The park welcomes visitors to experience the new wayside exhibit on their next trip to Ninety Six National Historic Site. The park will share additional updates including program schedules and ranger-led activities on the park website and official social media channels.