Furman University history to start 2026-27 GCHS Lecture Series

GREENVILLE, SC – The 200 years of Furman University will be the subject of the first event in the Greenville County Historical Society’s 2026-27 Lecture Series.

The Lecture Series brings together eminent historians to speak on key topics that helped shaped Greenville. The first event will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Presbyterian, 435 W. Washington Street.

Dr. Courtney Tollison Hartness, who recently published a bicentennial history of Furman University, will present from her book, with an emphasis on Furman's connections to the Greenville community.

Tollison Hartness is the Distinguished University Public Historian and Scholar at Furman University. Previously, she served as the Founding Historian for the Upcountry History Museum-Furman University and Founding Director of the Furman University Oral History Project. She specializes in modern American history, particularly in South Carolina and the Upstate, and in Public History.

She has been a Fulbright Scholar (Ukraine) and a fellow in Columbia University’s Oral History Research Office, a recipient of a grant from ASIANetwork’s Faculty Enhancement Program (India) and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Military History Instructors Program at Fort Leavenworth, and the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leadership Initiative.

Tollison Hartness has published four books and dozens of articles. She has also curated museum exhibits, worked on several documentaries, conducted more than 100 oral histories, and served as historian for memorials, markers, and sculptures throughout downtown Greenville, including the Major Rudolf Anderson Memorial.

The cost is $15 for non-Society members. Free for Society members. Learn more at greenvillehistory.org/lectures-and-events-new.

About The Greenville County Historical Society:

The Greenville County Historical Society exists to preserve, protect, and share the history of Greenville County for future generations.  Formed in 1962, the Society is committed to ensuring that Greenville’s history is not lost. Learn more at greenvillehistory.org.