Lourie Lectures

Wednesday, November 4, 2026
11am – 2pm

As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, discover how South Carolina is honoring, preserving, and sharing its remarkable Revolutionary legacy. Although often overshadowed by events in the North, South Carolina was the site of more Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes than any other state, making it a pivotal battleground in the fight for independence.

Representatives from the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, the American Battlefield Trust, and the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust will explore the state’s vital role in the Revolution, highlight ongoing battlefield preservation efforts, and discuss commemorative initiatives such as the Liberty Trail. The program will also feature presentations on Ninety Six National Historic Site and several significant battlefields, including Camden, Hanging Rock, and Hobkirk Hill, offering a fascinating look at how these historic landscapes are being protected and interpreted for future generations. A question-and-answer session will conclude the program.

Tickets: $10 Lourie Center and DAR Members ($25 with lunch); $15 Guests/Non-Members ($30 with lunch)

Mondays, October 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Discover how nutrition influences inflammation, weight management, chronic disease, and overall wellness. This timely series explores the growing science connecting diet, metabolism, gut health, and cancer prevention while offering practical, evidence-based strategies for healthier living. Led by experts from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and other health professionals, participants will gain valuable insight into how everyday food choices can support long-term health, reduce disease risk, and enhance quality of life.

Week One — October 5

[Title TBD]

Description forthcoming.

Week Two — October 12

Healthy Eating for Weight Management
Ellen Wingard

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight starts with building sustainable eating habits. This lecture will explore the nutritional foundations of weight management, including the importance of protein, fiber, and key nutrients that support healthy aging. Learn practical strategies for developing a balanced approach to eating while meeting essential vitamin and mineral needs, such as calcium and vitamin D, to support overall health and well-being.

Week Three — October 19

A Pharmacist’s Guide to Weight Loss Medications
Reagan Barfield

Weight loss medications have transformed the treatment of obesity and related health conditions, generating both excitement and confusion. This session will examine how today’s medications work, who may benefit from them, and what realistic results patients can expect. From popular GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists to safety considerations and common misconceptions, participants will gain a clearer understanding of the role medications can play within a comprehensive, long-term approach to weight management.

Week Four — October 26

The Power of Food: Diet, Inflammation & Cancer
Dr. Lorne Hofseth

Explore the powerful connection between diet, inflammation, and cancer risk. This lecture will examine how everyday food choices influence chronic inflammation, immune function, and overall health. Learn how anti-inflammatory eating patterns, beneficial compounds found in whole foods, and the gut microbiome may help reduce cancer risk and support long-term wellness. Discover why nutrition remains one of the most effective and accessible tools for disease prevention and healthy aging.

John Monk
Reporter, The State / thestate.com

Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Award-winning South Carolina journalist John Monk takes audiences inside more than five decades of reporting on some of the Southeast’s most compelling stories. From the Murdaugh murder saga and public corruption investigations to civil rights, criminal justice, and political power, Monk shares how investigative journalism works — and why it still matters. Along the way, he reflects on unforgettable assignments, major reforms sparked by reporting, and the dramatic transformation of the media landscape from typewriters to artificial intelligence. Through behind-the-scenes stories, ethical dilemmas, and firsthand experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, risks, and enduring importance of journalism in American life.

Week One — October 6

Inside Investigative Journalism
How does investigative reporting really work? John Monk explores the craft of uncovering hidden truths, building sources, pursuing leads, and navigating the pressures of a highly competitive profession. Using the Murdaugh murder saga and other major stories as examples, he discusses the rewards and pitfalls of investigative journalism and reflects on how he first entered the field.

Week Two — October 13

When Journalism Changes Lives
Investigative reporting can do more than inform — it can drive reform. Monk shares stories that helped spark change in South Carolina, including coverage involving Myrtle Beach lifeguards, the state’s seat belt law, Maurice Bessinger’s controversial slavery pamphlets, and the political rise of Henry McMaster. This session examines journalism’s power to influence public policy and culture.

Week Three — October 20

Exposing Corruption and Uncovering Secrets
Through two major case studies involving the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Legislature, Monk examines how reporters uncover corruption, follow paper trails, and hold powerful institutions accountable. Participants will gain insight into the persistence, skepticism, and ethical judgment required in investigative reporting.

Week Four — October 27

From Typewriters to A.I.: The Changing Media Landscape
Over the course of 53 years, journalism has transformed dramatically. Monk reflects on the evolution of newspapers, television, digital media, social media, corporate consolidation, and artificial intelligence — and what those changes mean for the future of investigative reporting and public trust.

Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Explore the transformation of downtown Columbia through the major projects, planning efforts, and public-private partnerships shaping the city’s future. From BullStreet and Finlay Park to the evolving Congaree Riverfront, this series examines how development, design, connectivity, and community vision are redefining Columbia’s urban core. Participants will gain insight into the history behind these projects, the planning processes guiding them, and the long-term vision for a more connected, vibrant, and accessible downtown.

Week One — October 6

Downtown Columbia: A Vision for Connectivity
City planning leaders provide a historical overview of Columbia’s original downtown grid and discuss the city’s broader vision for connectivity and growth. Topics include historic overlays, greenways, trails, and comprehensive planning efforts, along with an introduction to the BullStreet District, Finlay Park revitalization, and the Congaree Riverfront project.

Speakers:
Todd Martin, Amy Moore & Lucinda Statler, City of Columbia Planning Department
Introduction by Mary Beth Branham, AIA, LS3P

Week Two — October 13

Inside the BullStreet District
Learn how Columbia’s former State Hospital property evolved into the BullStreet District — one of the city’s most ambitious mixed-use redevelopment projects. This session explores the district’s transformation, current development milestones, and future plans for residential, retail, office, and public spaces shaping Columbia’s urban future.

Speakers:
Chandler Cox, Hughes Development Corporation
Introduction by Mary Beth Branham, AIA, LS3P

Week Three — October 20

Finlay Park: Revitalizing a Columbia Landmark
Once envisioned as Columbia’s premier urban park, Finlay Park has long served as both a gathering space and community landmark. This session explores the park’s history, its evolving role within downtown Columbia, and the design concepts guiding its current revitalization and long-term sustainability.

Speakers:
Jenny Horne, Stantec
Mary Beth Branham, AIA, LS3P

Week Four — October 27

The Congaree Riverfront: Columbia’s Next Great Destination
Discover the long-term vision behind Columbia’s riverfront redevelopment efforts and how leaders hope to transform the area into a connected public destination that supports recreation, tourism, and economic growth. Speakers will discuss planning, design progress, and the future impact of the Congaree Riverfront project.

Speakers:
Teresa Wilson, City of Columbia
Missy Gentry
Irene Dumas Tyson, Boudreaux
Introduction by Mary Beth Branham, AIA, LS3P

Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Step into the rich history and character of Columbia’s neighborhoods through the stories, architecture, and communities that shaped them. From the streetcar era and the rise of downtown to historic residential districts and university-adjacent communities, this series explores how Columbia grew and evolved over generations. Discover the people, places, and preservation efforts that continue to define the city’s unique sense of place.

Week One — October 7

Streetcars in Columbia
Long before modern highways and interstates, Columbia’s streetcar system shaped where people lived, worked, and gathered. This session explores the rise and decline of streetcars in Columbia and how transportation influenced the growth of neighborhoods and commercial districts throughout the city.

Week Two — October 14

The Main Street District
Take a closer look at the transformation of Columbia’s Main Street District from a historic commercial corridor to a thriving center for business, dining, culture, and community life. Learn about the district’s architectural history, preservation efforts, and ongoing revitalization.

Week Three — October 21

University Hill Neighborhood
Nestled near the University of South Carolina, University Hill has long reflected the intersection of education, residential life, and city development. This session explores the neighborhood’s history, notable homes and institutions, and the changes brought by the university’s continued growth.

Week Four — October 28

Historic Elmwood Park
One of Columbia’s oldest planned residential neighborhoods, Elmwood Park is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community. Discover the neighborhood’s origins, architectural character, preservation successes, and its enduring place in Columbia’s history.