Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, Thomas Hart, The Land, Money, and the Legacy

Kalmia Gardens presents its adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series.

Join Brian Gandy, Historian and Director of Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum, for his presentation in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration and $5 tickets are required and can be purchased HERE.

Brian will be presenting his lecture Thomas Hart, The Land, Money, and the Legacy. This presentation will examine the move from Mechanicsville to Hartsville, his rise and fall, and the property that was connected to his Black Creek Plantation.

Brian Gandy is a lifelong resident of Darlington County and currently resides in the Antioch Community of Hartsville. He is the son of Tim and Doris Gandy, with Doris having served as the county’s historian. Prior to joining the Darlington County Historical Commission, Brian was deeply involved in historical preservation efforts throughout the region. He held leadership roles in the Darlington County Historical Society—including serving as both Treasurer and President.

Brian has been with the Historical Commission for almost 2 decades, during which time he has become a sought-after speaker on topics related to local history and genealogy. His presentations span the county, the state, and the broader Southeastern United States. He is widely recognized for his extensive collection of historical photographs documenting the people and places of Darlington County.

Under Brian’s leadership, the Historical Commission has seen significant growth, including an 18,000-square-foot expansion of its campus and a substantial increase in both artifact and archival holdings.

He completed his undergraduate studies at Francis Marion University and pursued graduate work at Gardner-Webb University.

When asked about following in the footsteps of Horace Rudisill, a revered figure in local historical preservation, Brian responds with clarity: “No, I’m not intimidated. We have different focuses. Horace was the collector, dedicated to building the archival foundation. My mother, Doris Gandy, was the organizer who shaped that collection into a cohesive and accessible resource. I see myself as the promoter and preserver—committed to expanding their legacy and fostering public engagement with our history.”

Among his most notable achievements, Brian cites the creation of the Darlington County Museum—a unified institution that represents the diverse communities of Darlington County and parts of the Pee Dee region. Since its opening in May 2023, the museum has welcomed over 14,000 visitors, a testament to its impact and the strong community support it enjoys. “We built it,” Brian says, “and together, we’re seeing people benefit from it.”

Please note: This event is held at the Joslin Education Center at:
1520 W. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, S.C. 29550