Civil War: S.C. not spending on events

For the past few years, the state of Virginia has put up to $2 million annually into planning, programming and advertising for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Kentucky has put at least $1 million into its efforts, while Tennessee, Georgia and Arkansas are refurbishing historical markers, sprucing up battlefields and planning for the expected tourism bonanza.

But in South Carolina — where the war began and still permeates the landscape — state officials have put almost no money into events for the sesquicentennial. And even though the 150th anniversary of South Carolina's secession is less than a year away, that's not likely to change any time soon.

And some people fear the state is going to miss out on some much-needed tourism dollars.

'It's not about white or black, or blue or gray — it's about green,' said Randy Burbage, South Carolina division commander for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. 'I think we're missing out on a huge economic opportunity because of all the tourism.'

Right now, there are conferences scheduled for December (the anniversary of secession) and April 2011 (the anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter). Heritage groups are planning re-enactments, commemorations and other programming. Many groups say other events are in the planning stage but are not ready to be announced.

Still, next to Virginia — which has produced, among other things, a three-hour DVD documentary for school children — South Carolina's dance card seems a bit light.

'We're doing a lot with no money,' said Robert Rosen, a member of the state's Sesquicentennial Advisory Board and president of the Fort Sumter/Fort Moultrie Trust, which is planning Lowcountry events.

That is not likely to change anytime soon, according to lawmakers. The state has shaved $1 billion out of its budget over the past couple of years, and most officials expect more cuts in the coming budget. It is not an ideal time for elected officials to create a line item for historical commemorations when the state is laying off workers and slashing budgets for schools.

Some say there are other forces at work as well. State agencies that otherwise would champion the multi-year commemoration are fighting for hold-the-line budgets, and don't dare ask for any new money.

And then there is the war itself, a sometimes-controversial subject in a state only 10 years removed from its last fight over the Confederate flag. Some say there is a fear of re-opening old wounds that has forced — along with budget cuts — the state to lie low. But most organizations involved say they are not planning events similar to the 1961 centennial celebrations. As Rosen said, this is a commemoration, not a celebration.

Tourism and legislative officials say that, even without a well-funded sesquicentennial board, South Carolina will be fine.

'Our tourism is based on the whole Civil War, so I don't think we're short-changing it,' said state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg. 'But we'd be hard-pressed to justify funding for this at the same time we're laying off people and have double-digit unemployment.'

James I. Robertson Jr., a noted Civil War historian and member of Virginia's Sesquicentennial Commission, said his state is so far ahead of the curve because it has planned, and saved money, for years. Robertson, who produced the documentary on the war for Virginia school children, said he expects most states face similar issues as South Carolina.

'It's going to be hard for anyone to have a real successful sesquicentennial,' Robertson said. 'It's just a bad time.'

Tourism officials in South Carolina, and Charleston in particular, say there will be target advertising campaigns as the time approaches. But most industry watchers say Charleston, at least, will not miss out on the possible influx of history tourism.

Perrin Lawson, deputy director of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said there will be targeted tourism as the anniversary approaches.

'History is the No. 1 reason people come to Charleston,' Lawson said. 'It's something we promote 365 days a year. Our intention is to advertise the events that come up. At this point, most of those are in the planning stages.'

If the state is going to help out, it likely will be in the form of advertising the events staged by local and statewide heritage and cultural groups such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the S.C. African American Heritage Commission and the Fort Sumter/Fort Moultrie Historic Trust.

State Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, said that even though times are tight, 'I'm hoping we can direct some of our advertising money at least toward the anniversary.'

'I see this as an opportunity to not only promote the state and make some money, but it's also an opportunity to learn something,' McConnell said.

That is the message every group involved in planning the sesquicentennial shares, whether or not they are currently advertising it.