Charleston, South Carolina, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston Museum is hosting a sweetgrass basket weaving class led by local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond on September 6. Participants will explore the cultural significance of this craft while creating their own sweetgrass basket. The class emphasizes hands-on experience and includes all the necessary materials. Reserve your spot in this unique opportunity to connect with the Gullah Geechee tradition through this intricate art form.
Charleston, South Carolina – The Charleston Museum is set to host a sweetgrass basket weaving class on September 6, led by local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond. This engaging class aims to teach participants the traditional art of sweetgrass basketry, a craft that has deep cultural roots in the Gullah Geechee community of the Lowcountry that dates back to the 17th century.
As an esteemed basket maker, Edwards-Hammond brings to the class a wealth of knowledge and experience, having grown up in a family renowned for its basket-making heritage. She is dedicated to sharing this tradition with both her family and the wider community, facilitating a connection through the intricate design and craftsmanship involved in creating sweetgrass baskets.
The class will provide attendees with a brief historical overview of basket making before guiding them through the hands-on process of crafting their own basket under Edwards-Hammond’s supervision. Participation in the class requires an advance reservation, as space is limited. Ticket prices are $75 for museum members and $105 for non-members, and this price includes all necessary materials for basket-making.
Sweetgrass basket weaving is significant not only as a cultural art form but also as an economic asset for the Gullah community. The baskets serve dual purposes, functioning both as practical items and superb artistic expressions. Artisans have passed down this craft through generations, ensuring its survival and relevance in contemporary culture. Notably, basket maker Corey Alston has been a familiar figure at the Charleston City Market since 2005, showcasing the artistry of sweetgrass baskets to both locals and tourists alike.
The importance of preserving the tradition was echoed by Andrea “Annie” Cayetano-Jefferson, a sixth-generation Gullah sweetgrass artist who underlines the necessity of keeping this cultural practice alive for future generations.
The craft of sweetgrass basket weaving utilizes materials such as bulrush, sweetgrass, palmetto fronds, and longleaf pine needles. The process is rigorous, involving careful harvesting and drying of these grasses, a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans. This tradition not only enriches the cultural landscape of the Gullah community but also plays a fundamental role in sustaining its economic vitality in Charleston and surrounding regions.
Key Details of the Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Class
- Date: September 6
- Instructor: Sarah Edwards-Hammond
- Cost: $75 for members, $105 for non-members
- Materials: All basket-making materials provided
- Reservations: Required via the Charleston Museum website
Conclusion
Through initiatives like this class, the Charleston Museum fosters an appreciation for the sweetgrass basket weaving tradition while also sustaining its economic and cultural importance in the Gullah community. In doing so, they help ensure that generations to come will continue to value and practice this intricate art form.
FAQ
What is the cost of the sweetgrass basket weaving class?
The class costs $75 for museum members and $105 for non-members, including all materials needed for basket-making.
Who will be leading the class?
The class will be led by local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond, who has a strong background in sweetgrass basketry.
How can I reserve a spot in the class?
Participants must make reservations through the Charleston Museum’s website, as space is limited.
Chart of Key Features of Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6 |
| Instructor | Sarah Edwards-Hammond |
| Cost for Members | $75 |
| Cost for Non-Members | $105 |
| Materials Included | Yes |
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Additional Resources
- CountOn2: Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Class
- WCVB: Charleston Traditions – Sweetgrass Baskets
- Southern Living: The Tradition of Sweetgrass Baskets
- StyleBlueprint: Sweetgrass Baskets – Your Guide
- Wanderlust Magazine: Discovering Gullah Geechee Heritage
- Wikipedia: Sweetgrass Basket
- Google Search: Sweetgrass Baskets
- Google Scholar: Sweetgrass Basketry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sweetgrass Basket
- Google News: Sweetgrass Baskets
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
