#DiscoverTheVille - A Leadership Dorchester Initiative

Under the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Dorchester is an 11-month intensive and comprehensive program with the objective to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of the region’s economy and community networks while developing the future community and political leaders of Dorchester County. The class project - #DiscoverTheVille – The Cornerstone of Dorchester County is going to be an opportunity to bring awareness to the historical significance of certain historical venues (and other attractions) in and around Summerville and Dorchester County where we all can …EMBRACE OUR PAST. ENCOURAGE LOCAL. ENHANCE OUR FUTURE.

The project will be in three parts –
1. Colonial Dorchester – enhance the entrance signage, provide banners on Dorchester Road and wayside signage inside the park so locals and tourists can “find and discover” this amazing historical site.
2. Summerville Dorchester Museum – enhance the courtyard area to include a fountain, stained glass window and benches; purchase a thread cabinet and other items to honor Saul Alexander
3. Passport Program – create a program (app) that will allow families and individuals an opportunity to explore the historical venues and other attractions in and around Summerville and Dorchester County in a fun and educational manner.

In addition to promoting tourism in the Summerville/Dorchester County area, the project will also promote the focus areas of: Arts and Culture, Education and Environmental Preservation as the class works with the school districts to encourage field trips and invite families to #DiscoverTheVille – The Cornerstone of Dorchester County.

As examples:
1. Colonial Dorchester Historic Park is the “cornerstone” of Dorchester County and, as Park Manager Ashley Chapman says, “an archeological gem”. Enhancement improvements would create awareness to “one of the most significant archeological sites in the United States for Colonial period research.” It is here where the first colonists set foot in 1697 and settled the town of Dorchester.
2. The arrival of the railroad in 1830 spurred the growth of the village of Summerville (the first town of consequence to be reached by the Charleston Hamburg Railroad) as new residents built homes and businesses as the town became a bedroom community to Charles Towne.
3. Guerin’s Pharmacy, located in the town center is the oldest continuing business in Summerville and the oldest operating pharmacy in the State of SC.
4. Middleton Place Gardens and Plantations (in Dorchester County) is the oldest formal gardens in America.
5. Francis Beidler Forest in Four Hole Swamp in Harleyville (also in Dorchester County) has the largest virgin stand of bald cypress and tupelo gum trees in the world!
6. The Ashley River, which runs through Summerville (and adjacent to Colonial Dorchester State Park and Middleton Place Gardens) is a historic and recreational treasure. By including the Ashley River Blue Trail as a “place to visit” we will be assisting in raising awareness of the rivers recreational values and encourage efforts to preserve and protect the river and ensure the long-term health of the river and wildlife.

These are just a few examples of the amazing historical (and noteworthy) facts waiting to be told. The plan is to bring awareness to the cultural and natural history that is alive and well in the Summerville/Dorchester County area. There is so much to learn – those new to the area, those just visiting and those that have been here for a long time! The Leadership Dorchester Class of 2015 is passionate about this project and know that the awareness that is created will create immediate and lasting contributions to the community!