Summers couple honored for work on Francis Marion Symposium

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The Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution Fellowship honored George and Carole Summers with a Lifetime Achievement Award in October for the couple’s work in organizing the Francis Marion Symposium for more than a decade.

“This symposium educates scholars and the public alike with opportunities to research, to deliver and to hear presentations on Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, his men and other fascinating topics on the Revolution in the South,” said Charles Baxley when presenting the award at this year’s 13th annual Swamp Fox Symposium held in late October at the F.E. DuBose Career Center in Manning.

“George and Carole Summers have additionally played a key leadership role in the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society,” Baxley said. “This group drives the hugely successful Clarendon Murals project, which now features more than 30 colorful murals painted on buildings throughout Clarendon County.”

The murals depict scenes representative of Marion, his militia and the actions which gave rise to the legend of the Swamp Fox.

Baxley said the couple was also recognized for their key leadership roles in organizing an annual “Celebrate General Francis Marion Days Living History Encampment,” which benefits local Clarendon school children by providing a hands-on field trip to “feel, smell and taste local 18th century history.”

George has also served as a commissioner on the Francis Marion Trail Commission.

“This dynamic couple has done more to educate, share and generate cultural heritage tourism for their chosen home than any other couple in South Carolina,” said Southern Campaigns Fellowship co-founder David P. Reuwer. “They are true patriots of today.”

The Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution Fellowship annually recognizes folks who have given years of work to scholarship, site discovery and preservation, education and sharing their enthusiasm on the American Revolution in the south. A symbolic, brass gorget, the 18th century symbol of leadership, is the visual representation of this recognition that was presented to George and Carole Summers by the organization.

For more information, please contact Charles B. Baxley, publisher, Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution, www.southerncampaigns.org at cbbaxley@truvista.net or (803) 438-4200.