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The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is pleased to announce the appointment of Zachary "Zac" Garrett as the new Executive Director, effective Wednesday, February 25, 2026. With a strong background in anthropology, heritage, and community engagement, Zac is poised to lead the center in its mission to preserve and promote the Lowcountry's rich history and culture.
Originally from Kennewick, Washington, Zac brings diverse leadership experience from his career in community and university museums across Utah, Texas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Utah State University and a Master of Arts in Heritage and Museum Sciences from Texas Tech University. His extensive experience includes a role with the National Park Service at Cane River Creole National Historical Park in Louisiana.
Most recently, Zac served as the NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) Program Coordinator for the Sam Noble Museum at the University of Oklahoma, where he focused on building collaborative relationships with Native Nations. This experience has equipped him with invaluable skills in relationship building and community engagement, which he is eager to apply to the stories and heritage of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
“I am thrilled to join the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and look forward to working collaboratively with the community to explore and share the rich history and culture of this remarkable region,” said Zac Garrett. “My family and I are excited to become part of the Jasper County community and contribute to the center’s vision of preserving and celebrating our shared heritage.”
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is confident that Zac’s leadership will foster growth, innovation, and deeper community connections as the center continues its commitment to heritage preservation and education.
Updated Phone Information
Please note that the Morris Center has updated its contact number to 843-604-9227. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to hearing from you!
About Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement, the center aims to connect visitors and residents with the region's rich historical narratives.
For more information about the Morris Center and Zac Garrett’s appointment, please visit morrisheritagecenter.org or contact us at info@morrisheritagecenter.org
For couples seeking a wedding venue that combines Southern charm with rich history, the Lowcountry has always been a front runner.
From Charleston’s beautiful churches to Savannah’s picturesque squares to Hilton Head’s beachfronts, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to share vows.
For those who seek a unique wedding venue with proximity to all of the Lowcountry’s best amenities, we invite you to tour the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage.
Our venue is a museum and cultural center featuring a large banquet hall and moss-draped, oak-shaded outdoor space. We consider ourselves to be somewhat of a hidden gem nestled in the heart of South Carolina's downtown Ridgeland district - centrally located about 30 minutes from Savannah or Hilton Head, and 20 minutes from Bluffton or Beaufort.
Romantics are sure to fall in love with the Morris Center as the perfect setting for their special day between its historic significance and completely customizable venue spaces.
Click here to learn more about hosting an event at the Morris Center.
Originally a Sinclair Service Station dating back to the early 20th century, the building has since been transformed into a museum and cultural event space while preserving its architectural heritage.
From the vintage signage to the original brickwork, every corner of the Morris Center tells a story of the Lowcountry's past, creating a captivating backdrop for your wedding celebration.
Exchange vows beneath the canopy of ancient live oaks in our scenic outdoor courtyard, or host a romantic indoor ceremony for up to 140 guests. Host cocktail hour in one of our elegant galleries.
With versatile options for both indoor and outdoor events, the Morris Center provides the flexibility to bring your wedding dreams to life at an affordable price - starting at $750 Mon-Thurs and $1,000 Fri, Sat & Sun.
Ten 72” round tables and Chiavari chairs with cushions are included in this cost, and you can bring in your own cuisine or welcome a caterer to use our commercial kitchen with ease.
For couples who share a passion for history and culture, the Morris Center offers a unique opportunity to infuse your wedding celebration with the rich heritage of the Lowcountry. Our museum galleries showcase fascinating exhibits that highlight the region's unique traditions and stories, providing a thought-provoking and educational backdrop for your special day.
Not only does this add to the ambiance of your event, but your guests will surely enjoy perusing the exhibits while you take photos!
Our experienced event staff will work closely with you to create a customized wedding experience that reflects your personal style, preferences, and traditions.
Whether you envision a traditional Southern affair with Lowcountry cuisine and live music or a modern, eclectic celebration with contemporary flair, we'll help bring your vision to life with impeccable attention to detail and flawless execution.
Located in the heart of Ridgeland, South Carolina, the Morris Center is easily accessible from major highways and airports, making it a convenient choice for couples and their guests traveling from near and far. Our central location also offers plenty of nearby accommodations, dining options, and attractions to enhance your wedding weekend and ensure a memorable experience for all.
For couples seeking a wedding venue that combines timeless elegance with rich history, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
With its historic setting, versatile event spaces, cultural immersion opportunities, customized experiences, and convenient location, the Morris Center provides everything you need to create a wedding celebration that is as unique and unforgettable as your love story.
Say "I do" to history at the Morris Center, and let us help you begin your happily ever after in the enchanting Lowcountry. Click here to learn more about hosting an event at the Morris Center or call 843-604-9227.
The Lowcountry is rich with history, and appreciating it requires context and care. That is the role of the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage.
Located in Ridgeland, South Carolina, just off I-95, the Morris Center serves as a regional museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Its focus is on substance: the people, traditions, and lived experiences that shaped this region and continue to define it today.
A Cultural Center With Purpose
Housed in a restored historic Sinclair Service Station, the Morris Center reflects the belief that history should be preserved where it happened and presented in ways that feel connected to the community. The building itself is part of the story, reinforcing the Center’s mission to protect both tangible and intangible heritage.
Visitors encounter carefully curated exhibitions that explore:
Exhibits rotate regularly, ensuring repeat visitors continue to find new narratives and thought provoking perspectives.
Museum and Cultural Center Accessibility
The Morris Center is designed to be accessible without oversimplifying its subject matter. Exhibitions are research-driven and historically rigorous, yet presented in a way that welcomes lifelong learners, families, educators, and cultural travelers alike.
This balance - academic integrity paired with clarity - is very intentional. The goal is not to test what visitors know, but to deepen what they understand.
A Living Institution
Beyond its galleries, the Morris Center functions as an active cultural institution for the region. Programming includes:
These programs position the Center not only as a museum, but as a steward of ongoing cultural dialogue for over 10 years.
An Essential Stop for Lowcountry Cultural Tourism
For travelers exploring the Lowcountry, the Morris Center offers a meaningful stop that adds depth to the journey. Its location makes it an ideal cultural anchor for visitors traveling on 95.
Admission is free, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to public access and education.
Plan Your Visit
Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, SC
Free admission
Current exhibits and hours: morrisheritagecenter.org
For those interested in understanding the Lowcountry on a deeper level, the Morris Center belongs at the top of the must-visit museum list.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw but didn’t know where to start, this is the perfect place. Join us on Saturday, November 8, for the "Intro to Drawing Workshop” with artist and instructor Ian Welch at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage.
Register Here!
Over the course of three hours, Ian will break down the fundamentals of drawing into approachable, confidence-building exercises. You’ll explore line work, shading, proportion, and composition, all at a comfortable pace designed for true beginners. Each lesson is hands-on, encouraging you to experiment as you discover your personal style.
All supplies are included, so just bring an open mind and your creative curiosity. Whether you’re brand new to drawing or returning to an old passion, you’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the art of observation.
Workshop Details
Saturday, November 8, 2025
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland, SC
Pricing
General Admission – $50
Heritage Member – $42.50 (15% discount)
Patron Member – $45 (10% discount)
Supporter Member – $47.50 (5% discount)Please note: purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another date.
Seats are limited: register now and enjoy a welcoming, creative environment where everyone starts exactly where they are.
For questions, contact us at 843-284-9227. We can’t wait to create with you.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your lunch hour in Ridgeland, make plans to stop by the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage for Brown Bag Blues with Shrimp City Slim on November 21, 2025 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM.
It’s the kind of lunch break that reminds you why small-town afternoons can be the best part of the week! That Friday afternoon, the center will come alive with the sound of piano blues and soulful folk tunes.
Shrimp City Slim has been performing across the Lowcountry and beyond for more than forty years, and his music has a way of turning an ordinary lunch break into something memorable. He’s a true storyteller behind the piano, mixing rhythm and melody with bits of history and humor that make every show feel personal.
Guests are invited to bring their own brown bag lunches and settle in for a relaxed afternoon surrounded by the charm of downtown Ridgeland. The Morris Center offers an intimate setting that lets you enjoy the music up close while taking in the exhibits that celebrate local culture and history. It’s a place where you can eat, listen, and learn something new all at once.
There’s no cost to attend, but a $5 donation is suggested to support the Center’s community programs. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
To reserve your spot, click here or call 843-284-9227.
Come enjoy good company and the kind of blues that never go out of style!
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning small, colorful pieces into something that shines. On Saturday, November 15, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage invites you to experience that feeling for yourself during our Glass Mosaics Workshop with acclaimed glass artist Pat Stone.
Reserve Your Spot Here
Pat’s work is known for its brilliant color combinations and intricate designs, and during this hands-on workshop, she’ll share her creative process from start to finish.
You’ll learn how to safely cut and shape glass, choose complementary hues, and assemble your design into a luminous mosaic suncatcher.
The final touch, grouting and polishing, brings everything together, revealing a one-of-a-kind piece that captures the light in beautiful ways.
No previous experience is required. Pat’s teaching style is encouraging and approachable, making this class ideal for beginners and returning artists alike.
All materials are provided, and the class size is kept intentionally small to allow plenty of individual attention.
Take a break from the usual weekend routine and spend a few hours surrounded by creativity, conversation, and the simple joy of making something by hand. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, learn a new skill, and bring home a piece of art that reflects your personal style.
Details
Saturday, November 15, 2025 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland, SC $80 per participant (discounts available for Heritage, Patron, and Supporter members)
Please note: purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another date.
Reserve your spot here or call 843-284-9227 for more information.
We look forward to welcoming you for a day filled with color, creativity, and inspiration.
On Saturday, October 11, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage invites you to explore that creative spark during our Monoprint Workshop with artist and educator Ian Welch.
Reserve your spot today.
In this hands-on session, Ian will guide you through the expressive art of monoprinting with gelli plates, a process that blends paint, pattern, and play.
You’ll experiment with layering, stenciling, and color mixing to create a collection of striking, one-of-a-kind prints. By the end, you’ll walk away with your own series of vibrant works and a newfound appreciation for this versatile printmaking technique.
No prior experience is required, just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy. All materials are provided, and class size is limited to ensure personalized instruction and plenty of time for creative exploration.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
General Admission – $70
Heritage Member – $59.50 (15% discount)
Patron Member – $63 (10% discount)
Supporter Member – $66.50 (5% discount)
Reserve your spot today and discover the joy of printmaking—where every pull of the plate reveals something unexpected and uniquely yours.
Questions? Contact us at 843-284-9227. We hope to see you at a workshop soon!
There’s something magical about turning tiny fragments into a radiant work of art. On Saturday, September 27, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage invites you to experience that magic for yourself during our Glass Mosaics Workshop with acclaimed glass artist Pat Stone.
Reserve Here!
In this immersive, hands-on class, Pat will guide you through every step of the process. From safely cutting and shaping colorful glass to arranging intricate patterns and grouting your finished design. By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with your own dazzling mosaic suncatcher to brighten any space.
No prior experience is needed! Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore. All materials are included, and space is intentionally limited to ensure plenty of one-on-one guidance.
Reserve your spot now and discover the joy of creating something truly one-of-a-kind. For questions, contact us at 843-284-9227. We look forward to welcoming you!
Unleash your creativity on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage with a special Caricature Workshop led by artist and professor Ian Welch.
Unleash your creativity on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage with a special Caricature Workshop led by artist and professor Ian Welch. REGISTER HERE!
Using brush-tip markers and pens, Ian Welch will guide you step-by-step through this unique portrait drawing technique. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your artistic skills, this workshop welcomes all levels.
Located in downtown Ridgeland, SC, the Morris Center offers the perfect backdrop for an inspiring afternoon of creativity and connection.
Please note that purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a later class date.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today. To register or for more information, please click here or contact us at 843-284-9227. We look forward to welcoming you!
Ridgeland, SC — The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage announces a national search for its next Executive Director following Tamara Herring's upcoming departure.
The search, led by museum consultant Annmarie Reiley-Kay, aims to identify a dynamic leader who will guide the Center into its next decade of growth and community engagement.
This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and visionary professional passionate about cultural heritage, education, and nonprofit excellence.
The new Executive Director will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the Morris Center, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The Center, situated in the historic Sinclair Service Station in Ridgeland, South Carolina, serves as a cornerstone for cultural heritage, community engagement, and educational programming.
Richard Allen, Trustee of the Morris Center, stated, “We are excited to embark on this search for a new Executive Director. Our ideal candidate will bring innovative ideas and a commitment to enhancing our mission of preserving and interpreting Lowcountry heritage. We seek a leader who can inspire our team and foster collaboration within the community.”
The Executive Director's key responsibilities include strategic leadership, community engagement, fundraising, and managing the center's day-to-day operations. The position requires a proven track record in nonprofit management, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for the arts and history.
“As Tamara transitions from her role, we reflect on her significant contributions to the Morris Center, and we are eager to find a new leader who will build on her achievements,” Allen added.
The Morris Center has received nearly 80 applications from candidates across the country and has now narrowed the pool to a group of finalists. These candidates will be interviewed in the coming weeks as the search committee works to identify the next Executive Director.
The Morris Center anticipates selecting a new Executive Director in the next month to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure continued success. For more information about the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and the Executive Director search, please visit www.morrisheritagecenter.org.
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, located in the heart of downtown Ridgeland, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and culture of Ridgeland and its surrounding counties. Through engaging exhibitions and educational initiatives, the Center fosters a deeper understanding of the Lowcountry's heritage, ensuring its stories continue to resonate with future generations.
www.morrisheritagecenter.org
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CONTACT
843-604-9227info@morrisheritagecenter.org
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 1116Ridgeland, SC 29936
MUSEUM HOURS
Wednesday - Saturday11 AM - 3 PM
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd.Ridgeland, SC 29936
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