The Leadership Dorchester class of 2022 recently announced its class project and is actively seeking donors to partner in this effort. This year, the class selected the Dorchester Heritage Center's future home near downtown Ridgeville as its area of focus. Specifically, class members will raise funds for all aspects of constructing a pavilion on DHC's site, located near the intersection of U.S. Highway 78 and S.C. Highway 27. 

Centrally located within Dorchester County, DHC's new home in Ridgeville will offer more space for exhibits, artifacts and archives that tell the County's story. DHC, currently housed in the Old County Courthouse in St. George, needs more space to advance its mission. In addition to driving foot traffic and interest toward the DHC site, the pavilion will offer community access and fulfill a need for flexible venue space within the area.



Plans for the pavilion entail a 14x20' space with a hammer-beam timber truss design, totaling approximately $50,000 for the full scope of work. Project planning and permitting is well underway, with an estimated completion date in Fall 2022.

Sponsorship levels, some including naming rights, range from $10,000 to $500. Click here to view the complete listing of sponsorship opportunities. Leadership Dorchester 2022 class members also initiated an online fundraising campaign through RallyUp, a crowdfunding site. Click here to learn more or to make a contribution: Heritage Center Pavilion - Leadership Dorchester 2022 | RallyUp

The mission of DHC is "to discover, preserve and promote the history of the Inland Lowcountry by weaving the stories of our people, land and culture into the fabric of daily life and future growth." Through its project, the Leadership Dorchester class of 2022 aims to make a lasting impact on the entire County, honoring the past while serving generations to come.