Discovery Series - June Event - hits on the Golden Age of Summerville

From the 1880s until the turn of the century, Summerville became a booming international travel destination, giving way to stately homes and opulent inns and hotels. Explore the famous Pine Forest Inn, which hosted Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Join us Thursday, June 13 at 7pm in the Greater Summerville Chamber of Commerce boardroom to hear from featured speaker Rudd Smith. Last year’s talk had a packed house, and it’s sure to be another captivating night!



Register for this free event here. 

Rudd Smith is our guest speaker and a true history enthusiast.

In 2019 he retired after a 45- year career as an attorney whose practice focused on real estate, probate, and business transactions. His work involved researching the chain of ownership for parcels of land, putting together family histories, and learning about local businesses. This work dovetailed with his general interest in history – especially local and southern history – nurtured by his parents and reinforced by pleasure travel and moving around during his father’s long military career and his own shorter military career. 

He is pleased to be able to participate in Dorchester Heritage Center’s Discovery Series of monthly talks after recently finishing two terms on the Center’s Board of Trustees and serving as Vice President of Planning and Development responsible for strategic planning.  

 Rudd shares his knowledge of and enjoyment in the stories of our community as a guest presenter with local groups such as the Summerville Chamber’s Leadership Dorchester program, Rotary clubs, American Legion, Kiwanis, and senior citizens groups. His delightful presentations captivate audiences and leave them with an appreciation for how our community came to be what it is. And, he says, comments and questions from his engaged audiences expand his knowledge of our local history. 

Over the years, he has accumulated a personal library of history books and materials which enables his continuing research into the lives and doings of our predecessors.

Rudd moved to Summerville in 1960, and he has deep-rooted ties to the area. His parents hail from Newberry, further enriching his understanding of the region’s cultural heritage. Family is at the core of Rudd’s life, and he cherishes interaction with his three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He has been active, including in leadership roles, in a number of local non-profit organizations serving youth and advancing education. He also served one term on Dorchester County Council, was one of the founding directors of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and served for 15 years on the Area Commission governing Trident Technical College. This deep sense of connection to family and community underscores his dedication to enriching the lives of those around him.