The Slave Dwelling Project Conference

250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance

October 1-3, 2026 in North Charleston, South Carolina

WELCOME

The 9th national Slave Dwelling Project Conference will take place October 1-3, 2026 in North Charleston, SC in collaboration with the South Carolina 250th Anniversary Committee (SC 250.) This year’s theme, 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance explores South Carolina’s fertile grounds for juxtaposing its Black colonial era scholarship with other colonies of that era. From 1708 when Blacks became the majority population in South Carolina, their presence has factored in significantly to this nation’s history. South Carolina and other states have become more active in commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance will showcase South Carolina’s commitment to telling the complete story of its participation.

The 9th SDP Conference begins on September 30 with an evening Welcome Reception for registered conference attendees. The conference will feature an engaging Keynote Address by Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson, author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance and the award winning book, Force & Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence. 

Particpants will have the opportunity to attend many informative and enlightening sessions by notable scholars and historians who wll expore and critically engage with themes of historic preservation, public history, memory, resilience, and the continuing legacy of slavery. The conference will include off-site experiences including a guided boat tour of historic Charleston harbor and a performance by Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk. Guests may also register for an exclusive overnight at International African American Musuem (reservation required).

Banner Image: Marion crossing the Pee Dee by William T Ranney, Amon Carter Museum

Click to View Program

ACCOMMODATIONS

The conference will take place at the North Charleston Embassy Suites and we have reserved a block of rooms for your convenience. Conference attendees are responsible for lodging and transportation. Please make your plans early as October is a very busy time in the Charleston area and the room block expires on September 1. 

Presenter Registration

$400
  • Presenter Registration for the 9th SDP Conference, 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance in North Charleston, South Carolina.
  • Includes opening reception, more than 15 dynamic sessions, lunch, an invitation to keynote address reception, and more.
  • Please list dietary restricitons in the comments.
  • Non-refundable.
REGISTER NOW

General Registration

$400
  • General Registration for the 9th SDP Conference, 250 Years and Counting: Reckoning, Resilience, and Remembrance in North Charleston, South Carolina.
  • Includes opening reception, more than 15 dynamic sessions, lunch, an invitation to keynote address, and more.
  • Please list dietary restricitons in the comments.
  • Non-refundable.
REGISTER NOW

IAAM Overnight Registration

$5
  • THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. 
  • Join Joe for this exclusive overnight experience at the International African American Museum on Friday, October 2, 2026.
  • This first-come-first-served experience will be available to a maximum of 30 registered conference attendees.
  • Transportation will be provided to and from the Embassy Suites in North Charleston to IAAM.
  • You must be registered for the Conference to participate in the IAAM overnight. Please do not purchase this item if you are not registered for the conference or it will be immediately refunded.

The 2026 Slave Dwelling Project Conference will be the 9th National Conference. Previous Conferences include the following: