Connect Camden: A Civic Dialogue Upcoming Forums 10/8 and 10/15

The City of Camden will present two community forums in October. “Connect Camden” is a civic dialogue project that intends to honor Camden’s past while planning for a more productive future.  A forum on the topic of “Preserving History in Camden” will take place on Thursday, October 8, 2015 and a forum on “Camden’s Time, Talents and Treasures” will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2015.  Both meetings will take place at the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, located in the Historic Robert Mills Courthouse at 607 South Broad Street, from 6:30 to 8 PM.

The goal of Connect Camden is to move the City of Camden forward through community engagement, dialogue, leadership development, and collaboration in a safe, structured environment. 

The purpose of the first discussion is to, as a community, revisit the way in which history is preserved in Camden.  This forum will start with a look back at Camden’s rich history, led by local historians Joan and Glen Inabinet.  Executive Director of the Palmetto Trust, Mike Bedenbaugh will then talk about the importance of Historic Preservation in Camden and how it relates to Economic Development.

The second discussion will encourage public participation in community attractions, art and cultural programs, sporting events, and City Boards and Commissions.  This forum will begin with a brief introduction from Dr. Tray Dunaway, Chairman of the Historic Camden Foundation.  A panel of Community Leaders representing organizations such as the Camden Archives and Museum, the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, the Steeplechase Museum, Historic Camden, the City of Camden, and the Kershaw County Visitor’s Center will talk about their programs, events and opportunities for citizen participation.

Each forum will start with Chuck Ewart, a nationally-recognized facilitator, who will then lead the meetings in a discussion of how to improve life and increase citizen engagement in the City of Camden. 
This project is funded by The Humanities CouncilSC, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.  

Thursday, October 8, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. 
Connect Camden : “Preserving History in Camden”
Led by Joan and Glen Inabinet, Mike Bedenbaugh and Chuck Ewart
Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, 607 South Broad Street, Camden
Free and open to the public, Refreshments will be served
Info: 803-432-2421

Thursday, October 15, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. 
Connect Camden:  “Camden’s Time, Talents and Treasures”
Led by Dr. Tray Dunaway and Chuck Ewart
Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, 607 South Broad Street, Camden
Free and open to the public
Info: 803-432-2421

The City of Camden will attempt to involve a large and diverse audience made up of from the academic, business, and social communities of Camden and Kershaw County. For more information about these forums, please contact Amy Stenger at the City of Camden, 803-432-2421.

The mission of The Humanities CouncilSC is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. The Humanities CouncilSC programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations.