Astronomy stretches back over 6000 years, making it the oldest of all the sciences. The development of astronomy has been intertwined with the development of civilization through timekeeping, navigation, religion and general curiosity. Long before the invention of the telescope, there were celestial phenomena already known to astronomers in ancient China, Mesopotamia and Egypt. In this talk, we will discuss the role of astronomy within these civilizations. 

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Karl Haisch earned his PhD in Astronomy at the University of Florida in December 2000. Following this, he was a research fellow at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California for two years. He spent a further two years as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan before becoming a professor of astronomy and physics at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. After almost 20 years at UVU, he joined the faculty at Horry Georgetown Technical College in 2022. In addition to teaching, he continues to use telescopes around the world, as well as the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, to conduct research into the birth of stars and planets. 

Join local author and storyteller Christine Vernon as she transports us back in time, utilizing neither computer nor technology, to ignite our imaginations and reveal the legendary past of Murrells Inlet. Christine will narrate our local folktales and the intriguing history of the Inlet that was shared by our past storytellers such as Genevieve Willcox Chandler, 'Cousin' Corrie Dusenbury, Genevieve 'Sister' Peterkin, Clarke Willcox, and others. 

About the Speaker: 

Christine Vernon moved to Murrells Inlet in 2005 and was captivated by the regional folklore and history of the South Strand. In 2015, she adopted the role of storyteller and established Miss Chris' Inlet Walking Tour- an award-winning tour focusing on ghosts, legends and historical narratives.  

Christine is a full-time artist and author of 3 books containing our memorable legends. She has lectured for many organizations including the Coastal Carolina University OLLI Program and Horry County Museum. 

Join Miles Arnott, Vice President of Horticulture and Conservation, for a tour of both the Chime Garden and Anne’s Garden. Miles will show and discuss a variety of bromeliads, aroids and other tropicals, including their culture and care, and explain the concept of designing with foliage color and texture. Miles will then lead you on a tour of Anne’s Garden, where he will discuss the renovation, seasonal color displays, and the long-term aesthetic goals of this special and intimate garden. 

About the Speaker: 

As the Vice president of Horticulture and Conservation at Brookgreen Gardens, Miles Arnott is responsible for the institution’s cultivated and natural landscapes and supervises the horticulture, landscape, and natural areas staff. He directs the horticultural development and maintenance of the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden and oversees the environmental stewardship of Brookgreen’s significant natural areas.