What can a piece of pottery tell us about the people who lived thousands of years ago? And how did a simple riverside fish fry become a tradition that brought entire communities together? In recognition of South Carolina Archaeology Month, I visited the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster, South Carolina, to sit down with Dr. Stephen Criswell, Director of Native American Studies at USC Lancaster and professor of English and folklore. For more than 20 years, he's worked alongside Native American communities, documenting their stories, studying traditional art, and helping preserve cultural histories that haven't always received the attention they deserve. His work has also earned him the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award.

Our conversation took us in some unexpected directions, from the remarkable pottery traditions of the Catawba Nation to the origins of Carolina fish camps, Piedmont blues, and even local legends like the Lizard Man. I especially enjoyed hearing Dr. Criswell's perspective on the creativity behind ancient pottery and the importance of allowing communities to tell their own stories. He also shared some unforgettable experiences from his years of research, including one that reminded me just how much trust matters when someone shares a piece of their history. And you'll want to stay for his answer to my final question. It genuinely gave me goosebumps.

Episode Highlights
[03:14] - Dr. Criswell shares how growing up in North Carolina and his early interest in Irish folklore influenced his career.

[05:29] - Why cultural traditions are so difficult to erase, even after generations of hardship and change.

[06:54] - How meeting Catawba potters sparked a deeper interest in Native American traditions and eventually brought him to USC Lancaster.

[08:50] - What visitors should know about the Native American Studies Center and the vibrant Native communities in South Carolina today.

[11:00] - Why allowing Native American communities to tell their own stories is central to the center's mission.

[13:02] - What traditional pottery, baskets, and handmade objects can reveal about the lives and creativity of earlier generations.

[15:55] - The surprising story of an oversized Catawba pottery piece and the human desire to create something beautiful.

[16:54] - How traditional artists balance preserving cultural practices with expressing their own creativity.

[18:41] - The fascinating symbolism behind Georgia Harris's Rebecca snake pitcher and its connection to Catawba traditions.

[20:29] - Bigfoot, the Lizard Man, and the Southern tradition of sharing local legends.

[21:14] - The origins of Carolina fish camps and how Luther Lineberger helped turn riverside fish fries into a regional dining tradition.

[23:47] - Growing up around fish camps and why these restaurants became such an important part of life for textile mill families.

[25:42] - Why Carolina fish camps began disappearing and how the remaining restaurants continue serving their communities.

[27:07] - The connection between Piedmont blues, Southern food traditions, and transforming adversity into beauty.

[28:20] - Dr. Criswell reflects on his research with Native American communities in the Lowcountry and the personal stories that have stayed with him.

[30:47] - A memorable interview with Catawba elder Elsie Blue George and what it taught him about earning someone's trust.

[32:30] - Dr. Criswell shares his favorite words of wisdom and a touching story about love, loss, and finding meaning in unexpected places.

I hope this conversation encourages you to think about the stories behind the places you visit, the traditions you experience, and the people who keep those traditions alive. There's so much we can learn when we take the time to listen.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and leave a review, and share it with someone who enjoys discovering history, culture, and the stories behind the places we explore. Your support means so much and helps me continue bringing these conversations to you!