SUMTER, S.C. — The Sumter Museum spent the weekend celebrating living history as it hosted the 12th Annual Pow Wow organized by the Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians. The event brought together dancers, families and educators for a day dedicated to preserving the tribe’s culture and legacy.

From the beat of the drum to the vibrant colors of tribal regalia, hundreds gathered for the celebration. According to the Cheraw history , Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto first encountered Cheraw villages in North Carolina. Wars with other Native Americans forced the Cheraw to move to other areas of North and South Carolina.

According to tribal genealogist Robert Collins, the Cheraw people have deep roots in the region, dating back centuries.

“Cheraw were here before white man came, so they were he

See Full Page