Enriching Interpretation at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Meet George H. McDaniel
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens continues its commitment to thoughtful and inclusive storytelling by welcoming George H. McDaniel as its Director of Interpretation. In this role, McDaniel is dedicated to enhancing interpretive programs, collaborating with community partners, and ensuring that Magnolia’s rich history is meaningfully conveyed to visitors, staff, and the broader public.
A Passion for Public History
With an extensive background in historic site interpretation, McDaniel brings a wealth of experience in researching and narrating the complex histories of the American South. Prior to joining Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, he served as a historian for the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, where he contributed to projects centered on 18th-century Charleston history, including the Charleston Liberty Trail. His work also played a crucial role in securing Francis Beidler Forest’s designation as a site within the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.
Commitment to Inclusive Storytelling
McDaniel’s approach to interpretation at Magnolia is rooted in telling the full, multifaceted history of the site.
“It is a great honor and responsibility to serve as Director of Interpretation,” McDaniel shares. “I am excited to continue telling the stories of all the people who have lived and worked at this amazing site along the Ashley River—stories of the Drayton family, enslaved and free African Americans, and Indigenous communities who were here before all others. My goal is to find creative ways to engage both the local community and visitors alike.”
A Scholar and Educator in Southern History
McDaniel’s academic journey reflects his deep engagement with public history. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Davidson College and later pursued a master’s degree at the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi. His graduate research focused on African American and public history, with an emphasis on interpretation at historic sites.
While in Oxford, Mississippi, McDaniel managed two museums: the L.Q.C. Lamar House, home of the 19th-century politician and Supreme Court justice, and the Burns-Belfry Museum and Multicultural Center, which preserves the legacy of the first African American church established in Oxford after the Civil War. Additionally, he contributed to the University of Mississippi’s Slavery Working Group and co-founded L.O.C.A.L. (Lafayette Oxford Community Archive Library) to help preserve the history of the region’s African American communities.
A Vision for Magnolia’s Future
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens leaders are enthusiastic about McDaniel’s expertise and vision.
“George’s experience with historic site management, his fluency in African American and Southern history, and his ability to engage audiences on the legacy of slavery make him a vital asset to our team,” says CEO Susan Shallo.
Board Member Winslow Hastie, CEO and President of the Historic Charleston Foundation, echoes this sentiment: “The Director of Interpretation role is essential as Magnolia strengthens its leadership in telling important stories about Lowcountry history, horticulture, and preservation. Bringing George on board is a meaningful step in that direction.”
Experience Magnolia’s Interpretive Programs
With McDaniel at the helm, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens continues to expand its interpretive efforts, ensuring that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the plantation’s history and its place in the broader Lowcountry story. Whether through guided tours, educational programs, or special initiatives, Magnolia invites guests to engage with the past in new and enlightening ways.
Plan your visit today to explore the stories that shape Magnolia’s legacy. For more information on upcoming programs, follow Magnolia Plantation & Gardens on social media.
