Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site recently announced that new Executive Director Virginia (Ginny) DeWitt Zemp will start leading the Revolutionary War museum and battlefield in September. Outgoing Executive Director Halie Brazier will leave in early August to prepare for the arrival of twins.
“We are so fortunate to have had such a large number of wonderful candidates from which to choose during the search process,” Historic Camden Foundation Board Chair Amy Sheheen said. “It is a testimony to all the good work Halie and the Foundation Board have accomplished in the last few years; we have a great legacy to continue as we begin celebrating Historic Camden’s 50th anniversary. The excitement about bringing Ginny on board is not ours alone. She already has terrific relationships with so many of our partners. We look forward to having her join us.”
Zemp comes from Charleston, serving as the director of development for the S.C. Historical Society in Charleston since 2011, where she spearheaded multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns for capital projects and enhanced programmatic outreach all over the state. Zemp also has many Camden connections through family, as the granddaughter of Charles Herbert and Elizabeth Workman Zemp, and extended families of Kershaw County.
“I am honored to be able to come to Camden, where I have spent a great many happy days, to help grow the story of Historic Camden and Kershaw County,” Zemp said. “The exciting projects envisioned here and the upcoming anniversaries to celebrate will engage and connect all South Carolinians.”
Zemp joins Historic Camden at a time of growth as new partnerships are being forged for major projects. She will lead the organization as it partners with others on the Camden-Kerhsaw County Visitors Center to be constructed next door. Historic Camden is also deepening partnerships with the American Battlefield Trust and the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust for revitalizing the use and interpretation of the Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Preserve. Additionally, she will oversee site capital projects, reinterpretation, and programming as the museum prepares for its 50th anniversary, the Battle of Camden’s 240th anniversary, and South Carolina’s founding 350th anniversary, all in 2020. In 2026, the country’s 250th anniversary will see nationwide celebrations engaging Revolutionary War topics.
