George H. McDaniel was born in Memphis, TN and grew up in Summerville, SC. He attended Davidson College and earned his BA in history. After spending ten years as a professional guitarist, George returned to school earning a master’s degree in history from the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi. 

While in graduate school, George managed and developed interpretation for two museums. The Burns Belfry Museum and Multicultural Center—dedicated to African American history—and the L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum, the postbellum home of the famed Mississippi statesman and Supreme Court Justice. 

These experiences shaped George’s approach to history, emphasizing for him the value of community outreach and engagement, and underlining the importance of historical inquiry. George believes that engaging citizens by encouraging them to ask questions about our past fosters support for conservation and preservation efforts — and helps them better understand the complex world in which we live.

George is thrilled to be bringing his experience and approach to South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and is working hard through rigorous research and community partnerships to bring the lesser-known people and stories of the Revolutionary Era to light in creative ways. Through this, George believes history can be used as a catalyst for conservation, preservation, and education among people of all ages.