Makeover turns historian into Braveheart
Story and photo by Rachel Haynie

Andy Chandler, architectural historian and National Register co- coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, puts on a brave face by way of Caroline Meyer's artful brush. The face painting, one of Tartanfest's most requested activities, recalled the war paint worn by the historic Scottish figure depicted in the movie Braveheart. Sir William Wallace was a knight and Scottish patriot, who, at the turn of the 14th century, led a resistance to the English occupation of Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Tartanfest was a vibrant, colorful opportunity for a large sector of South Carolinians to get in touch with their Scottish roots on April 14, 2007. Throughout the day at the South Carolina State Museum, performances, exhibits, games, and lectures on topics of Scottish import kept visitors entertained and informed. According to Michael Moore, S.C.'s Tartanfest Day Coordinator, the day is celebrated nationally in honor and acknowledgement of Scottish Americans' contributions to the nation's history and culture. This year the reigning theme was golf, perhaps the state's most beloved Scottish import.