A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Jim Fitch, executive director of the Rice Museum, and to congratulate him upon the occasion of his fiftieth anniversary of directing the museum.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House are pleased to learn that Jim Fitch is celebrating his fiftieth anniversary as the executive director of the Rice Museum in Georgetown on April 25, 2026; and

Whereas, a native of Southern California, Mr. Fitch received two degrees from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He has studied art and history extensively abroad, first at Furgusson College of Deccan University in Pune, India, and then as a student of Dr. Terisio Pignatti, director of the prestigious Correr Museum in Venice, Italy. While residing in Venice, Mr. Fitch lived beside Peggy Guggenheim, and had the opportunity to study her important collection of twentieth century art; and

Whereas, Mr. Fitch has authored many publications and lectures, and he has produced a number of films and other commissioned works. He has taught for many years as an adjunct faculty member of Coker College, and he is also an accomplished watercolor painter himself; and

Whereas, Mr. Fitch began his career as the executive director of the Rice Museum in 1975. His first major project was an installation concerning the raising and recovery of the Brown's Ferry Vessel, a shipwrecked colonial vessel, which was begun in 1979 and finalized in 1991; and

Whereas, during his tenure, Mr. Fitch has overseen the installation of many renovations and projects in the museum, including the installation of Lafayette Park adjacent to the Town Clock; acquisition and restoration of the Kaminski Hardware Building; the creation of the Herb Garden and the establishment of the Herb Society; the presentation of "The Mystery of San Miguel," a celebration of Spanish influence in South Carolina; and many other important developments in the museum's history; and

Whereas, in 2001, Mr. Fitch published "Pass the Pilau, Please," a history of rice planting in South Carolina, as well as a collection of Lowcountry rice recipes. Mr. Fitch is celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the publication of his book in 2026; and

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Fitch has received a number of honors and awards, including the highly esteemed Governor's Heritage Tourism Award and the Governor's Award in Humanities; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House greatly value the dedication and commitment that Mr. Fitch has shown in preserving the rich heritage of the Palmetto State and in serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Jim Fitch, executive director of the Rice Museum, and congratulate him upon the occasion of his fiftieth anniversary of directing the museum.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Jim Fitch.

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