Our Inspiration
We are the Ackerman Legacy Foundation -- a 501(c)3 charitable organization, headquartered in Sumter, South Carolina. The foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of Roger Ackerman.
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Roger practiced service above self for many years as a Rotarian, philanthropist, humanitarian, and supporter of the arts. He inspired numerous adults and children through his advocacy of visual art, music, theater, history, and his love of good food! Not only was it his dream to see the arts thrive in his adopted hometown, but Roger was also a primary driver of the successful efforts to establish the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, which opened in June 2018.
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Roger was an inspiration to us all, hence the name of the annual festival, INSPIRE!
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Proceeds from the Inspire! Festival support the following organizations: The Rotary Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART), the Sumter County Gallery of Art, the Sumter County Museum, the Sumter Little Theatre and the Sumter School District.
Sumter County Gallery of Art
The Sumter County Gallery of Art is a non-profit, community-based institution with a mission to present and promote the visual arts, to increase the knowledge and appreciation thereof, and to provide visual art and art education opportunities to Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties. It shall be an institution dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our community.
Sumter County Museum
A private non-profit institution whose mission is to promote the history of Old Sumter District through the preservation and exhibition of objects, manuscripts, and documents, which relate the story of this area of South Carolina. The museum includes the Williams-Brice House (1916), the Heritage Education Center (2003), the Carolina Backcountry Homestead, Martha Brice Gardens and the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.
Sumter Little Theatre
The Sumter Little Theatre is proud to have been educating and entertaining for over forty years. Exemplary community theatre and lots of fun. SLT is a member of AACT and ASCAP.