South Carolina is obviously blessed with countless historical and unique properties throughout our varied communities. Perhaps you have just purchased a historic property that you admired, but know little about. Where does one begin to learn and come to appreciate the history of a given property? These curious individuals have a hunt of sorts ahead of them and knowing how to proceed is all the more important as such an endeavor will be time consuming. The rewards from patient searching however far outweigh the effort involved!
I encourage any “new” historian to pursue their search with the following questions in mind. Focus upon “who, what, when, where, and most importantly “why” and “how” to complete the scope of a particular search. The critical step is to leave “no stone unturned.” Where to begin? The following recommendations represent a mere beginning and more specific material will follow in later columns.
First simply make inquiry through the realtor or seller regarding what they know about the property and simply note their details as a starting point. Due to any number of circumstances they may have a wealth of details or lack any beyond the previous one or two owners. Clearly the property purchased may be of major significance to the community or region in question, but take nothing for granted in your search. Having had hours of personal experience, I know how frustrating, property research can become! In your courthouse related search do not overlook the Probate Judge’s office after completing work with the Clerk of Court. Also obtain any recommendations from the staff members of each office as they obviously know about many local resources.
Next pursue research through the local and regional historical and research related institutions. South Carolina is blessed with excellent county libraries and many offer research through a local county history/genealogical room. Their staff usually has someone assigned to assist researchers. The availability of newspaper clippings, local and regional histories and business related records along with photographic and postcard collections make the local library an essential research center.
Among the many major research facilities of South Carolina are the following:
The S.C. Department of Archives and History in Columbia
The South Caroliniana Library, located in the original campus of the University of S.C. in Columbia
The South Carolina Historical Society, Meeting Street, Charleston, S.C.
The Camden Archives & Museum, Broad Street, Camden, S.C.
The Orangeburg Historical Society, Orangeburg, S.C.
The York County Historical Center, York, S.C.
The Charleston Library Society, King Street, Charleston, S.C.
Louise Pettus Archives at Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.
These are but a few of the noted research institutions across the state to visit for community and county related information. Obviously the various local and statewide historic preservation organizations, as well as the State Historic Preservation Office within the Department of Archives & History in Columbia provide valuable information toward completing a property history.
Hopefully these research avenues and relevant institutions will serve to get you started on a wonderful endeavor. There will be more information to follow in future blogs but remember, whatever you find do post it on Roots and Recall.com for all to enjoy. For it is through sharing that stories are preserved.