South Carolina State Archives: A Treasure Trove of History and Culture
South Carolina State Archives is an important institution that preserves and provides access to the history of the state of South Carolina. As a repository of historical records, the South Carolina State Archives plays a crucial role in helping researchers, historians, genealogists, and the general public explore and understand the rich history and culture of the state. In this article, we will dive into the role of the South Carolina State Archives, the types of records it houses, its history, and how to access its invaluable resources.
A Brief History of the South Carolina State Archives
The South Carolina State Archives was established in 1969, as a result of the South Carolina Archives and History Act. This legislation aimed to centralize and preserve the state's historical records, which were previously scattered across various agencies and organizations. The South Carolina State Archives is managed by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH), a state agency dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of South Carolina.
Since its inception, the South Carolina State Archives has amassed a vast collection of historical records, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other materials that tell the story of South Carolina's past. These resources span from the colonial era to the present day, encompassing a wide range of topics, from political history and military affairs to social and economic developments.
South Carolina State Archives Collections
The South Carolina State Archives boasts an extensive collection of historical records and documents, with over 32,000 cubic feet of records and 50,000 volumes of published materials. The collections at the South Carolina State Archives are organized into several categories:
Government Records
The South Carolina State Archives holds a comprehensive collection of government records, dating back to the colonial period. These records include legislative, executive, and judicial documents, as well as records from various state agencies. Among the notable collections in this category are the records of the Colonial Assembly, the State Legislature, and the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Manuscript Collections
The manuscript collections at the South Carolina State Archives comprise personal papers, business records, and organizational documents. These collections offer a unique perspective on the social, cultural, and economic history of South Carolina, as they often contain correspondence, diaries, financial records, and other materials that shed light on the everyday lives of the state's residents.
Maps and Plats
The map and plat collections at the South Carolina State Archives feature over 60,000 items, including maps, plats, and surveys. These resources provide valuable information on the development of the state's infrastructure, as well as its geographic and political boundaries.
Photographs and Audiovisual Materials
The South Carolina State Archives holds a vast collection of photographs and audiovisual materials that document the state's visual and oral history. This collection includes photographs of historic events, notable people, and everyday life, as well as audio recordings and moving images that capture the sounds and images of South Carolina's past.
Newspapers and Periodicals
The South Carolina State Archives has an extensive collection of newspapers and periodicals that offer a wealth of information on the state's history, culture, and current events. The collection includes newspapers from the colonial era to the present day, as well as various periodicals that cover topics such as agriculture, education, and religion.
Published Materials
In addition to its archival collections, the South Carolina State Archives maintains a research library with a wide variety of published materials, including books, pamphlets, and government documents. These resources cover a broad range of topics related to South Carolina's history and culture, from local and family history to military history and natural resources. The research library serves as a valuable complement to the archival collections, providing visitors with additional reference materials and sources for their research.