By: Timika M. Wilson, Board Member, Dr. Lawrence W. Long Resource Center
July 29, 2024
The Featured Projects series focuses on historic preservation projects focused on preserving Black history throughout SC. Each project is asked to respond to four prompts. We hope this series helps bring awareness to the stunning number and variety of preservation projects being undertaken across the state, highlights the dedication of our community leaders, and inspires future generations of projects.
Want to feature your preservation project? Send us an email here.
Provide a brief summary of your project, making sure to include why it’s important for African American historic preservation.
Dr. Lawrence W. Long founded the Union Community Hospital in 1932 after transforming an old house on Main St into a clinic to serve African Americans in the community whose quality of care was impacted due to segregation. This project seeks to restore the over 16,000 square foot building to full use to house nonprofits that provide services within these service pillars – Food, Health, Housing, Education, Employment, Economic Development, and Life Skills. The former hospital building is now owned and operated as the Dr. Lawrence W. Long Resource Center.
What motivated you/your community/your team to begin this project?
The L.W. Long Community Resource Center recently rebranded to the Dr. Lawrence W. Long Resource Center to promote, fundraise, and restore this important resource for the community. After it was no longer in service as a hospital in 1975, the Board used the space to promote outreach to address child literacy, drug prevention, and education. Modest Keenan, Jr., now 88 years young, is the Board Chair and has committed to keeping the doors open through his own work ethic and engaging a younger cohort to continue the work of serving the community. He has inspired a younger generation to take up the mantle. While many communities no longer have historic structures right on Main St that are on the National Register of Historic Places, the Union Community Hospital is one of those rare gems still standing. We know that the oral histories, the births, the teaching hospital, and life’s work of Dr. Long, and the Black churches that initially supported funding the hospital are part of a legacy that many do not know about. We continue to tell the stories and seek to preserve the Dr. Lawrence W. Long Resource Center for generations to come. The updated facility will include historical interpretations highlighting African American history and culture in Union, SC.
What challenges have you faced in this project?
Funding is always a challenge. But we have noticed that there is a tension between keeping a building utilized while completing updates. In many cases, we have had to complete room by room updates that don’t fully realize the promise of the building. The Board will have to decide to evict tenants to conduct the level of construction preservation required to make the building completely usable for generations to come. Many of the grants for building restoration require matching funds. Our small non-profit doesn’t have the funds to match the necessary grant funding we need. This barrier has stopped some of the progress. But we are excited about some new no cost grants that we are pursuing with the assistance of individuals and organizations that have successfully won grants recently. This is a positive game changer for the Dr. Lawrence W. Long Resource Center. It is a testament to community members coming together to ensure that not only the building is preserved and repurposed, but also the grounds which are ideally suited for a downtown park may be realized. Ultimately, projects of this magnitude take time, patience, planning, and funding.
How have you solved problems and found solutions? What advice would you give to others doing this kind of work?
Partner, partner, partner. Individuals and organizations are willing to help for free or provide in-kind services. Leverage those resources. Be open to criticism of your efforts and how marketing and branding can change how others view your project. Be able to tell your story in terms that anyone can understand. Highlight your organization’s Board members that have history with your project. Show the connection of the history of your project to the community through oral histories. Hit record. While it is great to have a trained Oral Historian, it is just as valuable to hit record on your phone to capture a story, a picture, or a video of men and women who are still with us today that have first-hand knowledge of the history of your building and the surrounding area. Many younger generations just don’t know. And we have sought to utilize young people to promote the project on social media and on our new website.
Cynthia Gibbs: A Passionate Advocate for Taveau Church Restoration
After a long career as a military officer and then a successful small businessperson in and around Washington, D.C., Cynthia Gibbs had plans to build a retirement home for herself back home in Berkeley County.
She still gets back home a lot but those house-building plans have been put on hold while she and other committed volunteers complete the work of restoring an iconic but crumbling landmark: Taveau Church.
Built in the 1830s by enslaved people and in active use until the early 1970s, restoring the beloved structure is now well under way, a process that has included some pivotal moments, including recently watching the building carefully placed onto a new foundation.
“I felt a rush of excitement and relief,” Gibbs says. “Somebody told me that I’d lost my mind getting excited about lifting a 176-year-old structure, but I can get very excited about every brick and board that deals with Taveau.”
Holding Close a Church and the People Who Loved It
Cynthia Gibbs grew up near Taveau Church, in the Moncks Corner-Cordesville area of Berkeley County. She left home for a 21-year career in the Air Force before transitioning into government contracting and organizational consulting.
She always held close her memories of home, including her life at Taveau’s “sister church,” St. Luke UMC, about five miles away. They shared pastors and more, but operated independently until shrinking membership prompted the UMC to shut Taveau and merge it into St. Luke, forming what is now Cordesville UMC.
This merger did not mark the end of Taveau’s significance. Despite the physical closure, the spirit of Taveau lived on through its people and their dedication. Gibbs says one particularly notable figure was Gertrude Lloyd, a trustee who tirelessly raised funds for Taveau’s upkeep. “Miss Gertie really made an impression on me,” Cynthia says. “She loved the church and did everything she could for it.”
A Collaborative Project, Under Budget and Ahead of Schedule
In recent years, efforts to find a permanent solution for Taveau Church’s preservation finally bore fruit. Preservation South Carolina acquired the church in June 2023, and restoration efforts began in earnest. “It was crunch time,” Gibbs says. “The north section of the structure was separating from the main body, and it was on its last leg.”
A collaborative restoration process ramped up quickly and Gibbs has been deeply involved as the chair of the Taveau Legacy Committee. Her dedication is rooted in a profound sense of purpose and community.
“I believe your life has to be about more than just yourself and your views of what you should be doing,” she says. “Restoring a church that is 176 years old is work ordained by God from the beginning of time.”
The restoration aims not only to preserve the building but to revitalize it as a community hub. “We have partnered with Preservation South Carolina to restore the church, and we are ahead of schedule and under budget. I’ve been in project work my whole career, and I can tell you that doesn’t often happen!” she says.
The Vision for a Sacred Corridor
Plans call for the restored church to be used for ecumenical services, family and community events, and cultural gatherings.
Gibbs also envisions Taveau Church as part of a larger “Sacred Corridor” that includes other historical sites, including nearby Strawberry Chapel and Mepkin Abbey, which share location, history, and significance to the African American and broader community here and beyond.
As a tourism draw of its own, Gibbs says, the corridor would highlight the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region, providing a counterbalance to the battlefield histories that dominate South Carolina’s narrative.
“These places speak to our souls. After days of touring battlefields, visitors could come to places like Mepkin, Strawberry and Taveau for reflection and solace,” Gibbs says.
The Oral History Project
A critical component of the restoration is the oral history project launched by the WeGOJA Foundation, aimed at capturing the stories and memories of folks connected to Taveau Church. Gibbs points to the urgency of the endeavor as older generations pass away.
“History in this area is inextricably linked with race, religion, and the land,” Gibbs explains. “We need to get these stories out of people’s heads and onto paper.”
The oral histories will be preserved in the Historic Charleston Foundation’s Margaretta Childs Archive Collection and by the Taveau Legacy Committee. This project also will help inform the interpretive programming at the restored church, further ensuring that the rich history of Taveau is accessible to future generations.
Preserving More Than a Building
For Cynthia Gibbs, the restoration of Taveau Church is about more than preserving a building; it’s about reviving a living piece of her community’s heritage and matching it with its historic partners. “We believe that the Sacred Corridor will be well received, and there will be a lot of interest in visiting these historic churches,” she says. “The battles of this nation were not only won on our battlefields but also on our knees. We can never forget that.”
Gibbs’ passion for Taveau Church will help ensure the church will once again be a place of worship, community, and reflection, and that it will stand as a testament to the enduring spirit and faith of the people who have lived, now live, and will someday live in her beloved Lowcountry community.
“I feel blessed to be part of this opportunity,” she says of her delayed retirement-home plans. “Restoring Taveau is infinitely more exciting and rewarding than anything I had on my little agenda.”
By: Bill Fitzpatrick, Past Board Chair at Preservation SC
June 30, 2024
Historic properties where Preservation SC has easements in place: Wilkins House in Greenville, Hester General Store in Dacusville, and Rose Hotel in York.
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you.
In 2010, when my business partner and I sold our company, we had to sign four-year non-compete agreements. Knowing that he and I would return at some future date to start a new business, I decided with this time in hand to travel to and then photograph South Carolina’s collection of National Register landmarks. There are over 1,500 such places. Why? I love history, travel, writing, and photography. If you travel the backroads of South Carolina you will collect experiences. The one I am about to share is why I am on the board of Preservation South Carolina. One July day I drove from my Greenville home to the town of Pacolet to meet with Moose Littlejohn, the only caretaker of the long closed Mulberry Methodist Church. Built at the end of the Reconstruction Era, the church is dilapidated and near collapse. When it goes, it will take 150 years of Black history with it. The prospect of losing Mulberry Methodist bothered me that day and it bothers me today.
Q: What is a historic preservation revolving fund? How do they work/what is the process? What are a couple of revolving fund projects you’ve worked on?
At Preservation South Carolina (PSC) we often speak with individuals wishing to preserve an historic structure. Before going into a discussion about Revolving Funds we spend a few minutes discussing three important preliminary milestones. It is important that the structure is “historic” as judged by an objective agency. For example, is the structure listed in the National Register of Historic Places? Is it part of an Historic District? If the answer is “no,” an excellent first step will be to document and establish its historic significance. Once the structure is restored, what is the vision/purpose for the building? Can the historic home be a bed and breakfast? Can the historic general store find new life as a bakery and coffee shop? On a proactive basis or through a call from the community, our organization will identify an historic structure that is worthy based on the answers to the above two points. In such cases, we will find the owner of the property and talk about mutual interests. Perhaps the owner wishes to rid herself of an abandoned property that represents a liability. Perhaps the owner now lives in another state and cannot manage this property he inherited. Perhaps the owner is historically preservation minded and wishes the property to be restored and repurposed. In such cases we can help. In summary, the Revolving Fund process is dependent on a motivated owner who wishes to see their historic property preserved for future generations. Now let us take a closer look at exactly how a Revolving Fund works. In the simplest of terms, revolving fund projects allow a preservation organization like PSC to buy a historic property, rehabilitate or restore it, and then sell the property with historic protections in place to an appropriate buyer. As needed, our Revolving Fund Committee will meet and review potential property acquisitions or options. Like any prudent business, we have to be good stewards of the funds we have in our Revolving Fund program. Will the owner donate the property to PSC? Is the owner willing to sell the property at a reduced cost to PSC? Might the owner consider the possibility of allowing us time, via an Option Agreement, to market the property for a period of time to determine the community interest in the structure? We then make a decision whether to acquire the property, or not. Once acquired, we often invest some amount of funds in stabilization. These funds come either from our Revolving Fund or from grants that we apply for and receive. When we have stabilized the property and made other baseline improvements, we then try to find a buyer willing to not just purchase the improved building, but to agree to a preservation Easement. An Easement is a legally binding agreement that requires ALL future owners of the property to maintain the structure in its essential historic condition. Once the property is sold, a high percentage of the funds are then “reinvested” in our Revolving Fund. Find out more about Revolving Funds through this pdf booklet from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Q: How does your work with revolving funds at Preservation SC intersect with preserving Black historic spaces?
Since its 1990 inception, Preservation South Carolina has preserved a diverse collection of Black historic spaces, including homes, churches, and slave cabins. In many cases, our Revolving Fund program enabled us to acquire, improve, and then return the historic property to the community. But there are other reasons why, from Daufuskie to Anderson, Black communities have chosen our organization for the work. We are one of South Carolina’s only statewide non-profit preservation organizations. As such, we often work in areas not serviced by local groups, cities such as Union, Edgefield, and Cordesville. Our board of directors are recognized leaders in their respective and diverse fields. In addition to the nationally recognized preservationists who serve on our board, also in the mix are college professors, business leaders, media specialists, and land conservationists. Our Advisory Council provides yet more focused resources, as needed. Our institutional knowledge and corporate reputation bring credibility to even the most challenging project. Consider, for example, that within a year we received over $500K from outside granting organizations to stabilize Taveau, a now 50-year closed, dilapidated, pre-Civil War, Black Methodist church that is located in rural Berkeley County. As a 501(c)(3), we have the immediate ability to apply for and receive grants. Our mission is not to own historic properties. We wish them to be properly restored, with purpose, returned to the community, and to be protected in perpetuity. Our Revolving Fund is an important part of our portfolio. So are our intangible assets of knowledge, reputation, and shared mission.
Q: What do African American preservation projects and leaders need to know about revolving fund projects? How can revolving funds be used for Black preservation projects?
It is critical to consider the economics of the property, prior to signing the dotted line. To consider the economics, a full understanding of what you wish to accomplish is needed from start to finish. For example, in my Introduction, I mentioned how deeply affected I was by my visit to Mulberry Methodist Church in rural Cherokee County. I still think of Moose Littlejohn, still think about the history that will be lost when the church does collapse. But even during my time as board chair of Preservation South Carolina, and even with our Revolving Fund, I knew there was little that could be done to preserve Mulberry. Instead, our organization turned full attention to Taveau, another shuttered Black Methodist Church in Berkeley County. Both are listed in the National Register. Why preserve one and not the other? Mulberry Methodist is a fifteen minute drive from Pacolet, which is in turn another twenty minute drive to Spartanburg. Moose is the only voice for Mulberry’s preservation. Once preserved, then what? Who is going to cut the grass, repair a board, and secure access, once Moose is no longer around? Who is going to even use the building that might take $1M to restore? Taveau is located near the Cooper River between Mepkin Abbey–the burial home to Henry Laurens, a Founding Father and slave trader–and Strawberry Chapel, a 1725 church built by Elias “Red Cap” Ball, whose much later ancestor, Edward Ball, would write a best-selling book about his family and this area called, “Slaves in the Family.” Taveau is the only landmark associated with Black history in Berkeley County and many, many people wish this project to succeed. Not every worthy building can or should be preserved. Unfortunately, we often need to focus on those historic buildings that offer a community, and a purpose.
Q: What first steps would you recommend for people who are not professionals or experts in preservation to take if they are interested in using a revolving fund for their project?
As I noted in my own brief introduction, I had no background in historic preservation when asked to join the Preservation South Carolina board in 2019. Sure, I had a passion for building and history, but beyond that, no specific industry knowledge. Like those of you who might be considering a revolving fund project, I understand the challenges of “that first step.” Given the risks involved with an historic preservation undertaking, the best first step is to find your “preservation partners” before acquiring the property. Preservation partners might include a preservation organization such as PSC, or maybe a skilled consultant. A CPA and/or an historic tax consultant might be part of your team, as might companies that specialize in historic building restorations. Other partners could include bankers, real estate agents, historical societies and grant writers. *Toolkit Tip! Use our Experts Database Tool to find these experts!
Q: What is something many people may not realize about revolving funds (or your area of work)? (a helpful tip, rule, process, or insider knowledge that people new to this type of work might not realize?)
We have discussed the basics of revolving funds and preservation easements. Not covered to date are two equally important topics, rehabilitation agreements and tax considerations. To best understand rehabilitation agreements it might be helpful to remember that most historic preservation organizations, such as PSC, are not general contractors. We are neither staffed nor funded to accept or purchase a dilapidated structure, and then in a year or two, place a perfectly restored historic building back on the market. In general, we will invest funds in stabilizing at-risk historic structures, bring them to a marketable condition, and then expect the buyer to complete the work in accordance with historic preservation standards. The legally binding document that binds both parties is called a rehabilitation agreement. During the rehabilitation agreement period, we inspect the work to ensure that it is being completed as described. Depending on the property, its purpose, and the interest of the buyer or seller, there are tax benefits that may apply to some portion of the historic preservation transaction. For example: The donation of a property may qualify as a tax deduction. The donation of a preservation easement may qualify as a tax deduction. For larger scale properties that may be repurposed for commercial use, there may be tax credits for abandoned properties. If any of the above apply, contact a CPA who is familiar with historic preservation tax deductions and credits. Also – If your goal is to make money (and every organization needs to make money), then you will seek out historic properties that are in reasonable shape, can be easily improved (new tin room, etc.), and then quickly sold for profit. But if your purpose is to perform public good on a building that might otherwise be lost, then you will seek out historic properties in need of much more work. This will take much time and money. During my team as board chair of Preservation South Carolina, we worked on both the “profit expected” opportunities, and the longer term work. In our case the first helped fund the second. Nothing is more meaningful to those of us in the preservation world than to bring life and vitality back to an historic building, such as the work we are doing with Taveau and the Pottersville House.
Q: If you had to give just one piece of advice to folks who are looking into revolving funds to help fund their preservation project, what would it be?
Purpose! Before you begin a preservation project, consider this: What purpose will the restored landmark serve when restored? If you cannot answer that question you should probably not start the project.
Q: Do you have any other tips, thoughts, or insights for us?
By: Nate Johnson, Park Manager at Landsford Canal State Park, former Manager of Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
June 24, 2024
The Featured Projects series focuses on historic preservation projects focused on preserving Black history throughout SC. Each project is asked to respond to four prompts. We hope this series helps bring awareness to the stunning number and variety of preservation projects being undertaken across the state, highlights the dedication of our community leaders, and inspires future generations of projects.
Want to feature your preservation project? Send us an email here.
Provide a brief summary of your project, making sure to include why it’s important for African American historic preservation.
For the last decade, the South Carolina State Park Service has located, researched, preserved, interpreted, and brought public attention to the historic ruins of tenant houses at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site in Union County, SC. The organization has done this work in collaboration with African American descendants, community members, and students. These tenant houses were structures in which African American farmers lived from the post-emancipation years through the Great Depression. Their stories are central to the plantation’s history. Even though the houses are in ruins today, they remain evocative and powerful sites with direct connections to the people who lived in them. Still visible are the brick foundations from the fireplaces and chimneys, the stone piers that supported the houses, and surrounding yard features, like garden beds and sunken roads. African American families who lived in these homes, including the Glenns and the Jeters, have conducted multiple oral history interviews since 2018 to document their memories of the place. In 2021, park service staff built a trail to one of the tenant houses, developed an interpretive marker, and installed a rope around the ruins to protect them. In 2023, students from South Carolina schools (including Benedict College and SC State University, both HBCUs) did a week-long archaeology project at the tenant houses, continuing and deepening archaeological studies initiated at the site in 2015. All these collaborative efforts have increased access to and awareness of the tenant houses, making sure that they are recognized as crucial elements of the plantation landscape.
What motivated you/your community/your team to begin this project?
The motivation is justice. The people who lived inside these tenant houses experienced vast, terrible injustices in their lifetimes and on this plantation. When Rose Hill became a historic site, further injustice was done. Structures where the Black majority lived and worked – like the tenant houses – were not preserved. Slavery, sharecropping, and racial oppression were glossed over in interpreting the plantation’s history. Instead, preservation and interpretation efforts focused almost entirely on the white Gist family and the Gist Mansion, whitewashing the public’s understanding of the plantation. To put energy into preserving, documenting, and interpreting the tenant houses today, then, is corrective action. The tenant house sites deserve more attention. And it can be seen as a certain act of justice when we turn our attention to them.
What challenges have you faced in this project?
One challenge is getting everybody to see that ruins are, indeed, important. True, the tenant houses are not fully intact, but their ruins can still reveal a lot of information about this plantation’s history and the people who lived here. The ruins can still pack a lot of emotional power. Even though these houses once were ignored and neglected (not by residents, but by the people turning this plantation into a historic site), we can visit these ruins today with reverence, wonder, and respect. Consistent and effective communication from everybody who cares for these ruins – rangers, descendants, historians, community partners, archaeologists, volunteers, and students – will spread awareness and appreciation of their historical value.
How have you solved problems and found solutions? What advice would you give to others doing this kind of work?
It has been hard to find exact information on each tenant house, like its appearance or which family lived in it, when documenting them or when interpreting their significance for the public. I would recommend focusing on what you do know. What artifacts were recovered during archaeological investigations? What general memories did an elder have about growing up in this area? I would recommend not to give up hope on finding the exact information you are looking for. However, while you are searching, stay open and glean any other information you can along the way. Don’t ignore any evidence, story, or data that can help you document (in this case) a structure or craft a compelling interpretation of its significance.
Dr. Larry Watson: A Pioneer in South Carolina Black History Research and Preservation
Dr. Larry Watson stands as a pivotal figure in the exploration and preservation of Black history in South Carolina. As a professor at both South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina, he has dedicated his career to researching, teaching, and preserving the rich and often overlooked histories of African American communities.
From his early days at Millsaps College to earning his doctorate under South Carolina’s most prominent historian, Dr. Walter Edgar, Dr. Watson has consistently broken new ground in the field of history.
His work in historic preservation began as a graduate student and has since evolved into a lifelong mission to protect and promote the cultural heritage of African Americans in the South.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Watson has been an active participant in historic preservation efforts across South Carolina. His work has ranged from researching and preserving physical artifacts to advocating for the restoration of historically significant sites.
Through his efforts, he has not only helped safeguard important cultural assets but also ensured that future generations can learn from and appreciate the rich tapestry of African American history.
Below he shares more about himself as well as the imperatives and challenges of preserving African American history in South Carolina.
1. Can you describe your upbringing and educational journey?
I grew up in Hazlehurst, a rural cotton-farming community in Mississippi, about 120 miles north of New Orleans. My grade school education went up to the fifth grade, and from there, I attended Paris High School as part of the equalization movement. After high school, I received numerous scholarship offers. I chose to attend Millsaps College, a small private school with a strong academic program, and later earned my master’s in social studies education from South Carolina State College and my doctorate in history from USC.
2. Could you share a bit about your personal life?
I recently turned 73. I married my high school sweetheart, Ingrid, during my senior year of college. We have two children, both of whom have Ph.D.s – our daughter in physics from William & Mary and our son in nuclear chemistry from USC. Ingrid holds three degrees in education and research from USC. We also have three grandchildren: an 8-year-old and a set of twins who are five. We’ve been married for 50 years, and family has always been a central part of our lives.
3. What courses are you currently teaching?
I teach an Introduction to African American Studies course and upper-level African American history courses at both SC State and USC. These courses cover history up to 1865 and from 1865 to the present, as well as South Carolina history and government. Occasionally, I also teach introductory courses on the Civil Rights Movement and other topics related to African American history.
4. Why is historic preservation important to you?
Historic preservation is crucial because it helps us understand how we arrived at our current state by preserving artifacts, remnants, and records of our culture. These physical evidences give context and credibility to historical narratives. Without preservation, important aspects of our history could be dismissed or forgotten. It’s essential for citizenship development and helps keep the story of our past alive for future generations.
5. How did you first get involved in historic preservation?
My involvement in historic preservation began during my graduate studies in Walter Edgar’s public history program. As I conducted research and traveled, I noticed many historical artifacts were neglected and sites were deteriorating. This sparked my interest in preserving these important elements of our cultural history. I believe in the value of primary sources and understand that preserving physical items like roads, buildings, and documents is essential for accurately interpreting our past.
6. What are you focusing on in your historic preservation efforts now?
I’ve been working on the history of the first Black soldiers recruited into the Union army, particularly focusing on Reconstruction, which actually began in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1861. We have been educating teachers about this history through visits to significant sites like Tabernacle Baptist Church and Penn Center. These efforts aim to develop comprehensive lesson plans that can be used to teach this important history.
7. How has the field of historic preservation changed over the years?
Historic preservation has become more inclusive and comprehensive. Initially, it focused mainly on white South Carolinian achievements, but now there is a significant effort to include African American history. Churches, cemeteries, and residences of prominent Black figures are being preserved. This shift helps create a more complete and accurate narrative of South Carolina’s history, benefiting both cultural understanding and tourism.
8. What challenges do Black communities face in preservation work?
The primary challenges are resources and knowledge. Many Black communities lack the financial resources needed for preservation and are often unaware of where to find help. Organizations like WeGOJA Foundation are crucial for providing direction and support.
Additionally, historic preservation requires time and effort, which many families struggling with day-to-day survival may not have. Furthermore, there is a gap in historical knowledge among the younger generation. For instance, I’ve had students who grew up in Orangeburg who are unaware of the Orangeburg Massacre of 1968.
This lack of awareness underscores the need for increased education and engagement in historic preservation. Additionally, I’ve observed that many equalization and Rosenwald schools, which once played vital roles in their communities, are now crumbling. That said, some efforts to preserve some of these buildings have been successful, giving them such vital new uses as community centers and daycare facilities, highlighting their historical significance and preserving their relevance.
9. What keeps you motivated in your preservation work?
The work is far from complete, and the challenges in the current political climate make it essential to stay vigilant. Efforts to control and limit historical education in state legislatures mean that the fight for accurate and comprehensive historical preservation must continue. Ensuring that these histories are not forgotten or misrepresented keeps me motivated.
10. Can you explain your involvement with WeGOJA and why you support it?
I am an original board member of WeGOJA, which evolved from the South Carolina African American Commission Foundation. We rebranded to better reflect our mission, incorporating African and African American cultural significance into our work. WeGOJA plays a vital role in directing preservation efforts and providing resources to ensure that African American histories are preserved and celebrated statewide.
By: Brad Sauls, South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH)
June 14, 2024
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you. How did you get started in your field?
My name is Brad Sauls and I am the Supervisor for the National Register program at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). I have worked with the National Register and other SHPO programs since 1997. I have a Masters degree in Public History from the University of South Carolina.
Q: Tell us a little about your responsibilities at the State Historic Preservation Office…
I work within the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which serves as staff for the State Board of Review for the National Register of Historic Places. I supervise the National Register program, manage our federal historic preservation grant program, and provide assistance to local government preservation programs.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the State Review Board, its role as the first step in approving applications for the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Review Board is made up of professionals across many disciplines associated with history and preservation. The current Board Chair is Dr. J. Edward Lee, professor of history at Winthrop University. The Vice Chair is Mr. Philip Smith, professor of Classical Architecture at the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston. Other Board members represent the fields of archaeology, museums, and local government preservation programs. All new National Register nominations are submitted to the SHPO for initial review. The SHPO works with preparers to get their nominations ready to be presented to the State Review Board. Nominations are presented in a public meeting and must be approved by the Board as having met the criteria and requirements for National Register listing. Once approved by the Board, nominations are forwarded to the National Park Service for final review and approval.
Q: Can you provide tips on how to prepare applications for this process? How long does it take? How should property owners prepare for a presentation before the Board?
Anyone can submit a nomination but, in practice, the vast majority of nominations are prepared by professional consultants. The SHPO provides technical guidance and sample nominations to assist preparers. Nominations include lengthy narrative sections that describe the property and discuss its historic context and significance. Preparers summarize the case for listing in a 5 to 8-minute presentation to the Board. Presentations usually include a selection of photos of the property. From initial research and writing to final listing in the National Register, most nominations take up to a year to get through the process.
Q: Do you offer workshops on preparing applications for the National Register?
The SHPO has offered workshops in the past and most likely will again in the future. Between workshops, the SHPO staff is happy to provide advice and guidance for preparers, both novice and experienced. Our staff shares the latest tips from the National Park Service and helps preparers identify past nominations for comparable properties to use as a guide whenever possible. The process is lengthy and complex but we strive to help make it go as smoothly as possible.
Q: Can you give us an example of an exemplary and successful application, or an extraordinary presentation before the Board?
The 2023 nomination for the Phillips Community in Charleston County was special because it was the first “Traditional Cultural Property” listing in South Carolina. The “TCP” approach had been used many times in western states for landscapes and other sites associated with Native American history. This was the first time the “TCP” model was used to recognize an African American settlement community from the Reconstruction period in South Carolina. The listing occurred after many years of advocacy efforts by leaders of the Phillips Community, many of whom were descendants of the earliest Phillips residents, to document and preserve their history.
Q: Other tips or thoughts you’d like to share with the South Carolina African American community?
The professionalization of the National Register listing process means that it is almost essential to have a professional (or experienced amateur) prepare a nomination. Owners or stewards of historic properties that seek listing not only for the recognition but also for the (limited) potential assistance of grants or tax incentives would do well to seek help from an experienced preparer to achieve listing in a timely fashion. Otherwise, an inexperienced preparer faces long delays with an already slow process if substantial revisions and corrections are needed. Whomever prepares a nomination, we at the SHPO will be excited to see more nominations for properties associated with African American history. There are many stories still waiting to be told.
By: Pamela Sulton (Commissioner on the Cayce Museum and Historical Commission) and Andy Thomas (Curator, Cayce Historical Museum)
June 14, 2024
The Featured Projects series showcases historic preservation projects focused on preserving Black history throughout SC. Each project is asked to respond to four prompts. We hope this series helps bring awareness to the stunning number and variety of preservation projects being undertaken across the state, highlights the dedication of our community leaders, and inspires future generations of projects.
Provide a summary of your project, making sure to include why it’s important for African American historic preservation.
In 2022 the City of Cayce applied for a Federal Historic Preservation grant from the National Park Service. The purpose of the grant was to identify and record historic African American cemeteries in the city and for recommendations on how to raise public awareness of the cemeteries and promote their preservation. In late 2022 the city was awarded a $15,000 grant that was matched by city funds and administered by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH). In a competitive process, Stantec, a cultural history and preservation company was hired to elicit public input, conduct survey field work and research, and write a report on what they found and their recommendations on future preservation efforts by the City. They finished the survey and reported back to the city in October 2023. A digital version of this report can be found at https://caycesc.gov/african-american-cemeteries.php. The City of Cayce is committed to the preservation of historic resources. African American cemeteries in Cayce had been neglected and needed attention because they face pressures from new development, lack of awareness, and other threats.
What motivated you/your community/your team to begin this project?
Finding and documenting African American cemeteries is an extremely important part of preserving the history and culture of the Cayce community and honoring those who built it. It is inclusive and illuminates the neglected African American side of the story. This enriches the entire history of the Cayce community and provides a more truthful and balanced representation of its history and supports the city’s reconciliation and unity. Two of the Cayce Museum and Historical Commission members who have helped to advance this project are Pamela Sulton and Charlita Earle. Both have ties to some of the cemeteries mentioned in the final report and helped to spread the word on this project and its benefit to the community.
What challenges have you faced in this project?
One of the biggest challenges was getting the word out about the project and having people participate in identifying cemeteries in the city and providing additional information to the company chosen to conduct the survey. Another challenge was having people understand the scope of the grant. Some in the public assumed the grant was for immediate preservation efforts rather than just a survey of existing graves. In addition, since the grant was specifically for the Cayce area, there was confusion by some on cemeteries that were close by but were not in the city limits of Cayce.
How have you solved problems and found solutions? What advice would you give to others doing this kind of work?
Involving the public is one of the most important aspects of a project like this. You want them to buy in and understand what the project is all about and what the project can then lead to in the future. Having public meetings is always a good idea to get input from a variety of voices on various aspects of the project. Transparency is a must. We were able to hold public meetings to disseminate information and collect information. We asked folks to please share any information they came upon during the discovery phase of the projects. We also had a public meeting to close out the project and made the report available to the public on the City of Cayce website. Our next step will be a follow up grant to create a management plan for the cemeteries regarding preservation. It will include information on ownership of lands, goals that stakeholders would like to see accomplished, a maintenance plan and information on who would carry out such work, and information on the estimated costs of such activities.
For more…. (links to websites, social media, news articles, resources, stories, etc.)
1: First African Baptist Church in Beaufort, SC 2: Hopewell Presybeterian’s cornerstone marker 3: A Deeds Index book listing of churches in Colleton County
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Short Description of topic
It’s at the heart of every community, but is the story of your historic African American church being recorded? Documenting its history could be as easy as recording the memories of the current congregation or as challenging as searching local newspaper accounts for the date of your church’s original founding. Whether you are writing a grant to fund a preservation project, trying to get your church listed on the National Register of Historic Places or simply trying to write a church history, there are many strategies that can help you get started researching your historic African American church.
Tips for Researching Your Historic African American Church
What do you already know about your church? Make a list of information that you already know about your church and another list about what you want to learn. Here are some questions to consider: What is the church’s current name and were there any variations or alternate names in the past? When was the church founded? Who were the significant leaders and families who have been associated with the church? Are there any auxiliary groups, charities, etc. that are or have been affiliated with the church? Is your church associated with an important event or figure?
Begin your research with people. If you are researching the history of a church with an active congregation ALWAYS start with church members. Start with older church members and work your way backwards. Don’t neglect younger generations! Their memories of the church will be the church’s history 100 years from now. Ask church members about the history of the church within their lifetimes and ask what they may know of the church’s earlier history. You can hire a consultant to do formal oral history interviews or record informal videos on your phone but take advantage of their knowledge.
Identify important church records and their location. Baptisms, marriages, births, deaths, burials, business records, charity activities, directories – past or present, are critical documents that can help you reconstruct your church history. Find out if your church still has any of its historic records. Here are some places to look: Filing cabinets in the back of the church office, basements, attics or storage rooms in the church or associated buildings. With the families of past pastors or administrative staff who may have taken records home for safekeeping. A centralized state or national level administrative holding or archive for the church’s denomination.
What has already been written about your church? Chances are a history of your church or the church you are researching already exists in some form or another – a commemorative booklet published by the church for an anniversary, a survey of black churches by the local historical society, a history published in a local newspaper. Be sure to check the church files, the local history room of your local library and online digital newspaper archives for previously written church histories. Don’t forget to look at any memorial plaques inside or outside the church, as well as the cornerstone for relevant information!
Consider the origins of your church. If you suspect that your church or its congregation had their origins within another institution, you will want to examine histories and historic records of the other church as well. Some questions to consider: Was your church or its congregation associated with another church in the past? Why and how did the two churches become distinct entities?
Use local land records to help you uncover church origins and track location changes. A great way to learn more about your church’s founding is to locate the original deed for the land the church sits on. Usually located at a county’s Register of Deeds office, these records should be accessible by the public during regular business hours. Be sure to ask if an index of local churches has already been created, otherwise search under the church name and any known name variations in the Grantee Index. Likewise, if your church has moved or changed locations, county deeds can help you track that information as well.
Dig into local newspapers. Many local newspapers have now been digitized and can be searched through free sites such as the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America website or subscription sites such as Newspapers.com. Conduct keyword searches in newspaper databases for the name of the church, the names of significant families and individuals associated with the church, etc. Keep in mind that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries the church might not have been named in the paper. Search instead using historic descriptors such as “colored church,” “negro church” or “black church.”
Scour your county library’s local history room. Many county library’s will have a local history room. Ask a reference librarian to help you locate books specifically on the county (the 975’s in the Dewey Decimal System) and for local history books specifically on religion and churches (usually the 200’s in the Dewey Decimal System). You may find an entire book, a simple chapter or a brief reference to your church in some of these resources so look carefully! Also, ask the library if they have a Vertical File. This is a miscellaneous file where programs, family histories, unpublished church histories, pamphlets, maps and other local material may be saved that could be relevant to your search.
Search out local maps. Maps can be a great way to trace your church history. Some questions to consider: When does your church first appear on a local map. How is it designated? Is the church listed under a variation of its current or historic name? How does the church and its location relate to the buildings around it? Is it located in a historic black community or located within the larger community? The SC Digital Library has digitized maps from every county across the state which are easily searchable, and also has digital access to the Sanborn Fire Maps which show many towns and cities from the 1890s – 1930s. Vertical Files in your library’s local history room may also have access to historic local maps that could show your church, as well as local museums.
Search digitized books repositories online. There is a wealth of knowledge available through Google Books & Archive.org. Use keyword searches for the name of your church, its denomination, names of families and individuals associated with the church to find relevant material. These sites not only contain digitized books, but also pamphlets, government reports, church histories, etc.
BONUS TIP!
Don’t forget historical context. Always keep in mind the larger history of the community, the state and the nation when researching the history of your historic African American church. The time period when it was founded, the challenges of segregated society, periods of violence, upheaval or natural disasters, can all have an impact on not only the story of your church but your ability to discover that history.
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Short Description of topic
African American churches play a fundamental role in our communities. Foundational to African American religious, political, economic, and social life, African American churches continue to inform and shape African American identity today. They serve as houses of worship, as well as social centers, safe havens and cultural repositories, and provide vital social services and spaces that uplift their communities. African American churches promote economic development, strengthen community ties and foster growth for future generations. Preserving church history is important to making connections to wider historical contributions by individuals who are African American.
Regular upkeep and building maintenance. Regular weekly cleaning. Periodic deep cleaning and systematic maintenance on the structure itself. Major undertakings, such as steeple repair/replacement, roof repair, wood preservation and HVAC system maintenance/upgrades. Fiscal responsibility is important to maintain monetary assets for incidental costs related to the building.
Maintaining meeting minutes. Maintaining accurate meeting minutes can help to create a historical footprint for events in church history. It can also create a relationship that is documented by date in relation to historical community and world events. Minutes should document members who are present and also in leadership positions, as well as decisions and actions made.
Sermon recordings and manuscripts. Sermon recordings and manuscripts can document individual leaders and speakers and their notes as they relate to historical events.
Oral and written history. Oral histories are a valuable tool for capturing and preserving information about historical events, major developments in Church units, lives of individual members, testimonies, and memories that may otherwise be lost. Written history was not as prevalent for African Americans. Therefore, we have relied on the stories passed along over generations of time. History, whether oral or written, can reveal stories of the African American church’s struggle to prosper, with setbacks and successes. Written history and transcription is important so the stories can be easily shared with future generations and researchers.
Physical artifacts and documents. Most important in this category are deeds, mortgages, property abstracts, and insurance policies that might need to be kept in a safe and secure location. It is also important to maintain photographs, church programs, and documents from church events.
News articles. Local newspaper articles can help piece together and corroborate the history and community connections of the church to historic events. Newspapers may carry the obituaries of church members or announcements of engagements, weddings, or other special events in the life of the congregation or its members.
Member interviews. Records from individuals help to preserve anecdotal information that can provide a more personal history of church events and celebrations. Interviews can capture the history of the church as viewed through the lives of its members.
Cemetery Records. Cemetery records may have a significance for research purposes, especially for family history. As gravestones deteriorate, confusion might develop if the written record of cemetery plots is lost.
Baptismal/Member records/lists/directories. Knowing the date of baptisms or memberships of ancestors can be very valuable historically. The composition of a congregation at various points in time would often be valuable in representing the church’s history. Directories give future historians access to full names, family members, addresses, and other information about the congregation that’s useful to their research.
Family histories. Family records and documents can reveal deep relationships to the church. Certain families may have frequent connections to the church that can contribute to church history. Family reunions also tend to incorporate the church in annual and semi-annual gatherings.
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you. How did you get started in your field? What kind of projects have you worked on?
I’ve taught U.S. History for the past 25 years and my field is African American experiences 1840-present. My love of stories started around five years old with visits that my great-grandmother and I made to her friends’ homes in rural North Carolina. I started doing oral interviews in 1987 in undergraduate school at North Carolina Central University. My first interviews were with African American administrators, teachers, and students at segregated schools. I’ve also worked with the Georgetown Public Library and the National Endowment for the Humanities on several projects. Short-term oral history projects have included Beaufort, Lincolnville, Greenville, Eastover, and Columbia. Each semester, I have assigned oral history projects to USC students.
Q: How does your work in oral history intersect with preserving Black historic spaces?
Oral histories preserve the experiences people had in historic spaces. For example, without oral interviews, documentation of who gave land to a Rosenwald School, who initiated the request, fundraised, and maintained the schools, leaves out the activism of many in the African American community.
Q: What do African American preservation projects and leaders need to know about oral history? How is it relevant to them?
Oral history is a powerful tool to better understand the silences in written accounts.
Q: What first steps would you recommend for people who are not professionals in oral history?
Get to know the subject of the study and the community members who may be familiar with its history.
Q: What is something many people may not realize about your area of work? (a helpful tip, rule, process, or insider knowledge that people new to this type of work might not realize?)
1) Typical costs vary depending on the size of the project. 2) Once you complete the interviews, share information with the community. 3) Interview family and other community members and provide access to the interviews to an institution capable of archiving and maintaining them!Websites such as the Oral History Association (https://oralhistory.org/) and USC Department of Oral History (https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/university_libraries/browse/oral_history/index.php) can provide resources for conducting interviews.
Q: If you had to give just one piece of advice to folks who are looking to bring oral history into their preservation project, what would it be?
When asking questions, silence is golden. Don’t rush to the next question or help the person answer the question. Let them think about what you have asked. Have patience, listen carefully! Their answers might lead you to a “mother load” not on your list of questions!
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Short Description of topic
Proper preservation of personal papers, photographs, books, digital information, heirlooms, and other treasures is the foundation of excellent genealogical research. This beginner’s guide will teach you how to care for items that hold sentimental value to help preserve your family’s history for future generations. Preserving family artifacts will enable you to capture your family’s story and document changes across historical eras. Family artifacts provide stronger connections across generations, help maintain traditions, and may increase the value of personal estates.When properly preserved, family artifacts can also provide additional historical context for private and published family histories, preservation grant applications, historical marker texts, and National Register nominations. There is no “one size fits all” approach to preserving your precious family memories. Basic steps include determining what has sentimental value, labeling, providing enough storage space, and proper maintenance. More advanced techniques vary depending on object type. In certain instances, you may need to consult a professional.
Identify and Plan to Protect Your Precious Family Artifacts: What is a family artifact? The good news is you decide! In most cases, family historians tend to save documents, photographs, oral histories, and videos to illuminate the past. There are countless types of family artifacts that don’t fall into these categories. Heirlooms could include wedding rings, christening dresses, quilts, a war medal, musical instruments, decorative items, handmade crafts, or anything with sentimental value. That said, you should choose wisely and develop a preservation plan. Ask yourself: Does the artifact truly strengthen your family history? Do you have enough storage space? Can the item be easily identified, transported, protected, and maintained? Will another family member be willing to take ownership in the event of an unfortunate event? Answering these questions will help you determine what needs to be saved.
Label Everything: Each artifact should include a label or card with basic information describing the item, relevant historical information, and why it is important to your family’s story. This information will develop a chain of ownership, strengthen your family history, and, if desired, help appraisers determine its value. Objects without labels can sometimes be mistaken for trash. Don’t risk losing your precious items!
Keep Em’ Clean, Cool and Safe: All documents, photographs, and heirlooms should be kept clean and free of dust and other contaminants. Minimize handling and safely store your items. If you have dirty or damaged artifacts, use preservation-safe techniques to clean or repair them, or consult a museum, archive, or professional conservator for advice. Storing items in cool, dry places and inside an appropriate box, sleeve, or container is a great first step! Check out Gaylord Archival (gaylord.com) for options.
Preserving Family Letters and Documents: Documents, letters, and other family papers can last a long time when properly cared for. When preserving paper, be sure to unfold, remove all rubber bands and paperclips, take them out of envelopes, and lay them flat. Store papers in acid-free folders and boxes in a cool (below 75 degrees), dry place. This will slow decay and reduce the chances of mold and infestation. Minimize handling by digitizing your documents. You can easily share and store digital files and build detailed family trees on Ancestry, FamilySearch, and other genealogical websites. If you must handle the original, be sure to wash and dry your hands first. Also, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking around valuable family papers.
Displaying Family Letters and Documents: It is difficult to resist the urge to hang an attractive, old family document on the wall. Consider framing a copy and storing the original. This will decrease exposure to light, which causes documents to fade.
Preserving Books: Family Bibles, scrapbooks, atlases, recipe books, and other manuscripts are treasured possessions in most families. While these bound books are like documents, they also present a host of their own unique problems and solutions. Store books in clean, dry places. Avoid garages, attics, or basements unless they are temperature regulated or located in dry environments. Books should be stored flat in archival quality boxes to protect them from dust, sunlight, and the stress caused by upright storage. Unfold page corners, remove rubber bands, paperclips, and bookmarks. Be careful when opening old books. Try to avoid opening them all the way flat, which can damage the spine and binding. Always grip the middle of the book if you are pulling it from the shelf, instead of yanking from the binding.
Preserving Scrapbooks: Most older family scrapbooks are a preservation nightmare! They were often made of poor-quality, acidic paper that deteriorates rapidly and damages photos or other objects attached to it. Scrapbook pages were often arranged using adhesives (tape, glue, and rubber cement) which damaged photos, papers, and other items on the pages. These books also have poor binding, due to badges, dried flowers, love letters, brochures, and other fun extras. Don’t pull your hair out trying to disassemble and preserve each page! Place thin, archival quality paper between each page and store the scrapbook flat in an archival safe container.
Preserving Electronic Information: In this modern age, the biggest threat to the safety of our family history information is likely the possibility of our computer crashing or our toddler throwing our phone into the bathtub or pool. Nearly everyone keeps important family information such as photos, documents, family tree charts, and other files on their computers, digital cameras, cell phones, and tablets. Ironically, electronic files are just as fragile as documents and photos! Always follow this simple rule: Organize and back up your information. Be sure to centralize your files on your computer or external hard drive, label everything, and get rid of excess materials. For every important electronic file, make sure that you follow the 3-2-1 rule: Keep three copies of it in two types of media storage in at least one location other than your house. Possibilities include your computer’s hard drive, external hard drives, thumb drives, or “the cloud” (Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, OneDrive, etc.). Make sure trusted relatives and friends know about the existence and location of these important electronic files. Revisit your backups at least once a year to make sure everything is current and transfer files, if necessary.
Preserving Audio/Visual Material: Audio and visual recordings give us intimate glimpses into the past and help us to recall precious moments with our loved ones. Many families keep stashes of cassette tape interviews of older relatives or home videos of family reunions. It is important to store cassette tapes, videos, and other electronic media in a cool, clean, and dry place. Minimize handling and avoid playing damaged tapes. As time passes, playback equipment may become obsolete, making it difficult to access your recordings. When in doubt, contact an expert who can convert the content to digital files. Digitizing electronic media requires more skill and equipment than you may have readily available. Oral histories should ALWAYS be transcribed! Doing so will provide you with a backup and an easy-to-use reference when writing or presenting your family’s story.
Preserving Textiles and Jewelry: When using or displaying textiles, be sure to clean and dry your hands. Store textiles flat in a cool, dry place with minimal light (avoid sunlight). If you decide to hand clothing, use preservation-safe hangers. Consult a professional conservator to assist with cleaning delicate textiles. Jewelry should be treated in a similar manner; Defer to jewelers to clean valuable items. Store diamonds separately from other jewelry pieces to avoid scratching softer stones. Wrap stones with archival tissue. Silver should be wrapped in a silver cloth. Store all jewelry in acid free boxes.
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you. How did you get started in your field? What kind of projects have you worked on?
I grew up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and remember being drawn to genealogy and history at an early age. I devised my own family survey when I was twelve and sent it out to my extended family. Later, working as a historic interpreter and tour guide at various South Carolina historic sites, I found ways to utilize genealogy as a lens for studying history. Many of the projects I’ve worked on have involved reconstructing marginalized communities. I spent more than a decade at Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site in Beech Island, SC conducting genealogy for more than 70+ families of African descent and reconstructing the communities they lived in across four plantations and over more than 200 years. I love unearthing the stories that have been hidden or forgotten – they are the most powerful.
Q: What’s your genealogy research superpower? What are you best at?
My genealogy research superpower is utilizing genealogy and history together to help reconstruct communities and show how local and regional history impacted those communities. I’m also good at reading really old, practically indecipherable handwriting!
Q: How does your work in genealogy intersect with preserving African American historic spaces?
Genealogy helps tell the story of how people/families/communities are connected to our historic spaces. On a recent project researching a small community of Black Civil War veterans in Walterboro, SC, I was able to discover that the marriages these out-of-state veterans made to local women led to their families becoming founding members of Hopewell Presbyterian Church – a church that is largely defunct today and with a history that had been lost. Using genealogy to help tell stories like that of Hopewell and its founding families, as well as the community they lived in, have led to being able to reestablish the importance of these communities and their contributions to local history and, in a larger sense, their importance to state and national history as well.
Q: What do African American preservation projects and leaders need to know about genealogy? How is it relevant to them?
Genealogy can help you understand how people are connected to a space over time. It can be powerful for helping research historic homes, churches, cemeteries or businesses which often saw multi-generational use or ownership. But genealogy can also help reconstruct the histories of individuals who helped build or design historic spaces, principals or faculty of schools, founders of historic institutions, etc. A good genealogist can be an invaluable addition to a research team, especially on a project where social history is an important element.
Q: What first steps would you recommend for people who are not professionals in genealogy?
Many libraries may have reference librarians who specialize in genealogy and local history, local history rooms with genealogical and historical resources, as well as free access to online genealogical research sites such as Ancestry.com. You can also begin your own genealogical research for free with non-subscription sites such as FamilySearch.org. You can also search for professional genealogists who may be able to help with your project by reaching out to local genealogical societies, state genealogical societies or searching for certified genealogists through the Association of Professional Genealogists (www.apgen.org).
Q: What is something many people may not realize about your area of work? (a helpful tip, rule, process, or insider knowledge that people new to this type of work might not realize?)
More information is being digitized daily and made available online every year through multiple online repositories. There are many records that have been buried in local libraries, in church basements, in boarded up storerooms in the local courthouse, lost in someone’s attic or just ignored in readily available public records. Never think that there is no information available on the places that you’re hoping to protect or the people associated with it. There is more information out there than you could imagine and it is becoming increasingly accessible to researchers.
Q: If you had to give just one piece of advice to folks who are looking to bring genealogy into their preservation project, what would it be?
Don’t ignore genealogy as an important tool for your project, particularly with a space associated with a community or a number of different families or individuals. I’ve used genealogy as a starting point for many different projects including preservation projects, historical research, tourism projects, educational initiatives, etc. to great effect. Don’t give up if you seemingly can’t find information right away! There are many free resources available online, as well as a number of subscription sites that you can join for a month or two, as well as many local experts who can assist you with your project.
Q: What do you think needs to be done to move the needle forward on preserving Black history?
We need to make sure that local resources regarding Black history are accessible, that Black communities have the tools they need to advocate for their own history and that we agitate for diverse stories and diverse voices to be included when telling the overall history of the State of South Carolina.
