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.
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.
Dr. Ramon Jackson has dedicated his career to preserving South Carolina history and cultural heritage, bringing a scholarly approach to a growing list of both public initiatives and museum projects.
Since May 2023, he has been curator of African American Culture and History at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, where he earned his doctorate in history at the University of South Carolina in 2019.
Jackson has served as co-historian of Columbia SC 63: Our Story Matters, a landmark public history initiative that commemorated the civil rights struggle in South Carolina’s capital city.
He also has worked as the African American Heritage Coordinator at the S.C. Department of Archives and History, where he worked on public programs, exhibits, and historic preservation initiatives, often in partnership with the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission (SCAAHC).
Jackson also has been an assistant professor at Newberry College, where he taught survey courses in 20th-century American history and special topics courses on Black student activism, South Carolina civil rights, and African American sports history.
He believes museums and preservation efforts must go beyond simply curating artifacts and archives. “Museums have an obligation to amplify voices that have been marginalized or forgotten throughout history,” he says, adding, “True preservation requires active collaboration with the communities whose stories we aim to protect and share.”
Here he shares insight he’s gleaned about the intersection of academia, museum curation, local history preservation, and community activism and engagement.
What are you working on now at the State Museum? Dr. Ramon Jackson: An exhibit titled “Shared Sacrifice: South Carolina in World War II” that opens June 8. It’s about the collective experience of all South Carolinians in that war and will include a section on African Americans in combat and non-combat roles and on the battle for civil rights at that time. We’re changing things up on the third floor at the museum and I’m excited about it!
In your experience bridging academia and community engagement in museum and preservation work, what are some key differences you’ve observed between how Black communities perceive and engage in preservation versus academic approaches?
Dr. Ramon Jackson: There are times when they dovetail, but I do think there are some key differences, at least in terms of what folks in archives, history, and academia deem important.
For example, when I worked at Archives, one of the main projects was to do a survey of extant Green Book sites around the state. We researched and created a full list of these buildings that once housed businesses that supported travelers in this really important guide.
I came to realize that many of these buildings were built using vernacular architecture and that when we took these sites to the National Register of Historic Places, it could be a struggle because academic and institutional standards for preserving sites don’t always take into account vernacular architecture used in segregated communities.
No columns, no marble, not even wrought iron, just cinder block and stucco. We had to try to convince National Register staff in D.C. of the need to preserve these certain spaces, a task made even more difficult if they were redesigned, renovated, and used in different ways over time.
We had to explain standards and expectations to both sides of that equation – answering questions from the Black community here and from National Register staff. We got over a lot of those obstacles, including educating NR staff on the unique experience of Black people in the South.
The African American community here can have different views and needs of what needs to be preserved. It’s important to engage people who can communicate on either side of those needs and start to integrate those standards into these types of institutions. That’s been an important focus of my work.
As co-historian of Columbia SC 63: Our Story Matters, you played a pivotal role in commemorating South Carolina’s civil rights movement. How do you navigate the complexities of preserving and presenting Black history within institutional frameworks, balancing academic rigor with community narratives?
RJ: I think, first of all, Dr. Bobby Donaldson didn’t let me get away with not being rigorous and detailed with this work. To his credit, the younger generation of scholars doing this work across South Carolina and other states owe him a debt of gratitude.
When I was involved in that project, one of the advantages for us – and maybe a disadvantage, too – was that the literature on civil rights in South Carolina wasn’t as deep. Academic rigor begins in academia. For whatever reason, until the mid-80s, they didn’t think of South Carolina as a place where the civil rights movement occurred in the greater scheme of things.
That gave us the advantage of being able to build a kind of foundation for outlining and highlighting the Palmetto State’s place in the movement. Building that foundation required rigorous academic research, combing old newspapers and collections, and reaching out to individuals who had family connections or lived these moments themselves.
Our academic rigor included ensuring we established those connections, told the story accurately, made sure we included those individuals that people in the community feel should be recognized. We did a really nice job of that and I’m really proud of how much Columbia SC 63 and the Center for Civil Rights and History has grown and flourished.
For me, it was a really rich opportunity for someone in grad school at USC to be able to do that public work, and I’m grateful for it. We created a gold standard of what can be achieved through this kind of university/community partnership.
Your work at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History focused on African American heritage preservation. Could you share some insights into the unique challenges and strategies involved in preserving Black cultural heritage, especially within the context of institutional settings?
RJ: An element of that position as African American history coordinator was serving as a liaison between Archives and the heritage commission (SCAAHC). It was not always an easy task to make sure I was working on behalf of the agency but also prioritizing concerns of Black communities in the state and the commission chairman.
That was not always an easy task and sometimes the dance steps were a little awkward, but both institutions did share an understanding of the importance of this work and how it was my job to help prioritize that work within the agency in a way that I think communities appreciated.
We accomplished a lot. For example, we managed to list 10 extant Green Book sites in the National Register within a two-year period. Now they’re in a position where those buildings are eligible for grants and other public resources, and they can be preserved. We also were able to erect dozens of historical markers through external grant-funded projects. The SCAAHC spearheaded a lot of that fundraising and work and I’m proud of Archives’ collaboration with them and the work we did.
We also collaborated on a COVID 19 project – Portraits of a Pandemic – that involved an oral history project conducted from scratch around the state. Doing that work required backing and support from the agency and the skills and resources of the SCAAHC.
I’m not saying it was easy. It can be political at times. My strategy was to try to adhere to a basic set of core principles – honesty, integrity, empathy – to make sure that we prioritized the needs of Black communities as much or more than the people who paid your tab at times.
How can museums and historical institutions better collaborate with Black communities to ensure their voices are not only represented but actively involved in the preservation process?
RJ: My position here at the State Museum was created to start moving in that direction. It’s been about 10 years since someone held this position. That’s Elaine Nichols, who’s now at the Smithsonian. Now we’re working to reconnect with communities and begin that collaboration process anew.
I came across a really good model last year at the South Carolina Federation of Museums conference. Andy Thomas, the Cayce Historical Museum curator, and his advisory board described how they were reimagining galleries to add more African American experiences.
These are people with deep connections in their community and I was really impressed. That’s a great example of how a museum can move beyond just extraction, how an agency or museum can go deep into a community to give its people a say in how their stories are told.
It’s incumbent on institutions to start really involving communities in the partnership and make them real partners. Advisory boards are one way to do that. Co-curating exhibitions is another way you can do that.
So, I think we can be a little bit more connected in the way we think about collaboration. At the very least, we all must understand that the work we do isn’t neutral, the stories we choose to tell reflect greatly on our institutions.
And being in this political environment, it’s time folks redouble their efforts to make sure we’re being as inclusive as we can be, even if we’re unable to build programs that lend towards that inclusiveness. That inclusiveness needs to be embedded into who we are as an institution, rather than something that’s kind of a set-aside or a separate thing to address only occasionally.
Given your background in academia and hands-on preservation work, how do you envision the role of grassroots activism and community engagement in shaping the future of historic preservation efforts?
RJ: Museums and other historical institutions and agencies have to get better at hiring and staffing in ways that are more inclusive. We need to build pipelines that provide a path for budding professionals to do exactly this kind of community engagement work.
One thing I’m kind of disheartened by as I’ve gone place to place in the past few years is that I don’t really see public-facing historical museums and academics providing internships, short-term visiting curatorial assistantships, that kind of thing, for African American, Native American, Asian American, and other marginalized groups.
Including these people at an early stage of their careers helps them and helps our institutions present ourselves in a different light. And critically, you’ll then find communities more willing to loan/donate items if they know the folks they’re sharing with, helping them participate, and getting more buy-in.
So, I’ve been kind of disheartened by what I see as a little bit of backsliding in terms of diversity and inclusiveness among staff at our institutions. We can do better, and I think working together is the only way we can build that pipeline. It doesn’t have to be just a DEI thing; we have to start committing to making this inclusiveness a core part of our institutions.
As someone deeply involved in both academic research and practical preservation initiatives, what advice would you give to aspiring historians and preservationists seeking to bridge the gap between scholarly pursuits and community-centered preservation work?
RJ: First, understand that it’s not an easy road. I’ve jumped around the past decade or so and that’s not been on purpose. It’s the nature of the profession. Folks have to understand that these are winding roads and sometimes you have to figure out a way to build new bridges. That said, also understand that as long as you’re doing the work and doing it right, opportunities will present themselves.
Also, always make sure you’re soliciting input within communities doing the work. The odds are high they’ll be able to give you a sense of what community importance is more than a book can. I’ve stumbled across so many interesting topics just by having conversations with people, more than any kind of primary or secondary source research.
Finally, be willing to change your mind as new evidence presents itself. The way you see the topic isn’t always the way folks in this community do. An intellectually curious mindset and being open to these kinds of experiences will set you up for success.
For members of the public interested in contributing to preservation efforts, especially within marginalized communities, what steps would you recommend they take to get involved meaningfully and respectfully? Dr. Ramon Jackson: I think part of it is understanding that sometimes you’re not always going to be leading. White scholars, for example, doing work in Black communities will probably find things work out better if they take a back seat sometimes to folks in the community. Focus on being more of a support than a leading person in these kinds of preservation efforts and be comfortable with that.
I remembered a few times in Archives, people who approached us about historical markers sometimes had different ideas, different perspectives than the rest of the community. I learned to err on the side of letting the communities speak for themselves, and modifying as best I could the narratives and approaches we used.
Ultimately, it comes down to empathy, being a good listener, and realizing that things that are being unsaid also matter. All that only comes with being open and observant. I don’t know everything, but I have learned that if you’re going the wrong way, the silence on the other end of the line will tell you.
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
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund works to advance the broader preservation movement towards a more diverse and equitable representation of American history. Grants showcase the beauty and complexity of Black history and culture in America, while underscoring the urgent need to protect, preserve and interpret these invaluable American assets.
How to Apply for Grants With the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
The best way to be prepared for these grants is to be mindful of grant cycles and application deadlines because they vary. Do not submit applications outside of grant cycles without first discussing with the AACHAF.
You should also have a clear definition of your project and how it aligns with the mission of AACHAF. Get clear on your project mission and your achievable outcomes.
Develop clear and reasonable estimates for all costs. Do your research to budget appropriately for all costs and don’t undervalue the work that is required.
Stay informed of grant openings by adding your email address to the National Trust for Historic Preservation e-newsletter, here.
The Action Fund awards grants across four project categories: Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. Know what category you qualify for.
Find a Grant Program that matches your project:
AACHAF Grant Programs:
Action Fund National Grant Program — This funding advances ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes that represent African American cultural heritage. Funding supports work in four primary areas: Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. The minimum grant amount is $50,000.00. Guidelines and Application
Conserving Black Modernism — In partnership with the Getty Foundation, the Conserving Black Modernism grant program is designed to empower and equip preservationists and stewards with funding and technical support to preserve the material heritage, innovation, and legacy of modern architectural sites designed by Black architects. This is a $3.1 million grant program. Guidelines and Application
HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative — This program provides technical assistance and funds new Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plans at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The partnership with National Endowment for the Humanities seeks to empower HBCUs with the resources to protect, preserve, and leverage their historic campuses, buildings, and landscapes, and ensures these symbols inspire and educate future generations. Guidelines and Application
Preserving Black Churches — The Action Fund, with support from the Lilly Endowment Inc, is investing in historic Black churches and congregations to reimagine, redesign, and deploy historic preservation to address the institutions’ needs and the cultural assets and stories they steward. We are leveraging historic preservation as a tool for equity and reconciliation and celebrating historic Black churches as centers of heritage, community, and cultural life. Guidelines and Application ]
Photo caption: [ In January 2024, historic Taveau Church in Cordesville received a grant from the Preserving Black Churches program to restore this 19th century wood-frame structure. Plans call for the church to open for worship services again, and for historic interpretation and community events.]
Photo caption: [ caption for photo — In 2023, funding from the AACHAF supported an expansion of the Inalienable Rights program under the Slave Dwelling Project, led by noted living historian Joseph McGill, Jr. The program includes food education / cooking demonstrations, brick making in the style of enslaved craftsmen and blacksmith demonstrations from expert blacksmiths.
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.
Ruffin Rosenwald School, now the BZS Community Center, is the only remaining standing Rosenwald School in Colleton County. The current standing building was built in 1928-29, after the first school building from 1921 was burned in a fire. At the time it was built, it was the only school for Black children in the county. The school operated until 1953, when the movement for school equalization closed the Ruffin Rosenwald and opened Ruffin High School and Elementary School. After it closed, the building was empty for more than 10 years before three local churches came together to form the BZS Committee to save the building in 1964. The BZS Community Center has been available to the community since then, with the Committee’s long legacy of dedication to preserving and restoring the building. “The BZS Community Center once served as a Rosenwald School in the early 1900s, and is one of the few of its kind still standing today.With aspirations to promote “the well-being of mankind,” Julius Rosenwald and his family established a fund in 1917 contributing over $70 million dollars to public schools, colleges, museums and Jewish charities. Recognizing the suppressed access and quality of public education for black children in the south, the Rosenwald Fund dedicated itself to establishing black schools. Collaborating with Booker T. Washington, nearly 5,000 schools, shops and teacher homes were founded in 11 states. Of these, about 500 schools were built in South Carolina. By 1928, their efforts resulted in one-third of black children receiving an education in rural communities – such as Ruffin.” – https://coastalcommunityfoundation.org/hand-in-hand-community-outreach-restoring-pride-in-the-ruffin-community/
What motivated you/your community/your team to begin this project?
The community center has hosted events including being a summer feeding station, candidate forums, and vacation Bible school sessions. We are committed to keeping the facility available for our neighbors.
What challenges have you faced in this project?
The costs of the project exceed our recent operating budgets. Time and moisture have weakened the floors of our building. The current state of the floor joists makes the building unsuitable for most gatherings; further deterioration will threaten the survival of the building. These types of repairs are costly maintenance to undertake, but necessary if we wish to see this unique structure survive into the future.
How have you solved problems and found solutions? What advice would you give to others doing this kind of work?
We are accelerating our fundraising plan and exploring other fundraising activities, as well as getting help from other sources. We are working towards a National Register of Historic Places designation, so that Ruffin can be recognized for its significant history, become historically protected, and be eligible to apply for additional funding. On February 19, 2022, we unveiled a SC State Historical Marker at Ruffin/BZS Community Center. It had been a lot of hard work and effort to get the historical marker, and seeing it installed was a joyful and prideful day. Alumni of the school and BZS Committee members were present and gave tours of the building. The marker is an important step in gaining wider statewide recognition and more support for the project.
By: Curtiss Hunter, Tourism Director of Union County
May 10, 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.
Renaissance Park located in the Santuc community of Union County, South Carolina is on the site of the former Carlisle-Santuc Elementary Negro School. The school was known as an equalization school. It was a new school that was “physically separate in distance” but was alleged to be “equal” to the white school in the area. The school existed from 1953-1970. The school burned in the early 1980’s. Arson was investigated and was deemed the cause of the fire but no arrest was made. (Picture of the School inserted below) In early 1996, a group of citizens in the Santuc community met and decided that a park was needed for the area of Union County in the Black community. The work began to establish Renaissance Park. In May of 1998, a ribbon cutting was held for the first phase of a newly established ballpark. The dream was to have a walking trail around the ballpark for the citizens in the area that had no place to walk other than on the main highways. Curtiss Hunter and her team started to lobby the local and state officials for help to make Renaissance Park a reality. Union County Tourism applied for a trails grant through the South Carolina Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism trails grant program. In the fall of 2023, Union County Tourism was awarded the grant from SCPRT to build the walking trail. The park and walking trail will be complete in the summer of 2024. (An attachment of this project is at the end of this document)
What motivated you/your community/your team to begin this project?
The need for physical exercise for the citizens in the area has always been a part of the local fabric. As time passed, those who could no longer play softball or run needed a safe place to walk.
What challenges have you faced in this project?
Funding was the greatest challenge. Community effort was always there. But we needed an infusion from outside the county to make this project happen.
How have you solved problems and found solutions? What advice would you give to others doing this kind of work?
Remain focused, do not get discouraged, projects of this kind can last for decades as this one did.
By: WeGOJA Foundation (with information from NPS State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division)
May 7, 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 to Black preservation projects and leaders.
What is the purpose of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights grants?
The National Park Service (NPS)’s Historic Preservation Fund provides grants to local communities to help document, interpret, and preserve sites and stories related to civil rights. Many of these grants are competitive which means that an organization will submit an application that is reviewed and scored to determine if it will receive funding. Information about various grant programs will be found on NPS websites but the actual announcement of applications and submission of applications will take place through Grants.gov. Preparing and submitting an application takes time, so make sure to start investigating how to apply early. African American Civil Rights (AACR) grants fund a broad range of planning, development, and research projects for historic sites including: survey, inventory, documentation, interpretation, education, architectural services, historic structure reports, preservation plans, and “bricks and mortar” repair. Grant projects are split into two categories: preservation projects and history projects. Preservation project grants are for the repair of historic properties. History project grants are for more interpretive work such as exhibit design or historical research. This competitive grant program provides grants to states, tribes, local governments (including Certified Local Governments), and nonprofits. Non-federal matching is not required.
How should property owners and community leaders prepare for applying for African American historic preservation grants in the STLPG division?
Any case studies or great examples from South Carolina?
This grant program provides assistance to many South Carolina organizations. In its latest round of awards, the following organizations were funded: Clemson University – $55,625 Clemson University African American History Video Project – Clemson University of South Carolina – $4,250,000 Preservation of the Florence C. Benson Elementary School, an equalization school and a resource associated with segregation in Columbia, SC – Columbia South Carolina Rural Education Grassroots Group – $750,000 Stabilization and Preservation of the former Edgewood School, an Equalization School, Now serving as Edgewood Community Center –Ninety-Six Center for Creative Partnerships – $750,000 Preservation of All Star Bowling Lanes – Orangeburg
