Preservation Profiles
June 18, 2024
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.