Activities…now and recent

“Continuing the Legacy” during a Long Pandemic

A refocused mission of the Kershaw County Historical Society that was adopted in 2020 is Inspiring historical record-keeping to preserve our times. As public meetings were halted or limited during the ongoing many months of the Covid pandemic, work continued on gathering and sharing research; restudying old sources to blend with new discoveries and events; using an enlarged range of newly digitized old records available online and urging additions of recent ones; and encouraging individuals and groups in developing and maintaining historical goals. Effects of these conscious efforts continue to unfold. [2020-2022 update–The Society was among local historical groups contributing responses and information in the process of the development of the content-story of the Kershaw County Revoltionary War Vistor Center displays.] Another [2020-2022 update–The Society and Historic Camden effectively worked together to accomplish our donation of the Bonds Conway House to the HC Foundation. The Society and Historic Camden will work together with the Camden Archives and researchers of the Bonds Conway family to record its history. From the Society’s new office site at the Bonds Conway House at Historic Camden, adjacent to the Visitors Center, we anticipate “continuing the legacy” of gathering and collecting research.]

A History of Kershaw County

A goal for many years and a focus of the Society’s past  efforts — the county’s first comprehensive history, commissioned by the Society, was published by USC Press in 2011.  Details here, or click our Publications tab above. Profits of our book sales, like all our publication sales, are channeled back into Society projects. [2020-2022 update–The Society continues to contribute a monthly column of local history which is published by the Chronicle-Independent newpaper, supplied by Joan Inabinet, co-author of A History of Kershaw County. The column’s focus in this period has been giving new research-based information or perspectives that link present and historical periods in county history.

Our History among Significant Books in Libraries

Camden Middle School student Daniel Putnam (2016) points out A History of Kershaw County in the school media center with other frequently used resources near the librarian’s office. [2021 update–The Kershaw County School District’s media director has requested the publisher of A History of Kershaw County consider digitizing the book for expanded virtual access by students and families.]

Passing on Our Love of History to a New Generation

The above news clipping from the Camden Chronicle-Independent Oct. 22, 2012, details a Society project supporting the publication of A History of Kershaw County: “The Kershaw County Historical Society is donating 25 sets of 25 different local history books to each of the Kershaw County School District’s four middle schools. With 625 books going to each school, the Society’s donation is valued at $5,000. These books will be used by 8th grade social studies teachers and librarians in teaching state and local history. Pictured left to right are the middle school librarians holding the books: Teresa Freler, Leslie M. Stover Middle: Anne Lemiuex, Lugoff-Elgin Middle; Susan Prettyman, Camden Middle: and Cindy Sparks, North Central Middle.” [2022 update–Digitizing replacements  from now out-of-print titles among those in the news article, as well possibly printing some future works in digitized format are suggestions that are currently under consideration.]

Ongoing  Work Adding Historical Markers to Preserve Historical Sites

The Society has the responsibility for the care of most of the historical markers presently in the county, many of which were erected over many years through  KCHS activities.  The Society ambitiously hopes to erect or encourage erection of markers at additional sites, such as Revolutionary Cary’s Fort and Rugeley’s Fort. [2021-2022 update–The disappearance of the Tillers Ferry marker, reported to the Society by vigilant community members, was investigated by the Society with local and state authorities, tracing its origin to an auto accident. Insurance cooperation and assistance by the SC State Archives at Society request will result in an identical replacement marker, presently being manufactured. Anticipate a ceremony to replace it!] [Another 2022 update–It has been reported to us that our interest in the Revolutionary markers has encouraged broader interests that have goals in seeing such signs here and beyond, and that such signs are expected be coming forth before long.]

Preserving Easements on Historical Properties

The Society in 2007 agreed for the first time to hold an easement to preserve a significant Camden property from subdivision development. Holly Hedge, an historic estate on a portion of the Hobkirk Hill Revolutionary battlesite, is the first property on which the Society undertook such a responsibility at the request of the owners. [Easements are matters of law and legal considerations brought up on occasion.]