The South Carolina Archives & History Foundation supports the efforts of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The department is an independent state agency whose mission is to preserve and promote the documentary and cultural heritage of the Palmetto State. It is the caretaker of the South Carolina Archives, a collection of more than 300 years of historical documents recording the rich and diverse history of the people and government of South Carolina. The agency’s mission encompasses:

On Sunday, October 11, 2009, South Carolina Senator John Courson presented Dr. Rodger E. Stroup with the Order of the Palmetto on behalf of Governor Mark Sanford.  The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian award given by the governor’s office.  Senator Courson presented the award at a retirement celebration for Dr. Stroup hosted at the South Carolina Archives and History Center in Columbia.  Surrounded by long-time friends and colleagues, Stroup was recognized for his service to the Palmetto State as well as his work and leadership in his field.

Stroup is a familiar face among history circles in South Carolina.  In addition to serving as the Director for South Carolina Department of Archives and History for the last twelve years, Stroup has also been the Director of Historic Columbia, the Director of Interpretation and Collections at the Carolina State Museum and in the early stages of his retirement, you will find Rodger spending much of his time at the South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro.

• Learn more about the services of the Archives
• Take a virtual tour of the History Center
• Look up your ancestors using the archives on-line index

Through the Foundation microfilm readers have been purchased for use in the Reference room.

The Foundation actively seeks the support of corporations, organizations and individuals who believe in the value of preserving the Palmetto State's vast history. Using contributions such as memberships, annual fund gifts, and tribute gifts the Foundation supports educational programs such as National History Day, and exhibits at the History Center.

Join the Friends of the South Carolina Archives today and enjoy the benefits!
 

Facts about the South Carolina Archives and History Center

• The South Carolina Department of Archives and History was established in 1905 as the South Carolina Historical Commission
• The Archives and History Center, built in 1998, contains approximately 126,000 square feet of reference and research, education, programming, archival storage and administrative space.
• The agency receives visits by more than 13,000 researchers each year, most from out of town
• Nearly 10,000 e-mail, telephone, and letter requests are handled by the Research staff annually.
• The holdings of the Archives cover more than 325 years of the state's history.  The earliest record is a 1671 ledger of the colonial secretary.