Our South Carolina genealogists are available to research on location to find and analyze the best records available to further your family history research. They can search the archives and libraries in South Carolina, as well as help you with other special requests.
Our researchers are available to visit local archives and libraries to access unique record collections to help with your research. Below is a list of a few of the archives our South Carolina genealogists have access to.
South Carolina’s Department of Archives and History is known for having the best manuscript collection in the state. The archive includes original documents, manuscripts, photographs, and audio recordings. The records here date from a 1671 deed for a town lot on Albermarle Point to modern day government publications. Other records indexed here are Confederate pension applications from 1919 to 1926, and wills from 1782 to 1855. There are also criminal journals from 1769 to 1776, and maps of state land grants from 1784 to 1868.
One of the largest strengths of the South Carolina Historical Society’s archives is its collection of colonial immigrant records. The collection totals at 60,000 historical records, 50,000 books, and 30,000 photographs. These include diaries and papers, plantation, business, and church records, maps, as well as regional and local histories. The society’s vertical files cover a variety of subjects including information on African American history. Records on the Civil War are also collected here.
The South Carolina State Library is home to the largest book collection in the state. It also functions as a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Their South Carolina Book Collection focuses on gathering texts that cover the history of the state. These include political speeches, biographies, and reference works.
The Thomas Cooper Library at the University of South Carolina contains several special collections. One of the most impressive ones is its Moving Image Research Collection. This collection consists of an estimated 6,000 hours worth of video material. The library video material includes local television news, commercials and home movies. The South Caroliniana Library (see below) is located within the Thomas Cooper Library.
The South Caroliniana Library is a special collections repository for both South Carolina records and Southern records. Their records span the last 300 years. The library includes the following records:
The manuscript division of the South Caroliniana Library includes account books, posters, church records, and genealogy information.
South Caroliniana Library at the University of South Carolina