The Washington Post Features Spartanburg History

April 25, 2010  Becky Krystal of The Washington Post visited Spartanburg and wrote an article about the county.  Our rich history took center stage in the story.  From the American Revolution to modern manufacturing, the people and stories of Spartanburg are what resonated with Ms. Krystal.  We who are committed to the preservation and promotion of Spartanburg's history can be very proud of what we are doing.   The Spartanburg County Historical Association extends its deepest gratitude to all those who preserve and promote Spartanburg history and for the members and supporters of the Association.  Keep up the good work!

SCHA Begins Commemorative Book Project

March 29, 2010  The Spartanburg County Historical Association is producing a commemorative, hardcover coffee table history book to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the founding of Spartanburg County and the 50th Anniversary of our Regional History Museum. Historic Spartanburg County is being authored by Brad Steinecke, Collections and Research Manager for SCHA and Special Collections Librarian for the Spartanburg County Public Library's Kennedy Room. Businesses, organizations, families and individuals are invited to add their stories in the Special "Sharing The Heritage" section of the book. For a short video presentation of the book and the Special Section, please click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wiq27vSQXI .  Barry Black is coordinating the project and can be reached at the SCHA offices - 864-596-3501 ext. 266 or by email at historybook@q.com.

SCHA Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 31, 2010, 3:00 pm; Papadopolous Building, Wofford College, N. Church Street

The meeting is on!  The ice on the roads is melting beautifully in the sun.  Avoid cabin fever and come to the annual meeting.  We'll be done well before sunset!

The Spartanburg County Historical Association invites you to join us at our annual meeting this Sunday.  Dr. Jeff Willis, President of the Historical Association and Archivist at Converse College, will present an illustrated discussion of the work of prominent Spartanburg architect Frank Collins.  Mr. Collins designed many public and private buildings in the first half of the 20th Century.  Everyone is welcome.  Membership in the Association is not required.

Spartanburg Regional History Museum Honored

January 18, 2010  The Spartanburg Regional History Museum received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Humanitarian Excellence 2010.  The award is given to one business and one non-profit organization who are recognized for their efforts in promoting and celebrating diversity and for encouraging the inclusion of all people in the community.  Awards were announced during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Celebration at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.  Sarah Simmons, Human Relations Commissioner for the City of Spartanburg, presented the engraved plaques to the recipients.  Nannie Jefferies, Administrator of the Spartanburg Regional History Museum, accepted the award on behalf of the Museum.  Additional information on the award and the celebration are available on the City of Spartanburg website .

Price House Hosts Christmas in the Backcountry

December 7, 2009  On Saturday, December 5, the Price House welcomed visitors to the simpler Christmas traditions of the early 1800s.  The home of Thomas and Ann Price will continue to display its Christmas finery on Sundays from 2:00-5:00 until Christmas.  Drop by and see us!  You can see a photo journal by the Spartanburg Herald-Journal's Tim Kimzey at www.goupstate.com.  Walnut Grove Plantation is having Christmas on the Plantation this Saturday, December 12, from 11:00-4:00.

SCHA Welcomes New Director of Walnut Grove Plantation & Price House

September 14, 2009  Once again, there’s a Cunningham at Walnut Grove Plantation, but this time there’s no need to muster the militia.  Unlike the infamous William “Bloody Bill” Cunningham, who nearly burned the home of Charles and Mary Moore in a Loyalist raid against the plantation during the Revolutionary War, this new Cunningham is responsible for preserving the historic 250-year-old home.

Earlier this month, the Spartanburg County Historical Association (SCHA) hired Zac Cunningham as the new director of Walnut Grove Plantation and Price House, the Association’s historic sites south of Spartanburg.  “This is an amazing opportunity that taps into my passion for sharing history with diverse people at the very place where history occurred,” Cunningham enthused.  Cunningham brings over five years of experience at historic sites and tourist attractions to the position.  He began his career as a tour guide at the 100-year-old Fenton Art Glass factory, one of the most visited tourist attractions in West Virginia.  Additionally, his volunteer work at the Washington County Historical Society in Marietta, Ohio, familiarized him with the challenges typically faced by smaller private organizations dedicated to preserving local history.  Prior to coming to Spartanburg, he worked as a National Park Ranger at the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Zac is a native of West Virginia.  He received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts in U.S. History from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.  Cunningham is an active member of the American Association for State and Local History, the National Council on Public History, and the National Association for Interpretation.

Becky Slayton, Executive Director of the Spartanburg County Historical Association, says she is very pleased with the committee’s selection.  “Zac is extremely well-qualified and his temperament suits the role perfectly.  He is an extremely quick study.  It’s a good thing, too,” she adds, “since he's starting the job just under three weeks before FestiFall, our biggest event of the year!”

But is he related to “Bloody Bill” Cunningham?  “You never know,” he laughs.  “You never know!”

SCHA Honors Oakwood Cemetery Association

July 31, 2009 - On August 3, 2009, at 11:00 am, The Spartanburg County Historical Association will present the 2009 Peggy Thompson Gignilliat Preservation Award.  The Gignilliat Preservation Award honors people and organizations who have demonstrated excellence in preserving historic structures in Spartanburg County.  This year we are pleased to honor the Oakwood Cemetery Association for their work in the Oakwood Cemetery located off Oakwood Avenue near Converse College.  It is awarded for their restoration of the Oakwood Cemetery entrance gates.  The wrought iron on the gates is significant and showcases the importance of Oakwood Cemetery’s role in Spartanburg.  The Preservation Committee is impressed with the Cemetery Association’s work and is honored to recognize it.
 

SCHA Announces Opening for Director of Walnut Grove Plantation & Price House

July 17, 2009 - This position requires a self-motivated person with excellent administrative skills and outstanding multi-tasking abilities.  An attitude of pleasant authority is a must and flexibility is regularly required.  As the director of two historic house museums, duties include oversight of part-time personnel and volunteers, tenants, grounds maintenance, and historic and modern building maintenance.  It also involves the planning and oversight of group tours, educational weekend events, and outreach programs.  There are some financial responsibilities as well.  Hours vary and require some nights and weekends.  Ability to prepare curriculum in accordance with SC Educational Standards is beneficial.  The position also requires the ability to be outside for long periods and may require physical labor.   Send resume and cover letter to Becky Slayton, Executive Director, Spartanburg County Historical Association - PO Box 887, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or scha@spartanburghistory.org.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2009;Start Date: August/September 2009;Type: Full Time;Salary: upper twenties;Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in applicable field (e.g. public history, administration, education)

Regional Museum Gift Shop Relocates to the Museum

July 1, 2009 - The Regional Museum Gift Shop is now open in the Museum's exhibit space.  Retail sales for the Regional Museum and other Arts Partnership organizations have been located in the Chapman Center Culture Shop since its opening in 2007.  Economic changes have resulted in a restructuring of some facility services and the Regional Museum is proud to invite guests to visit our newly opened shop.  As always, the Shop features items relating to Spartanburg's rich history.  One of the most popular items is the series of stained glass ornaments created by Tina Steenerson of Through the Looking Glass.  A new building in Spartanburg is featured each year.  The 2009 ornament is The Church of the Advent, the 3rd historic church building to be included in the series.  It will be available for purchse this fall.  Advance orders can be made at any time.  Drop by or call 864-596-3501 for details.

Charting Our Heritage Exhibit Opens

April 30, 2009 - This exhibit is open from April 30-July 18, 2009, and focuses on maps of South Carolina from various time periods.  The maps illustrate changes in map-making style and technique, as well as changes in physical boundaries and locations depicted.  The exhibit recognizes the artisanship, importance, and beauty of maps and surveying techniques.  Some maps from our collection have been reproduced and are available for purchase in the Regional Museum and in the Culture Shop on the first floor.  Admission to the Museum and the exhibit is free through June.  Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00-5:00

On May 15, 2009, 9:30-3:00, "The Art and Science of Cartography" session will be held at the Chapman Cultural Center as part of the exhibit.  Special guest speakers are Dr. Jerry Mitchell, Director of the Center of Excellence for the University of South Carolina, Ms. Mary Ellen Suitt, an artist and cartographer, along with Mr. John Gooch Jr., a third generation surveyor, and Mr. Neil Phillips, a retired surveyor. The cost is $12.00 per person and includes lunch, snacks and free knowledge about maps. Reservations and information: 864-596-3501 or njefferies@spartanburghistory.org.

SPACE Helps Protect Historic Price House Land

April 20, 2009 - The Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE) and The Spartanburg County Historical Association have permanently protected the 94 acres of historically and environmentally important Price House land.  The conservation easement ensures that the land around this historic and important home will not be divided or developed, and will be preserved in its natural state forever.

New Executive Director Named

March 17, 2009 - The Spartanburg County Historical Association has named Becky Slayton as its new Executive Director. She has served the Association as Administrator for Walnut Grove Plantation and Price House since 2001.

Becky is a native of Tennessee and received her Bachelor of Science in History and her Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN.  She also serves as chair of the Professional Development Committee of the South Carolina Federation of Museums.

Book Released Soon

March 1, 2009 - Author Tom Moore Craig, Jr. will welcome his forthcoming book, Upcountry South Carolina Goes to War: Letters of the Anderson, Brockman, and Moore Families, 1853-1865 in early April.

The book includes civil war letters to and from Spartanburg and is rich with details from both the battlefront and the homefront.  It also shows examples of cross-writing, common during the time to pack more information in a letter.