The History of SCHA

As part of its mission, the Spartanburg County Historical Association manages three historic sites: Walnut Grove Plantation, the Historic Price House, and the Seay House. Each property recounts a unique portion of Spartanburg County history and offers tours, events, and educational programming throughout the year.

The Spartanburg County Historical Association formed thanks to a small group of historically-minded Spartanburg County citizens. In September 1957, a planning meeting was held at Converse College and was attended by James Buchanan, Louisa Carlisle, Frank Coleman, Charles Lindsay, and Elford Morgan. It was quickly followed by an organizational meeting held at the WSPA auditorium and attended by over 100 interested members of the community. Charles Lindsay was elected the first president of the organization and the Spartanburg County Historical Association was on its way.

The founders of the organization stated its purpose to be: To promote interest in the history of the county; to bring about a closer relationship among persons in the county who are interested in its history; and to encourage the preservation of historical sites, materials, and records of the area. While the Historical Association has since developed a mission statement that reflects its current programs and goals for the 21st century, this original purpose lies at the heart of our mission and who we are.

One of the first programs offered by the Historical Association was a Fall Tour, held on Sunday, October 27, 1957, to four historic houses in the county: The Seay House, the Dr. Pinckney Miller House, the Thomas Price House, and Walnut Grove Plantation. All of the homes were historic structures in need of preservation. Today, the Historical Association maintains and operates all but Dr. Pinckney Miller’s House as historic house museums.