About CSCLHS

The Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies was established in 1964 to encourage and strengthen local organizations involved in the preservation and study of historical documents, sites, buildings, and artifacts through the exchange of information and cooperative activities. Members include historical societies, commissions, foundations, preservation groups, museums, archives, individuals, and patriotic organizations. The Confederation is governed by an executive council made up of statewide officers and regional representatives from ten districts across the state.

History

In the early 1960s, South Carolina realized it had a pleasant kind of challenge to meet. All over the state, almost 100 enthusiastic organizations existed to encourage the study of "nearby history." They included roundtables and study circles; museum and preservation commissions; local research, archival and genealogical societies; and various combinations thereof. How could everyone work together at the state level to promote the study and preservation of our rich community histories?
 
An important part of the answer to that question was the creation of the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies. Dr. Charles Lee, Director of SC Archives and History at the time, recorded that the first meeting of what would become the Confederation was held on September 29, 1962, at the Archives. Lee called the meeting’s participants to gather, opened the meeting and presented its first constitution. The constitution stated that all organizations ratifying it by December 31, 1962, would be considered charter members. On April 4, 1964, representatives of fourteen historical societies met at Batesburg-Leesville. The Lexington County Historical Society sponsored the meeting. The Confederation’s first annual Landmark Conference was held in the following year in Hilton Head and Savannah, with the South Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs and the National Trust for Historic Preservation as co-sponsors.

If you would like to make a donation or payment to CSCLHS using a credit or debit card, PayPal or Venmo, pay via this form. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 21, Roebuck, SC 29376.
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If you're interested in membership, please go to our Membership page for details and a specific payment list. We'd also like you to complete a Membership Form so we have your details.