Documents Can Change a Nation

An historical record today can be on any medium—paper, tape, microforms, photograph, or electronic/digital—that has served to record a historically significant function, activity, or event. At this very moment, records are being created that will yield valuable information to South Carolina’s citizens and government officials fifty, one hundred, or two hundred years from now. In most cases, these records have significance beyond the immediate reason for their creation and use.

Governor Mark Sanford has declared October "Archives Month." Activities and events are occurring throughout South Carolina, including 5 opportunities here in Beaufort County with which Beaufort County Library is involved!

Here are just a few ways you can participate in learning about archival records and how to appreciate the value of archives and the archivists who preserve historical records for current and future use.

Visit us. The Beaufort District Collection Room is open once again to visitors over age 12, Mondays through Fridays, 10 am until 5 pm. Come explore some of the documentary treasures we have. A few are on display in the new room upstairs.

Sign up for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the new Research Room. We will share some of the "Wonders of the BDC;" introduce the concept of archives; and explain why preservation of historic documents is important.

We're holding three tours for the public: Wed., Oct. 6th 11am until Noon; Tues., Oct. 12th 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm; and Sat., Oct. 23rd 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. The tours are open to anyone over age 12. Tours are free but registration is limited. To reserve a spot, please call 255 - 6468 or e-mail cseabrook@bcgov.net.

Attend the Archaeology Month programs that demonstrate the ties between research in documents, archaeological sites, and preservation of folk ways. These two programs are brought to you by Beaufort County Planning, GIS, and the Library. (Yes, Archives Month and Archaeology Month are both celebrated during October.)

"18th Century Science and Architecture at a Lowcountry Plantation," with Mary Socci, at out Bluffton Branch Library on Tues., Oct. 19th at noon - 1:00 pm. Learn about the earliest known octagonal building in North America -- uncovered on Palmetto Bluff Plantation by Dr. Socci.

Carl Steen and Dr. Jodi Barnes are presenting a program on "Gullah Archaeology" on Tues., Oct. 26th at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm in County Council Chambers, 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort. This presentation will focus on the recent dig on Penn Center.

Read this blog for information about some of archival records we hold in trust for the community. There will be 31 days of archives! Perhaps one or more of the entries will interest you.

Explore the South Carolina Archives Month web page and calendar to see what's happening around the state. For example, the SCDAH is hosting three "Lunch & Learn" sessions.

We hope that you'll take advantage of one (or more) of these opportunities to celebrate how "documents can change a nation."