South Carolina Department of Archives and History SCDAH

History and Founding

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH) is an independent state agency with roots dating to 1891, making it one of the oldest state archival agencies in the United States. It operates under the authority of the State of South Carolina and serves as the official custodian of the state's historical records. The department houses one of the most comprehensive state archival collections in the nation, spanning more than 350 years of South Carolina history, from the colonial period to the present day. Its current facility is located at 8301 Parklane Road in Columbia.

Collections and Holdings

The SCDAH holds original South Carolina government records as well as microfilms of federal and British government records. Its holdings include land records from 1671, citizenship records, court records, military records, treasury records, General Assembly records, and records of constitutional officers and state agencies. The department also maintains more than 3,000 cubic feet of county manuscript records and an extensive collection of private records—including church records, newspaper archives, personal papers, and organisational records—catalogued through its Guide to Collections and the online SCArchCat database. Digital collections available online include Confederate Pension Applications (1919–1938), school insurance photographs (1935–1952), and Grand Jury Presentments to the General Assembly (1783–1877).

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

The SCDAH maintains private records of newspapers, including historical South Carolina newspaper archives. The department has been a participant in digitisation efforts relevant to South Carolina's press history and maintains the South Carolina Electronic Records Archive (SCERA) for state agency electronic records. Researchers can access newspaper-related records through SCArchCat, the online catalogue.

Access and Usage

The SCDAH Research Room is open Tuesday through Saturday. First-time visitors must register. The department also administers the State Historic Preservation Office and manages the Records Management Program for state agencies. An online records index allows name-based searching covering the 1600s through the 1970s.