Genealogy and local history resources in the SC Upstate

On Saturday, February 8th, I had a great time at the 10th Annual African American Family History Workshop held at Spartanburg Community College in Duncan, SC and sponsored by The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints and SCC Student Life. I provided two presentations:

• Talking/Writing Oral History
• Navigating FamilySearch.org

I thoroughly enjoyed the two other presentations:

Preserving Family Documents by Brad Steinecke, archivist at Spartanburg County Public Library provided actual examples of how to preserve photos and records and several tips on keeping family records safe.  

The special guest speaker, Dr. Minuette Floyd, Professor of Art Education and Director of the Young Artist's Workshop at University of South Carolina presented on the tradition of African American Camp Meetings.  She shared video and photos from her exhibit "This Far By Faith." Her website is tfbyfaith.com.

Dr. Floyd actually grew up attending camp meetings in North Carolina.  I have often heard family members speak of having to meet in a "bush harbor" before there were churches. I had no idea what they were referring to until Saturday as Dr. Floyd presented.  It seems I have neglected this tradition in my family history research, and I was glad to learn of the significance of camp meetings.

Steve Smith, Coordinator of Local History
Special & Special Collections at Spartanburg
County Library, Robin Foster, 8 Feb 2014.

I was so pleased to hear about the success of Spartanburg County Library, and I was so wonderful that they came out to support this workshop.  They are a FamilySearch affiliate which means that you can order microfilm online from the catalog, and it can be sent to their library for viewing and take advantage of their great expertise at the same time! Steve Smith, Coordinator of Local History & Special Collections brought a copy of the libraries FamilySearch Affiliate certificate to show attendees:

Steve also informed me that they are almost finished with an index to the Freedmen's Bureau Records.  Check out the resources in the Kennedy Room of Local and South Carolina History.  Visit Kennedy Free Press online to learn about the rich resources for local history (see Trotting Sally).  Other affiliate libraries in the Upstate include:

Union Carnegie Library:  See Genealogy Resources.
Greenville County Library (Hughes Main Library):  See Genealogy and Local History.






To find a local family history center near you click on "Get Help" at the top of familysearch.org.  Then click on "Visit Us'"

If you have any information or update about family or local history events in the area, please e-mail:  robin.savingstories@gmail.com.