Clarendon County Archives and History Center

01/07/2026

📢 ATTENTION:

The Clarendon County Archives is requesting assistance from the public in locating photographs and historical documents related to Jordan School, which served African American children in grades one through eight and closed in 1970.

The one-story brick school was located off S.C. 260 on what is now King Road, less than one mile from the Clarendon County Airport. Remnants of the structure remain visible today in a privately owned wooded area across from Union Cypress AME Church.

Families of former students are seeking any available photographs, records, or information connected to the school.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Clarendon County Archives at (803) 435-0328 or [email protected].

08/18/2025

📢 A Special Announcement from the Clarendon County Archives

I’m excited to share that Ms. Sharron Haley has been appointed as the new County Archivist! Sharron brings with her not only a wealth of knowledge and experience, but also a true passion for preserving and celebrating our local history. I know she will serve our community with great dedication and care.

As I prepare to begin a new chapter in my own journey, I do so with joy and confidence knowing the Archives will be in such capable hands. This work has meant so much to me, and I am deeply grateful for the support you’ve all given along the way.

Please join me in giving Sharron a warm welcome as she steps into this role. I encourage you to stop by, say hello, and continue supporting the important work of keeping Clarendon County’s history alive.

08/14/2025

A life well lived. Mr. Jerry Robertson was one of our greatest supporters and he will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing your passion with so many others. Please keep the Robertson family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are honoring the memory of Jerry Robertson, the pioneer of the Striped Bass Festival! Over 40 years ago, Jerry and a committee of volunteers put together a festival that included catfish wrestling, fair food, a beauty pageant, a parade, T-shirts, an art show, a beard contest, & a truck pull. Jerry was involved in the Chamber of Commerce, his community, and he was the Mayor of Manning. He will be missed.

08/08/2025

06/02/2025

In honor of National Garden Week, thank you to the Azalea Garden Club for the beautiful flowers you gifted us! Your thoughtful gesture and continued service help our community bloom in more ways than one.

04/28/2025

04/08/2025

As Judge Cothran said this past Saturday, a shout-out to the Daniels family for their research with the Library of Congress - some 20+ years ago. The Daniels are the ones who (providentially) stumbled across the detail that there was a Time Capsule in the cornerstone. Thank you!

03/10/2025

In May 2013, I was still new to Clarendon County when I had the privilege of sitting down with former Manning Mayor Pansy Ridgeway for my very first feature profile in Clare, our women’s …

02/10/2025

Great news! Our County Archivist, Meesha L. Witherspoon, is featured in The Manning Times Newspaper! Check out the article to learn more about her work in preserving Clarendon County’s history.

For Meesha Witherspoon, the past is not just something to be remembered. It is something to be preserved. As the Director of the Clarendon County Archives, Witherspoon dedicates her career to …

02/01/2025

We had an amazing time today hosting Harvin Clarendon County Library Homeschool Connections at the Clarendon County Archives! The students explored historical documents, learned about local history, and got hands-on experience with archival research. One of the most exciting parts of the day was recording oral histories, preserving personal stories and memories for future generations.

A special thank you to Lakesha Meredith, Children’s Librarian of HCCL, for including us in this wonderful experience! It’s always a joy to see young minds engaged in history and preservation. We can’t wait to welcome you all again!

01/22/2025

The Clarendon County Archives is looking picture-perfect in the snow! A beautiful reminder that history shines in every season. Stop by and uncover the stories that make our county special - just not today while we’re snowed in! 😃 Stay safe and warm, neighbors!