Konstantin Vengerowsky/Clarendon Citizen
Archives closed for renovations
Every historical piece eventually needs restoration and preservation… including the place that holds these artifacts. The Clarendon County Archives and History Center has existed for nearly two decades in a building that is more than one-hundred-years-old.
Built in 1909, the structure served as a public library to the citizens of Clarendon County for nearly 70 years. It was owned by the Manning Civic League and in 1976 was deeded to Clarendon County. The building officially became an archive in October 1996.
“As with any building, as it ages it’s going to need work,” said Archives Director Nancy Cave.
Cave said that when the building was inspected there were many problems found. The repairing of the roof and the repainting of the metal dome are just some of the things that need to be addressed. There were also mold and mildew found on the ceiling. Cave said that it is important for the temperature and humidity to be controlled to preserve the artifacts. Cave said that air conditioning units are on in the building to make sure the artifacts are temperature controlled.
For now the staff of the archives are temporarily stationed at the future site of the Clarendon County Museum and History Center, at the corner of Brooks and Keitt Streets.
Cave said that as a traditional archive they are closed for now, but are still doing limited research by email and phone request only.
“We’re taking this time to work on our long-term projects such as identifying and cataloging photographs and updating our collections database,” she said.
Cave said that of the requests, the most common ones are for genealogical records.
“I think genealogy has become really popular with all of the television shows related with the subject,” she said.
Cave said that she wants to thank the Clarendon County Historical Society, for the use of their building. “They have graciously allowed for us to stay in this building,” she said.
