Edgefield County Historical Society
Founded in 1939, the Edgefield County Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in South Carolina. The Mission of the Society, as set forth in its original charter, is “to Preserve the History of Edgefield County.” During its more than eight decades, the Society has done much to accomplish its mission: it has published many scholarly pamphlets, booklets and books on a vast variety of subjects related to the history of Edgefield County. It has sponsored many major events, including tours of historical homes and history conferences. It has welcomed all those interested in Edgefield, SC history and provided information and guidance to authors, scholars and others about the county and its people.
The Society sponsored, or participated in, the restoration of the Furman Monument (1975), the Welcome Mural on Main Street (1978), the restoration of the Brooks Square in Willowbrook Cemetery (1981), the erection of the Strom Thurmond Statue (1984), the establishment of the Old Edgefield Pottery (1992), the Village Blacksmith (1998), Carpenter’s Stand (2001), the acquisition and construction of the Edgefield History Park (2001), the construction and development of the Joanne T. Rainsford Discovery Center (2004), the restoration of Magnolia Dale (2009), the construction of the Dr. Arthur F. and Esther Goldberg Edgefield Pottery Groundhog Kiln (2011) and the construction of the caretaker’s cottage and the restoration of the church at Horn’s Creek Church (2014-2018). Over the years the Society has also sponsored, or assisted other organizations in sponsoring, many South Carolina Historical Markers.
Recent Submissions
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2011 spring meeting of the Edgefield County Historical Society : celebrating the life of William Miller Bouknight (1896-1945) and the dedication of the William Bouknight Theater
(2011-03-25)This is a biography of William Miller Bouknight. -
Summer meeting of the Edgefield County Historical Society : celebrating the life and works of Hortense Caroline Woodson and the first half-century of the Edgefield County Historical Society.
(2020-11-11)This is a biography of Hortense Caroline Woodson. It also gives a history of the Edgefield County Historical Society. -
Celebrating Macedonia Baptist Church the Edgefield Academy and the Paris and Andrew Simkins families
(2021-10-08)This gives a history of Macedonia Baptist Church the Edgefield Academy and the Paris and Andrew Simkins families. -
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The founding of Edgefield County
(2013-09-10)This is a history of Edgefield County, South Carolina. -
Braidwood (Braidy) Lester Holmes, 1890-1966 : the Edgefield bard
(2010-09-23)This is a biography of Braidwood Lester Holmes. -
The story of Holly Hill
(2015-11-02)This gives a history of Holly Hill, a house in Edgefield, South Carolina. -
The Edgefield County Historical Society celebrates 75 years
(2014-09-10)This is a short history of the Edgefield County Historical Society on the occasion of their 75th anniversary. -
Memoirs of Litchwood : "I have things to tell" : Francis Butler Simkins remembers the Edgefield of his youth
(2016-03-13)This memoir describs Edgefield in the early 20th century. -
Horn’s Creek Church : a brief overview of the history of the church and the restoration efforts
(2018-04-06)This paper gives a brief overview of the history of the church and the restoration efforts. Included are a list of donors and a program for the anniversary celebration. -
The early history of Horn's Creek Baptist Church
(2014-04-13)This gives the early history of Horn's Creek Baptist Church in Edgefield County. -
Piedmont Technical College, the Edgefield County Campus : a history
(2015-03-16)This is a short history of Edgefield County and the Edgefield County Campus of Piedmont Technical College. -
Coming to terms with our history
(2020-11-09)Many historians condemn most of those who have led our nation since its first settlement over 400 years ago, focusing only on their roles in perpetuating those institutions. They apply today's standards of morality and ... -
The story of Halcyon Grove
(2011-10-13)This paper gives the history of Halcyon Grove, the home of two governors of South Carolina. -
The Story of Darby : the historic plantation home of the Bonham family
(2012-11-02)This gives the history of Darby Plantation in Edgefield and its owners. -
The story of the Pine House
(2013-05-15)One of the very oldest landmarks in Edgefield County is a place located approximately six miles southeast of the Town of Edgefield. Over the course of more than a quarter of a millennium this landmark has been variously ... -
The early history of Johnston : the founding & development of a railroad depot town
(2020-11-11)This is a history of Johnston, S.C. and Edgefield County, S.C. It also has short biographies of Edgefield County citiaens.