South Carolina Historical Society

Outreach: the schs utilizes several formats to educate and engage the public about its collection as well as the history of the state. These include a vibrant website (https://schistory.org/), social media posts (instagram and facebook), virtual and in-person programs, and traditional publications. Publishing south carolina's history is an integral part of the historical society's mission. The society first published the south carolina historical magazine in 1900. The magazine's editorial board, a peer group of leading authorities on south carolina history, reviews all manuscript submissions. The magazine publishes eight articles (either interpretive essays or annotated primary documents) per year, along with approximately fifty book reviews and the announcement of recently processed collections.

Fireproof building and museum: the building was designed by robert mills, a native south carolinian and the first professionally trained american architect. Mills also designed the washington monument-his most famous work-and numerous buildings throughout south carolina and as far north as massachusetts. The fireproof building was the first in america designed to limit the spread of fire. The drivers of architectural design in charleston today are earthquakes and hurricanes. In the early nineteenth century, the major concern for urban architecture was fire. During the colonial period, charleston (and many other cities) experienced numerous fires in which large parts of the city were destroyed. Mills wanted to create a building that could contain a blaze and prevent it from spreading to other buildings in the city. To make the building as "fireproof" as possible, mills had chalmers street widened to provide a better firebreak. He had all other buildings on and around the site removed. During the 2016-2018 renovation, crews found foundations of dwellings that dated to ca. 1700-1720. Mills also designed washington square, which would serve as a firebreak on either side of the building. Indeed, the entire site was designed to be fireproof, not just the building. The schs museum, housed in the historic fireproof building, contains 6 galleries that tell the story of south carolina through the vast collection of the society. The galleries, which are located on the second (main) floor, are: gallery i: a haven with prospects: exploration and settlement gallery ii: new horizons: building a state and a nation gallery iii: secession, war and reconstruction gallery iv: charleston recovers gallery v: celebrating diversity in art, literature, and culture gallery vi: africa to america: plantation culture in early south carolina (rotating opened april 2022) goals of the exhibit: to celebrate the life and legacy of south carolina's own architect, robert mills, who designed this building. To tell the story of the entire state. To reveal the important role south carolina played in the nation's past. To include personal stories of all south carolinians in all walks of life, as reflected through our collection. To create an exhibit that inspires visitors to learn more. With a combination of paid visitors and facility rentals, the schs expects the collections to contribute to the financial health of the society.