Purpose

Library/Research Collections

The collection includes manuscripts, city records, other public and private records, books, pamphlets, photographs, maps, newspapers, and reference materials relating to the history of Camden, Kershaw County, and South Carolina in particular. Types of information contained in the collection include coverage of genealogy, architecture, biography, Camden authors, military, southern studies, cultural studies, and medicine/health related subject matter.

Museum/Exhibit Related Collections

The artifacts housed in the Camden Archives & Museum represent a diverse collection of items relating to the cultural heritage of Camden and Kershaw County. Camden Archives & Museum has shown exhibits dealing with a variety of topics including the early Indians of South Carolina, the Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, the personalities and colorful events of Camden and Kershaw County, and the diverse architectural heritage of the three area National Register Districts.

Several special items await visitors at the Camden Archives & Museum. A most unique item on exhibit is the original town clockworks of Camden, circa 1825, made by Isaiah Lukens of Philadelphia. The works are among the oldest operating municipal clockworks in the United States. Other equally interesting objects on exhibit include a rare early American medical chest, circa 1815, and a fine Civil War period company headquarters flag used by a local cavalry unit during the conflict. The King Haiglar weathervane made in the 1820s and donated to the city is on display. The effigy of the Indian chief who befriended the early Camden settlers remained atop the clock tower until 1995. The Camden Archives & Museum also houses a number of changing displays.

Genealogical Research

The Camden Archives & Museum is recognized throughout South Carolina and the southeastern United States as having one of the best research sections pertaining to genealogical research. The Archives & Museum houses a diverse collection of books, microfilm, maps, files, periodicals, and general reference materials which will aid visitors in their search for ancestry. The Camden Archives & Museum sets forth a policy of primarily collecting material which pertains to the northcentral section of South Carolina formally recognized as the Old Camden District. This area today encompasses several counties including Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Lancaster, York, Chester, Fairfield, and Northern Richland County. The state libraries of the DAR and Colonial Dames XVII Century are part of the research collection.

Manuscript/Records Related

The Archives & Museum has a limited collection of manuscripts pertaining to local and county history, including material on individuals, families, organizations, and events. The staff will assist any patron in their research. The Camden Archives & Museum has a growing collection of newspapers, photographs, and maps. The newspaper collection consists of bound and microfilm formats, Microfilm rolls include several old Camden newspapers (including older issues of the present CHRONICLE INDEPENDENT). the microfilm collection also includes church records, census records, and (limited) county records. The Archives & Museum is home to a growing photographic collection, as well as other collections of items pertaining to personalities, scenes, and structures from throughout Kershaw County. The map collection has items from the Colonial period to the present day available for patron use.

The Camden Archives & Museum is also the repository for a limited number of city related records. These records are from the late 18th century, latter part of the 19th century, and early 20th century. Record types include City Minute Books, early ordinances, current ordinances, and other miscellaneous records.

Tours and Educational Outreach

Camden Archives & Museum welcomes school and other group tours. Our staff will work with any interested group to provide an interesting visit to our facility. Due to staff limitations and the size of our exhibit areas, we request that groups call in advance to make the needed arrangements. The staff encourages teachers or leaders to let us know if you have a specific tour topic you want discussed. The staff is always anxious to cooperate on in-school and civic related outreach programs. The Archives & Museum recognizes our role as a community resource, and our staff is interested in providing historical programs.

Research Assistance

Camden Archives & Museum does limited research on request by mail. The regular staff duties prohibit staff from handling in-depth research. The facility charges an hourly research fee, copying costs, and postage for any research request. There is no fee for staff assistance on research in-house. Copying and microfilm machines are available for use at various costs.

Publications

A variety of brochures, booklets, and books pertaining to Camden and Kershaw County are available for purchase. The Archives & Museum has the booklet, A Guide to Historic Sites in Camden, South Carolina, among the many publications available for purchase.

Special Events

The Archives & Museum can provide information pertaining to a number of special events which take place in Kershaw County throughout the year. Events such as Historic Homes and Gardens tours and the Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes are well known events in Camden.