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About Us

The mission of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission (SCAAHC) is to identify and promote the preservation of historic sites, structures, buildings, and culture of the African American experience in South Carolina, and to assist and enhance the efforts of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The 15-member commission includes representatives from all regions of the state.  

Our History

In 1992, inspired by the African American heritage committees of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, the idea of a similar group in South Carolina was brought to the Department of Archives and History and their Commission. On September 11, 1992 African American citizens from across SC were invited to a round table discussion about the protecting and preserving of African American heritage. The desire to create a project-based group arose and when the group next met in November 1992 they agreed upon a name, the SC African American Heritage Council, and on goals that included:

Promoting public awareness of buildings, sites, and structures associated with African American history
Supporting African American heritage education
Advising the Department of Archives and History on matters relating to the identification and preservation of African American associated buildings, structures, and sites
Supporting the development and recruitment of African American professionals

On May 14th 1993, a Joint Resolution was approved by the General Assembly directing the Department of Archives and History to establish the African American Heritage Council. On November 14, 2001, Governor Jim Hodges signed an Executive Order creating the African American Heritage Commission. Since its creation, the Commission has attended numerous events, visited and promoted the preservation of buildings, sites, and structures pertaining to African American history throughout the state, and hosted workshops and conferences to educate the public on the importance of African American heritage. This is all possible thanks to the generous allocation of funds by the State and dedicated members who believe in the message and goals of the Commission.

The Commission meets quarterly throughout the year and these meetings are open to the public.

2026 Quarterly Meeting Dates

Commission Goals

Increase the social, political, and economic value of African American heritage.
Encourage and demonstrate respect for all heritage.
Encourage the documentation of African American heritage.
Institutionalize African American heritage as an ongoing goal of preservation.
Explore every area of South Carolina for African American contributions

Commission Services

Providing advice and technical information—in partnership with the Department of Archives and History—to individuals and groups who want to preserve historic places
Encouraging and supporting the listing of African American historic sites in the National Register of Historic Places and the placement of South Carolina Historical Markers to recognize and interpret places important in African American history
Promoting the infusion of African American history into the curriculum of public schools
Collaborating with other organizations and agencies to encourage the preservation of South Carolina’s African American history and culture
Providing a forum for people interested in preserving African American heritage to learn what is happening across the state, to share success stories, and to receive technical information through meetings and workshops

Commission Awards

Palmetto Award of Excellence from the South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators for The Green Book of South Carolina
Mercury Award of Merit from the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society for The Green Book of South Carolina
Award of Merit from the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies for our overall body of work
2018 Shining Example Award for “Best Niche Marketing” from the Southeast Tourism Society for The Green Book of South Carolina
2018 Historic Preservation Heritage Tourism Award from Preservation South Carolina, SCDAH, and the Office of the Governor for The Green Book of South Carolina
2025 Notable State Document Award from South Carolina State Library for the Commission’s independent website