Archives

Start your research on South Carolina history.

Our collections are located in the South Carolina Historical Society Reading Room on the third floor of the College of Charleston’s Addlestone Library. They contain manuscripts, letters, journals, maps, drawings, photographs, and artifacts.

Visit

The reading room is staffed by librarians who can assist with your research needs in person.

The South Carolina Historical Society Reading Room, located in the College of Charleston’s Addlestone Library, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Reading Room is closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

  • Visitors must present government issued identification to obtain a visitor pass for entry to the Addlestone Library.
  • The Addlestone Library is surrounded by metered street parking and is located within blocks of public garages.
  • The reading room will be closed the following days:
    • Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
    • Friday, May 9 (College of Charleston commencement ceremonies)
    • Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day)
    • Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth)
    • Friday, July 4 (Independence Day)
    • Wednesday, November 26 (closing at 12pm)-Friday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Holiday)
    • Friday, December 19 (closing at 12pm)-Thursday, January 1, 2026 (Winter Holiday)

Archives Address

205 Calhoun St.
Room 340
Charleston, SC 29401

Archives Hours

Monday - Friday
9: 00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Get Directions

Start Research

We offer numerous guides to begin your research online.

START RESEARCH

Questions?

Planning your visit to the Archives?

  • Please review our Reading Room policies prior to arrival.
  • If you’d like to schedule an educational tour that meets academic standards for your class, please email our Education Coordinator.
  • For information on archival donations, please click here.
  • Have additional questions? Email us at library@schsonline.org.