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.

As of Monday, March 16, the SCHS Reading Room will be closed to all researchers and the public. Please continue to check our website for updates.

COVID 19 UPDATE: SCHS Closed Temporarily

  • 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 (Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.)
    ° Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
    ° Friday, July 3 (Independence Day)
    ° Wednesday, November 25 (starting at 2:00 p.m.)—Friday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Holiday)
    ° Friday, December 18 (starting at 2:00 p.m.)—Friday, January 1, 2021 (Winter Holiday)

Archives Address

205 Calhoun St.
Room 340
Charleston, SC 29401

Archives Hours

Monday - Friday
9 AM – 5 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.
Reading Room Policies