HISTORY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC RECORDS
ASSOCIATION

Promoted by the SC Department of Archives & History, after being encouraged by the Georgia
Records Association, an exploratory meeting was held at the State Records Center, 1919 Blanding
Street, Columbia, SC on June 26, 1995, to determine the interest of having a similar organization in
South Carolina.  After much discussion regarding the present lack of training opportunities in support
of records management and the advantages offered by such an organization in our State, it was
unanimously decided to proceed with establishing a statewide association.  The first matter of
business was to give the new organization a name---thus the founding of the “South Carolina Public
Records Association”.

During subsequent meetings in September through November, 1995, a Board of Directors was
elected; a petition was submitted to the Secretary of State for incorporated status; a mission
statement, by-laws, and dedicated goals of the association were formulated.  On March 20, 1996, a
general membership meeting was held at the State Records Center in Columbia.  It was at this
meeting, our president acknowledged the generous gift of  $1,000 from the Georgia Records
Association to help us get started.

Growth was immediate for the new association and by the end of 1996, membership was over 150
members.  Also, structural growth of the organization was evident with the inception of the following
noteworthy programs:

(1) In July 1996, the first “Public Record” newsletter was published.

(2) In April 1998, an application for “Non-Profit Status” was submitted to the IRS which was
approved a few months later.

(3) In January 1999, the association adopted a “Region Concept of Operation” whereby the State was
divided into four regions: Midstate, Upstate, Pee Dee and Coastal.  The newly formed regions are
guided by an Administrator, a Program Coordinator, a Recorder, and a Membership Coordinator.  The
move has produced significant advantages by helping form the foundation for an active professional
organization to meet the needs of public sector records administrators in South Carolina for years to
come.

(4) In May 1999, the “Awards Program” was initiated.

(5) In June 2000, our “Web Site” went online.

(6) In September 2000, the Board of Directors authorized the “Network Luncheon” recruiting activity.

(7) And finally, an “Annual Training Conference” has been conducted in the Myrtle Beach area every
year for the past ten years.

We invite all records professionals to join us and be a part of a viable organization to help you be the
best you can be to your employer.