History & Genealogy

Created as a memorial to the seventh president of the United States, the park features an Andrew Jackson Museum that details his boyhood in the South Carolina backcountry in the 18th century and a birthday celebration held each March in his honor.  The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 pm and by appointment. Other popular features include living history programs, an 18th-century replica schoolhouse, campground and picnic facilities, a fishing lake and nature trails. Hours of operation: 8am-6pm, daily from Nov.1-March 31; 9am-9pm daily April 1-Oct. 31. Museum hours: Sat & Sun, 1pm-5pm, M-F by appointment or when staff is available. Schoolhouse hours: Mid-March to November, Sat: 1pm-5pm and Sun: 2pm-5pm. Office hours: 11am-noon, daily. Self-guided tours of the park museum and schoolhouse are available during the hours when these facilities are open. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Park entrance fee charged for ages 16 and older.

Visit the home built by Bonds Conway, believed to be the first African American in Kershaw County to buy his freedom. The house, circa 1812, currently serves as the office of the Kershaw County Historical Society. Groups welcome with prior arrangements. Open to the public Thursdays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Other times by appointment.

Found here is a treasure trove of artifacts that encourage visitors to discover history, depth  and diversity of the region’s culture. The museum’s exhibits relate the stories of centuries past, while its archives is one of the state’s premier genealogical research facilities with material covering South Carolina and the Southeast. No paid researchers, but staff will do simple searches for a small fee. No admission fee. Open Mon-Fri: 8 am-5 pm, and Sat: 10 am-4 pm.

Everyone is welcome to learn family history, scan photos, write stories, ask questions on research, or just for a quiet place to come and work on your family history. Areas covered are South Carolina and the United States. This is a branch facility of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, UT. Access to most of the microfilms and microfiche in Utah can be provided here. There are no paid rsearchers at local centers, but they are available at Family History Library in Salt Lake City, UT. Mailed requests not accepted. Closed the last two weeks in December. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm and the 2nd Saturday of the month, 8:00 am-noon. Send an e-mail for special appointments information.
 

One of the first in South Carolina to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district's 213 acres contain more than 50 antebellum homes and churches and numerous Victorian ones. A free self-touring guide may be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce.

Located in the old 1914 Chester County Jail, the museum includes notable collections of Native American artifacts and firearms from the Revolutionary Era to the present, period costumes, relics of the Civil War, including the Chester Gun, the world’s only firing Confederate-made 10-lb Parrott Rifle, the Henry O. Nichols Photography Collection, ghost tours, and much more. Memberships are available. Gift items for sale. Hours are 10 am–3 pm, TUESDAY – SATURDAY.  Admission: $5 Adults, $3 seniors and students. Blue Star Museum members, active duty military and families admitted free year round. Private group (maximum fee: $50) and individual tours by appointment. (Downtown Chester--behind the courthouse).

Largest genealogical society in the state with over 750 members. Has information for conducting research in Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Union and York counties. Paid researchers. Open Tuesdays, 8:30 am--noon; other times by appointment. Located in the Richburg Town Hall Building.