Tracing Family History

Photo of Josephine Crouch, Susie McKeown, and Retha Mark

We may be the library’s library; however, we also serve South Carolina citizens. A grandchild of Retha Mark, the Secretary of the South Carolina Library Association in 1964, asked our reference librarians to search the collection for information about her career. Articles surfaced, including one from the Charleston Evening Post, which included this photo from her swearing-in ceremony. According to the family, Retha Mark had a famous pupil while working as the librarian at Sumter High School in the early 1970s. She tutored NFL superstar Freddie Solomon when he was a student, and they remained friends.

Upcoming Event

Colonial militia reenactors in a field.

Defenders of Liberty: The Evolving Story of America’s Military

May 22, 2025, 10:00 AM

Join us for a one hour webinar exploring America's military evolution from its colonial militia roots to its modern global presence. This focused session traces the remarkable transformation of U.S. armed forces that began with citizen soldiers defending colonial settlements against Native American tribes and fighting for independence from Great Britain.