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

Photo of Queen Quet against a swirling, cosmic background.

Celebrating de Gullah/Geechee Legacy with Queen Quet

April 28, 2026, 6:00 PM

Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk with  Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation as she celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition at the South Carolina State Library.