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

Cover of Reflections of South Carolina

"Reflections of South Carolina" with Robert Clark and Tom Poland

June 19, 2025, 3:00 PM

Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk with writer Tom Poland and photographer Robert Clark on Thursday, June 19th, at 3:00 p.m., to explore their latest release, "Reflections of South Carolina."