South Caroliniana Library and Irvin Department showcase collections this spring

Join us for these new exhibits and multiple programs this spring at the Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library.

The Charleston Renaissance, drawn from the collections of the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, the South Caroliniana Library, and the private collection of the Haney family, features manuscript, published and visual materials produced during the burst of literary and artistic activity that occurred in Charleston from the 1920s through the 1940s — known popularly today as the “Charleston Renaissance.”

In particular, the exhibit will highlight the gift to the Irvin Department from former UofSC English professor Dr. Robert Lee Oakman, III. On exhibit will be books, plays, paintings, etchings and manuscripts from major Charleston Renaissance figures including John Bennett, Dorothy and DuBose Heyward, Julia Peterkin, Alice Huger Ravenel Smith, Anna Heyward Taylor and Elizabeth O’Neill Verner.

Elizabeth Boatwright Coker's Life and Legacy  features published, manuscript and visual items drawn from the South Caroliniana Library’s collection of Elizabeth Boatwright Coker papers, as well as items from Coker University and the Hartsville Museum. Coker, the author of nine popular novels published in the second half of the 20th century, was heavily influenced by earlier writers associated with the Charleston Renaissance.

Visit these exhibits at the Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on these Hollings Open Gallery Saturdays:

• Feb. 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with curator tours from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• March 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with curator tours from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• April 11, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with curator tours from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

 

Programs and events

Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.

Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library

Remarks upon the Opening of The Charleston Renaissance and Elizabeth Boatwright Coker's Life and Legacy

Mr. Harlan Greene, Director of Archival and Reference Services, College of Charleston

Reception to follow

Author and Charleston native Harlan Greene is widely considered an authority on the history of Charleston, and specifically the Charleston Renaissance. Mr. Greene has authored several works on the subject, including Mr. Skylark: John Bennett and the Charleston Renaissance. He currently is Director of Archival and Reference Services at the College of Charleston.

To reserve your free tickets, please RSVP here.

For more information about this and other related events, please call (803) 777-5136 or email LibDev@mailbox.sc.edu.

Enter Hollings Library through the main entrance of Thomas Cooper Library, located at 1322 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Parking is available in the Bull Street Garage.

 

Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hollings Library Open Gallery

Curator tours of the exhibits will be offered 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hollings Open Gallery

Curator tours of the exhibits will be offered 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m.

Remembering Elizabeth Boatwright Coker’s Life and Literary Career

Moderated by Dr. Thomas L. Johnson

Dr. Thomas L. Johnson, now retired, was a career archivist at the South Caroliniana Library. An award-winning author and editor, he serves as a life member on the board of governors of the South Carolina Academy of Authors.

To reserve your free tickets, please RSVP here.

For more information about this and other related events, please call (803) 777-5136 or email LibDev@mailbox.sc.edu.
 

Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hollings Library Open Gallery

Curator tours of the exhibits will be offered 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.