FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT:Vicki McGill, Board Member
(202) 930-0443 (cell/text)
information@eppsmcgillfarmhouse.org
EPPS-MCGILL FARMHOUSE AND INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM PARTNER TO HOST COMMUNITY HISTORY SCANNING EVENT IN KINGSTREE
KINGSTREE, S.C. (March 20, 2026) — The Epps-McGill Farmhouse, in collaboration with the International African American Museum’s (IAAM) Center for Family History (CFH), is proud to announce “IAAM HISTORY,” a free, family-friendly community event dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of South Carolina’s families. The event will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Kingstree Recreation Center.
The Epps-McGill Farmhouse has stood as a beacon of local history since 1905. This event represents a continued commitment by the Farmhouse and McGill and Associates to honor the legacy of the region by empowering residents to “Celebrate Your Past and Preserve It For The Future”.
Preserving Generations of History
Attendees are invited to bring up to 10 family photos (pre-1970s) or historical documents to be professionally scanned and digitized. Using state-of-the-art Vivid-Pix scanning software, experts will help families create digital copies of precious records, including:
- Family Photographs: Pre-1970 images and pictures of Old Black Charleston (neighborhoods, businesses, etc.).
- Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death records, as well as funeral programs and church obituaries.
- Historical Documents: Slavery-related documents and family Bibles containing genealogical entries.
Participants will receive their digital files and are encouraged to bring a USB drive to save their scans. Additionally, guests may choose to contribute their digital files to the CFH’s African American Digital Archives and Kingstree’s African American Archives, helping to build a more complete historical record for future generations.
Activities for the Whole Family
Beyond digitization, the event offers a variety of interactive opportunities for all ages:
- Genealogy 101 Workshop: Learn the fundamentals of tracing your family tree.
- Oral History Sessions: Participate in recorded sessions to capture the stories and memories of the community.
- Youth Activities: Younger family members can enjoy fun, educational activities designed to engage the next generation of historians.
- Local Food: Food truck service will be available on-site.
Event Details
- What: IAAM HISTORY: A Free Drop-In Community Event
- When: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Where: Kingstree Recreation Center, 375 Nelson Blvd, Kingstree, S.C.
- Cost: Free and open to the public
About the Epps-McGill Farmhouse Constructed in 1905, the Epps-McGill Farmhouse is a historic landmark in Kingstree, South Carolina. Managed with the support of McGill and Associates, the farmhouse serves as a vital link to the agrarian and cultural history of the area, dedicated to education and the preservation of African American heritage. Visit www.eppsmcgillfarmhouse.org for more information.
About the International African American Museum
Located in Charleston, S.C., the IAAM tells the unvarnished stories of the African American journey. Its Center for Family History is one of the nation’s leading resources for African American genealogy.
