Simkins, Modjeska Monteith, April 7, 1986

The Avery Research Center Midlands oral histories collection contains six oral histories organized in three series according to the decade in which they were recorded. Most of the oral histories were conducted by Avery Research Center employees, but there are also a handful of oral histories that were done independently of the Avery Research Center and later donated that are included in this collection. Within each series, the oral histories are arranged alphabetically by last name. Greater detail about the contents of each oral history can be found at the file level abstract of each oral history interview. Each oral history, when available, includes a transcript and any supporting documentation like questions, notes, and interview release forms. Transcripts do not currently exist for every interview and work to create them is ongoing.

A wide range of topics are discussed in these oral histories representing the wide variety of life experiences found in the Midlands. Areas of focus include segregation and historic Black neighborhoods in Columbia, the State Park community in Columbia, the role of Benedict College and Allen University, life in Orangeburg and Saluda, desegregation in Barnwell, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Baptist Church.

Series I: Oral History Interviews, 1981-1986

Series II: Oral History Interviews, 2002-2006

Series III: Oral History Interviews, 2019