Lois A. Simms papers

1. Biographical Records include Simms' memorabilia from the Avery Normal Institute, and her academic work at Barber Scotia Junior College, Johnson C. Smith University, Howard University, and Syracuse University. The series contains draft versions of Simms' Howard University Masters thesis entitled A Comparative Study of Provisions for the Education of Negro and White Pupils in the Public Schools of South Carolina, certificates of appreciation, thank you notes and correspondence from students she taught, audio-visual material including a 1996 audio oral history interview, and four personal scrapbooks.

2. Professional Records details Simms' work as a teacher in Charleston, South Carolina. Records include teacher plan books, yearbooks, newspaper clippings about students' achievements, commencement and school event programs, student photos, and certificates of appreciation.

3. Community Affiliations records contain published copies and proofs of the Zion-Olivet Scroll, Zion-Olivet Presbyterian's newsletter. Additionally, there are photos from 1984-1992, that document historic events and activities of the church. There is a certificate of appreciation from the Avery Institute for Afro-American History and Culture for Simms assistance with establishing the center.

4. Publications includes books, federal statistical pamphlets and journals, educational periodicals, and newspaper clippings.

Includes The Avery Song, 1925 (Words by Beulah Shecut (class of 1928) and Music by Maude H. Smith (class of 1915) and Memories Book, which has faculty and student signatures.

The Memories book is on display in the Avery classroom

Includes membership certificate to Johnson C. Smith University Century Club, Certificate of Appreciation from the Johnson C. Smith Blue and Gold Club, and annual fund bumper stickers

Includes a paper Simms wrote entitled An Analysis of the Biological Factors in Race Relations and Explorations in Personal Adjustment by George F.J. Lehner, which was Simms' textbook for an education course at Howard. The workbook contains handwritten answers to questions.

This journal was a reference used by Simms in completion of her thesis.

Contains community event programs, draft of a speech entitled Strengthening Institutions for Survival in the 21st century, Clarence Deas Middleton's grammar school certificate from Wallingford Academy (1931), and the words of Fouchena E. Sheppard at the Outstanding Public Administrator of the Year ceremony (1983) for Joseph P. Riley, Jr., which includes a comment made by Simms about Riley.

Includes invitations and letters from former students and organizations.

Simms' brother St. Elmo was a member of this organization

Contains event programs from Avery Normal Institute and other Charleston organizations, invitations, photos of family members and friends, and graduation cards.

Use digitized version

Items and photos in the scrapbook document Simms time in Washington, DC, at Howard University, trips to Virigina, New York City, and other U.S. cities.

Use digitized version

Created for Simms by her 1972-1973 10-1 Homeroom class at Burke High School to express their appreciation for her. Contains candid snapshots, lists of favorite things, class superlatives, poems, cards, etc.

Wooden covered scrapbook created by Simms and others that contain original and photocopies of photos, newspaper clippings, invitations, programs, etc. that document Simms' teaching career at Burke High School and Charleston High School.

Approximately 70-75 minutes

Simms talks about her writing process for A Chalk and Chalkboard Career in Carolina and how she came up with the various chapters, specifically the ones focusing on her students. Additionally, she provides detail about publishing her three works. Simms discusses her master's thesis. She provides information about her teaching career and some of the challenges that faced women teachers during the 1930s and 1940s. Furthermore, she gives her perspective on the attitudes of African-American students at Charleston High School. Simms gives a brief history of the beginning of Zion Presbyterian Church in Charleston, why Zion merged with Olivet in 1959, and of the Zion-Olivet Scroll.

97 frames/14.5 minutes

A cassette and filmstrip for use in the United Presbyterian Churches in 1978-79 to report on the progress of the Major Mission Fund.

These records document Simms teaching at Burke High School and Charleston High School and her committment to edcuating young people.