Charleston Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) collection

The Charleston Area Branch of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH) contains correspondence between the local branch and the national association; and records (photographs, meetings minutes and agendas, and financial statements) of the events held by the local branch. Additionally, there are records relating to Dr. Woodson, the founder of the Association, including photographs of him and his home in D.C.; and copies of his undergraduate and graduate degrees. The collection also contains educational tools for teaching K-12 students during Black History Month. All series are arranged chronologically.

Series 1: ASALH National, has four subseries, the first series consists of biographical information on the founder Dr. Carter G. Woodson, procedures to organize branches, and by-laws and regulations. The second subseries, Programs and events have conventions and luncheons held across the United States ranging between the 1990s and 2000s. The fourth subseries, various branches contain administrative information on the Chicago Branch, including correspondence, newsletters, and events sponsored by the Branch. The Texas branch has correspondence and documents pertaining to its existence from the former president LeRoy Fowler. Lastly, the Philadelphia Branch published two newsletters.

Series 2: National Black History, has three subseries, the first subseries contains background information on the importance of Dr. Woodson to the formation and existence of African American history. The second subseries, has statements from Presidents of the United States recognizing the importance of Black history month and acknowledging its existence and proclaiming the theme for the year in celebrating the contributions of Black people to America in various ways. The third subseries, educational resources consists of Black History learning resources, recognition of Black historical figures to history, and local Charlestonian figures.

Series 3: Charleston ASALH Branch, has three subseries, the first subseries contains information on the administrative activities, including documents about the creation of the branch in 1994, correspondence between the presidents (Dr. Dulaney and Dr. Powers) and the national organization. Additional records, include branch by-laws, meeting minutes and agendas, correspondence between local chapters and members. The second subseries has a questionnaire for members to select the planned roster or programs to gain maximum participation, handwritten notes on attendance, and officers. The third subseries contains the program schedule of Woodson luncheons for the members. The luncheons and award dinners recognized Lowcountry persons that helped in improving the lives of others, including photocopies from a luncheon held at the Avery Research Center.

Series 4: 1996 Charleston Annual Conference, has three subseries, the first contains, correspondence in its preparations to gathering support and membership attendance at the convention. The culmination of the conference program through events, lecture sessions, financial documents of spending for sponsors, vehicles for traveling and tours, and hotel cost. The second subseries, Programs and Events consist of the 1996 convention and events held in the Charleston area and Avery Research Center. Including the various conferences that took place and events held in South Carolina with the local ASALH representative for the Lowcountry region. The third subseries contains the financial expenses from the 81st annual convention.

Series 5: Charleston Branch Financial Documents holds membership renewal payments before the 1996 convention and throughout the twenty-first century. Including the financial report comparing the spending in the year 1999 and 2000, and mailing list with members information.