The Manning Times has long helped document Clarendon County’s story, with many of our own bound editions, photographs and historical records included in the Clarendon County Archives collection. For this reason, we felt a responsibility to step in after concerns over a possible closure of the Archives emerged during county budget discussions.
On April 13, The Manning Times entered into an agreement with Clarendon County to temporarily house the Clarendon County Archives materials while repairs are pursued at the current Archives building. The arrangement is intended as a temporary solution with an initial term of three years while the historic building is repaired and its long-term future is addressed.
We understand the larger debate over the Archives’ future has become emotional and, at times, divisive. Questions about the building, long-term funding and what comes next belong with county leadership and the community members advocating for the Archives. The Manning Times is not a decision-maker in that process, nor were we persuaded or pressured to step into this role. We simply saw a need and offered to help protect the materials and keep them accessible during a temporary transition.
It was important to us that residents continue to have access to these records during this process rather than seeing them placed in storage and out of reach. While the agreement outlines regular public access three days a week, The Manning Times is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we will make access as simple and accommodating as possible. Our office also offers an easier point of entry for some visitors.
We are hopeful the county’s digitization plans will begin before the move so digital records can be available for public viewing at The Manning Times, helping protect fragile originals while still allowing researchers, families, students and local history enthusiasts to access important information.
We believe the Archives and the newspaper are a natural partnership. Both exist to preserve the record of a community. This is not about replacing the Archives or changing what it means. It is about helping protect it and keeping it accessible while repairs are pursued.
Once the transition is complete, we also look forward to helping promote the Archives and welcoming students and community organizations to engage with these materials and the stories they tell about Clarendon County.
If any residents have questions or concerns about our facility, this temporary arrangement or our intentions, we welcome those conversations. Please call, email or simply stop by The Manning Times. Our door is open.
The Manning Times
230 E Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102
(803) 435-8422
manningsctimes@gmail.com
