History & Genealogy

Georgetown County is filled to the brim with historic places and objects, and played a vital part in this country's past, from the earliest days of settlement to the sweeping Civil War. The Georgetown County Public Library is a proud repository of thousands of historic books, plantation plats, photos, drawings, diaries and more.

To showcase these items, the library not only has a large local history room filled with books and documents, but also runs a digital website of historic images that gets hits from all over the world.

Heritage Quest Online

We offer Heritage Quest Online for free via our website, whether you're using a library computer or at home. It is free - you just need your library card to use it. HeritageQuest Online is a comprehensive treasury of American genealogical sources-rich in unique primary sources, local and family histories, and finding aids. When asked for a user name, type your library card number. When asked for a password, type your pin number.

We offer free access to Heritage Quest both in the libraries and on your home computer (with your library barcode). Patrons can also use Ancestry.com for free from a library computer.

The Heritage Center

Another wonderful place to visit is our Heritage Center at the Georgetown Library on Cleland Street. This state of the art viewing hall features seven flat-screen televisions, cafe seating, Wi-Fi access, and a changing display of historic photos and artwork.

A digital video center allows you to choose from over 300 locally-produced videos on Georgetown County's most interesting people, places and events. Choose from memories of World War II or the Great Depression, mini-documentaries about antebellum churches and buried treasure, spotlights on local artists and so much more.

Our hours are: Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Digital Image Website & YouTube page

We have collected thousands of images - and hundreds of oral histories - all available to view on the Georgetown County Digital Website and the Georgetown County Library YouTube page.

Local History Room

Visit our carefully curated collection of books and documents unique to this area, including microfilm items and yearbooks and city directories.