The AVERY RESEARCH CENTER is a division of the College of Charleston. Avery’s mission is to evaluate, acquire, organize, preserve and make available to researchers materials that document the African American experience in South Carolina, with emphasis on Charleston, and the Lowcounty.

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COLLECTIONS, Research Room
The Avery Research Center provides access to and professional reference assistance in the use of its collections to the College of Charleston community, scholars and the general public. Avery facilitates access to these holdings in person, by mail, e-mail or telephone reference services. More information...

Avery was recently awarded a grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) to catalogue its "Hidden Collections." One of 18 institutions nation-wide selected for this prestigious award, Avery is using the $236,920 to better process its manuscript and museum materials to increase their accessibility to the public. A full time archivist, a part time museum registrar and three part time assistants have been hired to make this two-year program a reality. It is a testimonial to the national and even international importance of Avery's archives and artifacts that it was chosen. In charge of the program is Harlan Greene, Director of Archival and Reference Services. Avery gratefully acknowledges the contributions of CLIR and the Mellon Foundation for making this work possible.

PROGRAMS
The Center's galleries and other public spaces house permanent displays and installations and are sites for workshops, lectures, poetry readings, book signings, receptions, jazz performances and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Visit our EVENTS page for a full listing of upcoming programs.

PHOTO GALLERY

SATURDAYS FOR YOUTH
To enrich and empower our community youth
(ages 10 - 15), the Avery Research Center is proud to host our "Saturdays for Youth" programming.
One Saturday a month, two hours will be dedicated to youth programming featuring guest speakers and hands-on activities.

Coming .... "Exploring African American Culture Through Archeology and Art"

Youth will enjoy learning about the field of archeology and will have an opportunity to paint African masks to take home

Saturday, May 16, 2009
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
McKinley Washington Auditorium
Free. Please R.S.V.P. 843.953.7609
Healthy Snacks and Refreshments will be served.

Visit our Events Page for a full listing of Avery's upcoming programs and events.

The Art of Lemuel Reina

Lemuel Reina, is a self taught artist of Haitian heritage who currently resides in the Lowcountry. Grounded and informed by African American history and culture, Reina's work is an expression of his thoughts and vision. His primary medium is pastel.
The exhibition of his works opens at Avery on Saturday, April 11, 2009 and will be on display through May 28, 2009. Please join us in exploring the vision of Lemuel Reina.

Exhibition through May 28, 2009
McKinley Washington Auditorium

"Deep Reflections" 24" x 30"
Medium: Pastel
Place mouse on image to see another Lemuel Reina creation.

"Esau Jenkins: A Retrospective View of the Man and His Times"

This exhibition developed in 1991 by the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture, chronicles the myriad of activities Mr. Jenkins was intimately involved in. It highlights his leadership skills as a conscious and compassionate community activist, organizer, entrepreneur and Civil Rights leader. The exhibit will be on view through June 2009. More...