DHEC Recognizes SCSL Research

Photo of Virginia Pierce, Leesa Aiken, Jay Eichler, and Dr. Edward Simmer

DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer presented appreciation coins to State Library Director Leesa Aiken and Collections and Services Director Virginia Pierce. Aiken and Pierce were instrumental in helping DHEC find information about an old gravesite behind one of its State Park buildings. The goal is to create a historical plaque honoring the site and those buried there. DHEC’s appreciation coins recognize the great work of employees and partners across the state who address the health and safety of South Carolina residents, improve the environment in which we live, and work for the betterment of DHEC.

Upcoming Event

Len Lawson phot and the cover of his book, New Names for Stars.

Speaker at the Center Presents Len Lawson, Poet and Author

June 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk on June 16th at 6:00 for our talk with Len Lawson, Poet and Author of New Names for Stars, accompanied by Miho Kinnas and Kathleen Nalley. Len Lawson is the winner of the Lit Fox Award (Lit Fox Books, 2026). He will be joined by Japanese poet Miho Kinnas and author Kathleen Nalley in reading selections from his newest release.

Photo of Tom Elmore in a kilt in a cemetary.

Speaker at the Center: Tom Elmore presents the "Swamp Fox" in Media

June 18, 2026, 2:30 PM

Historian Tom Elmore, who has over twenty years of experience as a book, TV, and film reviewer, takes a look at some of the major works about Francis Marion and examines what they got right and what they got wrong, with a particular emphasis placed on the 1950s Disney mini-series.  Prepare to be educated, entertained, and amused!