The Heritage Library Foundation
About Us
The Heritage Library is a non-profit library offering research assistance on ancestry in addition to classes and tours focused on Hilton Head Island’s history from prehistory to the modern era.
The Heritage Library owns two historic sites, Ft. Mitchel in Hilton Head Plantation and the Historic Zion Cemetery & Baynard Mausoleum on the corner of William Hilton Parkway & Mathews Drive.
The Library houses a wealth of historical information, old photographs, and maps of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry.
USA Today named The Heritage Library one of the “10 Great Places to Trace Your Family Roots.”
The library is an affiliated library of the Family History Search Library operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Patrons of the Library have access to major online databases at ancestry.com, fold3.com (formerly footnote.com), americanancestors.org (formerly NEHGS), and HeritageQuest Online through the Library’s network.
Mission Statement
The Heritage Library Foundation is established to promote and preserve local history and the study of genealogy.
The Foundation’s mission includes
- Maintaining the Heritage Library, a history and genealogy center
- Preserving historic sites: Fort Mitchel and Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery
- Facilitating activities that promote the study and enjoyment of history and genealogy
2024 Board of Directors & Officers
Officers
Ezra Callahan
President
Sarah Takacs
Vice President
Luana Graves Sellars
Secretary
Peter Cooper
Treasurer
Board of Directors
Class of 2025
Ezra “Cal” Callahan
James MacLeod
Eric Washington
Class of 2026
Peter Cooper
Richard Dekker
Herbert Ford
Lydia Inglett
Thomas Kraft
James Robinson
Luana Graves Sellars
Class of 2027
Greg DeLoach
Laurette Doscher-Benfante
Nathaniel Jones
Galen Miller
Sarah Takacs
Executive Director
Barbara Catenaci
Board of Advisors
Bill Altstaetter
Sunni Bond
Dr. Emory Campbell
Dodi Eschenbach
Natalie Harvey
Dr. J. Brent Morris
Dee Phillips
Linda Piekut
Dr. Barrett Riordan
Dr. Larry Rowland
Iva Roberts Welton
Our Facility
2 Corpus Christi
The Professional Building, Suite 100
Hilton Head ISland, SC 29928
Mailing Address
PO Box 5950
Hilton head Island, SC 29938-5950
(843) 686.6560
For the use of our patrons we have:
-
High speed internet access
-
High speed laser printer and scanner
-
Access from the library location to popular paid online services: ancestry.com, HeritageQuest online, fold3.com, americanancesters.com, and more
-
Dedicated holdings area where we have our book stacks and other materials
-
Wi-Fi
-
Experienced volunteer genealogists to assist with research (appointments are recommended)
Additionally
-
7 computers with high speed access to the internet and our server-based resources
-
ScanPro Microfilm Reader, scanner, and printer
-
5,000 volumes ranging in subject matter from ancestry research to published family histories, to state specific ancestry topics, to local, county and state history
-
Periodicals, vertical Files, microfilm, and more
Join The Library
As a Member, you will have full access to the library facilities, publications, classes and our online resources as well as the talents and expertise of our volunteers who will help with your research project.
The Heritage Observer
The Heritage Observer is our quarterly newsletter covering all of the latest information on Low Country history, events and information on discovering your heritage. Make sure to sign up to receive notice of the latest release!