DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society was thrilled and humbled to receive a significant donation from the Hicks Family Trust.
John Hicks was an active and enthusiastic member of both the Historical Society and the Genealogy Society, which have recently merged. Hicks frequently served both as member of the Boards of Directors and in a variety of service roles. His passion for history and genealogy was contagious and greatly appreciated by the many who benefited from his work.
Hicks and his wife have both died in the last six months. The society recently hosted a “Celebration of Life” event honoring John and his wife at the Museum.
As part of the memorial, the family of John Hicks presented a check for $30,000. It was John and his wife’s wish to provide this significant donation after their passing, and the society is very grateful.
The society is a 501(c)3 organization that relies on member dues, fundraisers, grants, and donations to collect and preserve the history of the county and its people in document archives, artifacts, and family history records.
They also own and maintain two historic properties located in Darlington (the county seat): The Darlington Carnegie Free Library building which is now the Museum, Archives and Family History Center of the society; and the Darlington Depot Museum and Welcome Center that celebrates history and provides tourism information. The Museums are open to the public free of charge and the regular events held by the society are free as well.
The Society’s mission is to preserve and share the history and genealogy of the county with everyone and they accomplish this at no cost to the public but there are expenses associated with operating museums and maintaining historic properties.
Donations like the one from the Hick family provide confidence that the society will be able to continue its mission into the future. The Hicks request is that the funds be designated half for building needs and the society is pleased to agree, as that is usually the most inconveniently timed urgent need. Existence of the fund will provide some peace of mind.
