The Kennedy Room of Local and South Carolina History and Cleveland Genealogy Department houses an extensive collection of source material for genealogy and history researchers. In addition to books, types of materials in our collection include microform, maps, media clippings, manuscripts, visual arts and access to several online genealogy databases. The materials’ focus is on Spartanburg County but also includes South Carolina and regional information.

The best way to access this material is through personal visits and by viewing our online information. We offer limited assistance to long-distance researchers through email, postal mail or telephone.

The Kennedy Room is named after Dr. and Mrs. Lionel C. Kennedy. After the death of this 19th-century Spartanburg physician, Helen Fayssoux Kennedy gave the city her late husband’s personal book collection and land to create Spartanburg’s first library, the Kennedy Library, which opened in 1885.

The Kennedy Room is located on the top floor of the Headquarters Library.