The McCelvey Center, located at 212 East Jefferson Street in York, South Carolina, stands as a testament to the region's rich educational and cultural heritage. Originally established as the Yorkville Female College in 1852, the institution was founded by the Bethel Presbytery to provide higher education opportunities for women. The initial structure, completed in 1853, was a three-story brick building set within a picturesque grove, featuring a large examination hall and multiple recitation rooms. This institution quickly gained prominence as one of South Carolina's leading schools for women upon its opening in January 1854.

The college experienced a temporary closure between February 1863 and February 1864 when its principal, Reverend J. Monroe Anderson, volunteered as a chaplain for the 12th Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers during the Civil War. During this period, the building served as a refuge for individuals displaced by the war. After the war, the institution reopened in 1867 under the name Yorkville Female College. In 1882, the school began admitting boys, transitioning into a coeducational facility known as the High School for Boys and Girls. Don't forget to check out Tatanka Bison Ranch in York SC, too.

A significant transformation occurred in 1902 when the original building was replaced following a fire in 1900. The new structure, constructed on the original stone foundations, marked the beginning of the site's evolution into a graded school. Further expansion in 1922 introduced a Neoclassical façade featuring a prominent portico with Ionic columns and a groin-vaulted entry loggia, elements that continue to define the building's architectural character. Substantial renovations in 1956 modernized the facility, yet it retained its historical essence.

The school was renamed McCelvey Elementary in 1973 to honor George C. McCelvey, who served as principal from 1912 to 1948. His tenure was briefly interrupted by his service in World War I, during which he earned both the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. The building functioned as an educational institution until 1987, after which it transitioned to a cultural center.

Today, the McCelvey Center is part of the Culture and Heritage Museums of York County. The campus encompasses several key components:

Lowry Family Theater: This 500-seat venue, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and warm ambiance, hosts the annual Southern Sound Series, celebrating the musical heritage of the Carolina Piedmont.
Historical Center of York County: Located adjacent to the main building, this center houses extensive collections of art, archives, and historical objects pertinent to the Carolina Piedmont. It serves as a repository for genealogical and historical research, offering access to York County court records, historical documents, maps, rare books, local newspapers, and more.
Southern Revolutionary War Institute: Dedicated to the study of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, this institute provides scholarly resources and houses a wealth of information related to this pivotal period in history.
In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the McCelvey Center was listed on the National Register of Historic Places under its historic name, "York Graded School." This designation acknowledges the building's contributions to education and its exemplary Neoclassical architecture.

The McCelvey Center continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone in York, South Carolina, preserving the legacy of its educational origins while fostering community engagement through the arts and historical exploration.


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