Our Objectives

• To encourage and support the utilization of genealogy as a tool for African-Americans to become aware of their history, heritage and self-worth.
• To encourage the collection, preservation and maintenance of African-American genealogical materials at various libraries, museums and other repositories as the Society deems appropriate.
• To stimulate the membership and the general public to research, study, and record their family histories.

History of Liberty Hill

In 1864, Paul and Harriet Trescot owned 112 acres of farmland, north of Charleston. These “free persons of color” sold the land to four former slaves: Ishmael Grant, Aaron Middleton, and Plenty & William Lecque.

Their goal was to establish a settlement for Black men and their families with faith as the foundation. One acre was set aside for the construction of St. Peter’s African Methodist Episcopal Church on the southeast corner of the land. The remaining 111 acres were divided into lots to be sold to recently freed men in 1871. They named the area Liberty Hill to recognize the long-awaited freedom of the former slaves creating this new community.

By the middle of the 20th century, Liberty Hill was a self-sufficient neighborhood. Children were educated at Liberty Hill School and later, Bonds Wilson High, both located in the community. The Black residents owned grocery stores, restaurants, a motel, a club and a funeral home.

Today, many residents have gone past the stoplight and the railroad tracks to achieve great success. They are now doctors, lawyers, professional athletes and public officials.

Liberty Hill has gone through many changes since its founding over 150 years ago, but the spirit of freedom still remains. It is that spirt, along with faith, that will continue the legacy of the community’s founders and ensure that Liberty Hill will always be a place to call home.