PICKENS — The historic Hagood-Mauldin House was the scene recently as members of The Pickens County Historical Society received the May “We Fan The Flame” award.

With an avowed goal of “preserving and promoting all things related to the history and character of our special place,” the PCHS strives “to increase awareness of who we are and from where we have come.”

The society was organized in 1958 by Pickens County leaders. The Old Gaol, which is now the Pickens County Historical Museum, was the early headquarters of the PCHS. Over the past 55 years, the organization has grown to be the largest county historical society not only in South Carolina but also in the entire southern United States.

With hundreds of volunteer members, the PCHS has been, and continues to be, involved in numerous projects. After being gifted the Hagood-Mauldin house by Irma Morris, the society completely restored it.

Along with its garden and grounds, the home continues as a popular touring museum open for public and private tours.

Other ongoing projects include activities at the Clayton Room for Family Research, Hagood Mill Historic Site, the Pickens County Museum of Art & History, placement of state historic markers in the area, the five- year Confederate Graves Survey, developing a monument to General Andrew Pickens and another to President John Rutledge, the preservations of the Bradley-Boggs house, the reconstruction of Fort Prince George, involvement with the county-wide Bridges project and conducting its own annual “Art In the Garden” event. It lends significant support to the annual Reunion of Upcountry Families, the Azalea Festival and the Founders Day Music Festival.

Though nominated for those many tireless endeavors, the PCHS also maintains strong relationships with like-minded organizations such as the Birchwood Center, local governments, chambers of commerce, The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Trust, the South Carolina Historical Society, the Colonial Dames and such groups as the PRA, DAR, YAMS, SAR and more.

We Fan The Flame recognizes group contributions that make Pickens a better place to live. It is presented by the Pickens Revitalization Association and the city of Pickens. The award program is open to any civic, school, charitable, religious, cultural, non-profit, business, senior youth, association or similar organization. Entries should be submitted to the PRA by the 15th of each month and will be considered throughout the year. Entry forms are available at www.historicpickens.com.