CHARLESTON, S.C. – Did you, or someone you know, experience restaurant integration in the Charleston area firsthand? If so, there is now a chance to have your stories heard. The Post and Courier is partnering with the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) to hear from longtime local residents about their earliest memories of patronizing a white-owned restaurant.
“Up until now, these important stories have gone undocumented, creating a major gap in how scholars and diners understand Southern restaurant culture,” said Hanna Raskin, food editor for The Post and Courier. “We hope this effort will help to restore facts, feelings and reflections to their rightful place in Charleston dining history.”
CCPL is hosting four recording sessions at three of its branches for The Post and Courier. At each session, participants will be interviewed individually and in private about their experiences with Charleston food service establishments before and after integration.
“Nothing will be published without the interviewee’s permission, and we can always pause or stop if they need a break,” said Raskin. “We appreciate that these stories are highly personal, and understand many people might not be inclined to share them.”
Anyone interested can attend one of the following sessions:
- Monday, April 1 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library (68 Calhoun St.)
- Tuesday, April 2 from 12-3 p.m. at the John’s Island Regional Library (3531 Maybank Hwy.)
- Wednesday, April 3 from 12-3 p.m. at the Hurd/St. Andrew’s Regional Library (1735 N. Woodmere Dr.)
- Thursday, April 4 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Main Library (68 Calhoun St.)
Pre-registration is not required, but potential participants with questions can contact Hanna Raskin at 843-937-5560 or [email protected].