On numerous occasions over the past 24 years Debbie Roland has received honors and awards on behalf of the Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center, of which she is the director.

Earlier this year, she stepped up to the podium at the annual meeting in Greenville of the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies to receive an honor for herself -- the confederation’s coveted Alexander S. Salley Professional Service Award “for giving distinguished lifetime service to a Confederation member organization.” Salley, a native of Orangeburg, served as secretary of the South Carolina Historical Commission from 1905 to 1949 and was S.C. state historian from 1945 to 1949.

The judging criteria for the award: “The nominee must have contributed significantly to some aspect of history or historic preservation and must advance the cause of the state and local history.”

Commenting on the award, Roland traced her love for history back to her childhood when her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Ulmer, would take family trips throughout the nation. By age 12 she had visited all but five states.

“Mama and Daddy always made sure we absorbed and appreciated knowledge of the historical sites,” she recalled. In her schooling years, history was always her favorite course. She takes great pride in the fact that under her leadership, Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center is recognized and honored as one of South Carolina’s leading institutions of historical memorabilia, artifacts and genealogical research.

Among those nominating Mrs. Roland for the award was Dr. Walter B. Edgar, South Carolina’s present-day most eminent historian. Edgar wrote: “Debbie Roland has devoted much of her adult life to teaching and encouraging others to love and appreciate the history and culture of Calhoun County and all of South Carolina … There are few individuals who have given as much of themselves to their museum, their community, and the Confederation as Debbie Roland.

“The newly enlarged Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center is a tribute to her hard work and her ability to convince the county’s business and political leaders of the importance of a museum to the quality of life in the county. The museum is truly a community magnet and is used by citizens of all ages. Her programming with the local schools is just one example of her effective use of the museum as a teaching tool for classroom teachers. The variety of cultural events for which she has been the catalyst is incredible — as has been the response by the community,” Edgar wrote.

Horace Harmon, retired director of the Lexington County Museum, in support of Roland’s nomination, stated: “She is one of the small number of professionals today who combine knowledge of local history and a close working relationship with her local population, with a keen appreciation for the importance of preserving historical artifacts and documents for factual interpretation of her area’s history.

“Debbie has earned the high regard she enjoys in statewide, regional and national historical organizations wherein she has served in positions of office, various committee chairs and on discussion panels of a wide variety of interest to local history enthusiasts. She has always been more than willing to share personal experience as advice to others in the profession in a small community … In short, Debbie Roland personifies the spirit of dedication which cannot fail to make a success of every effort she believes worthy of a pursuit. Her museum and its high standing in the community are an embodiment of her total dedication to the profession.”

John F. Felder, St. Matthews attorney and strong supporter of the museum, in his nomination letter wrote: The Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center has become “a beacon of light and hope that shines upon those who seek to know their history and the cultural influences of art and education in their past which impacts upon them in their present lives and on into the future.

“Debbie comes from a very solid and dedicated background in the love and knowledge of museum and historical affairs. Her mother who served before her was a leading force in starting the Calhoun County Museum, which has grown into the center we enjoy today. Debbie has taken the foundation established by her mother and others and expanded same into one of if not the finest museums of its size in South Carolina … Debbie has developed a genealogy department that attracts visitors from throughout the state. She has exhibits which chronicle local history, state history in all areas of society, business, and economic growth.”

Dean B. Livingston is the retired publisher of The Times and Democrat.

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