Suzanne Brooks stepping down as President and CEO of the Spartanburg County Historical Association

The Spartanburg County Historical Association (SCHA) is celebrating the leadership of President and CEO, Suzanne Brooks who joined the organization in March 2016. Suzanne will be stepping down from her current position on January 14, 2022.

As leader of SCHA, Brooks led the operations and management of the 64-year-old non-profit organization and its sites including the Spartanburg Regional Museum of History, Walnut Grove Plantation, the Price House, and the Seay House. Over the last five and a half years, Brooks has established a robust educational programming calendar that caters to all ages and features year-round opportunities for locals to stay engaged with their heritage. Brooks led the founding of a member appreciation program bringing a “Members Only Access Series” to supporters providing unique tours and experiences to some of Spartanburg’s most iconic locations.

SCHA has reached new audiences and welcomed guests from around the world through Brooks’ leadership in developing virtual programming. This resource proved its impact with the onset of COVID-19 restrictions when SCHA launched “History @ Home,” free, on-demand history programs with accompanying living history activities.

Fostering relationships and building partnerships has brought SCHA into a new era. Through shared initiatives and programs established by Brooks, SCHA will continue to lead the Upstate’s America250 commemoration efforts alongside the state’s Sestercentennial Commission. Brooks established a valued relationship with the Spartanburg’s African American Heritage and Culture Committee and leaves SCHA committed to working closely with the efforts of their mission.

Under the leadership of Brooks’ preservation training, the restoration of Walnut Grove Plantation has undergone its beginning phases. The 1767 log structure will require continued intervention ensured by the SCHA Board of Directors and Spartanburg County Foundation.

Brooks remarks, “I am endlessly grateful to the Spartanburg community for allowing me to honor the traditions and contributions of their ancestors. The future of SCHA is bright with the members and partnerships who continue to invest in documenting the diverse narratives of our shared history.”

Suzanne will assume a new role as Executive Director of Central South Carolina’s Habitat for Humanity in Columbia, South Carolina serving four counties in the Midlands. SCHA is excited for this chapter in Suzanne’s career and wish her tremendous success although she will be sorely missed by the Spartanburg community.