This document, which is called a "finding aid," describes an archival collection.
In the course of daily life, individuals, families, organizations, and businesses create and keep information about their
activities. When such records are no longer needed on a day-to-day basis, a portion judged to possess enduring historical
value may be preserved and maintained as archival collections. Archival records take many forms, including correspondence,
diaries, financial and legal documents, photographs, and sound recordings. Archival materials may also include maps, scientific
data, artifacts, and electronic records such as emails or databases.
Prepared by archival staff, finding aids provide a history of the person or organization that produced the collection, an
overview of the collection, and a detailed list of the collection's contents.
Finding aids are used by researchers to determine whether materials within a collection may be relevant to their research.
While not exhaustive, finding aids help researchers identify the particular boxes or folders that may hold items of interest.
Descriptive Summary
Abstract:
The Avery Normal Institute was established by the American Missionary Association (AMA) in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865.
The Institute originally served as a school for former slaves and free persons of color, providing normal (or, teacher) training
to students pursuing careers in education. The school eventually became known just as Avery Institute, operating as a high
school with financial support from the AMA until 1947, when it became part of Charleston's segregated public school system.
The school closed in 1954.
The Avery Normal Institute Papers, 1862-1954 and 1978, consist of photocopied materials regarding Avery Normal Institute generated
by the American Missionary Association office and housed by the Amistad Research Center. The materials are separated into
six small series: Annual Reports, 1862-1945; Administrative Correspondence, 1931-1954; Financial Records, 1943-1946; Employee
Files, 1926-1945; Writings and Publications, 1882-1952; and Miscellaneous Files, 1878-1978. 1.) Annual Reports consist of
sections of AMA Annual Report publications highlighting Avery. 2.) Administrative Correspondence consists of miscellaneous
correspondence exchanged between the AMA and Avery officials. 3.) Financial Records consist of reports regarding the financial
status of the school compiled by Avery officials and submitted to the AMA. 4.) Employee Files consist of employment information
on members of the Avery faculty. 5.) The Writings and Publications series contains issues of the school newspaper, the Avery Tiger; reports on Avery's history and other materials; and a master's thesis by Avery staff member Alphonso H. Hoursey on Avery
graduates. 6.) Miscellaneous Files include various programs, flyers, and newspaper clippings. Throughout the collection,
the following individuals are frequently mentioned: AMA officials Ruth Morton and Fred Brownlee and Avery principals Frank
DeCosta, Samuel Washington, and John Potts.
Title:
Avery Normal Institute Records, 1862 - 1978
Creator:
American Missionary Association.
Repository:
Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston
The Avery Normal Institute was established by the American Missionary Association (AMA) in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865.
The Institute originally served as a school for former slaves and free persons of color, providing normal (or, teacher) training
to students pursuing careers in education. Avery's educational mission evolved as its all-black administrators, faculty, and
students played pivotal roles in combating racism and Jim Crow laws in Charleston. The school eventually became known just
as Avery Institute, operating as a high school, with financial support from the AMA until 1947, when it became part of Charleston's
segregated public school system. It school closed in 1954.
Decades after the school ceased to exist, many of its alumni were instrumental in creating the Avery Research Center for African
American History and Culture, which is housed in the historic Avery building at 125 Bull Street.
The Avery Normal Institute Papers, 1862-1954 and 1978, consist of photocopied materials regarding Avery Normal Institute generated
by the American Missionary Association office and housed by the Amistad Research Center.
The materials are separated into six small series: Annual Reports, 1862-1945; Administrative Correspondence, 1931-1954; Financial
Records, 1943-1946; Employee Files, 1926-1945; Writings and Publications, 1882-1952; and Miscellaneous Files, 1878-1978. 1.)
Annual Reports consist of sections of AMA Annual Report publications highlighting Avery. 2.) Administrative Correspondence
consists of miscellaneous correspondence exchanged between the AMA and Avery officials. 3.) Financial Records consist of reports
regarding the financial status of the school compiled by Avery officials and submitted to the AMA. 4.) Employee Files consist
of employment information on members of the Avery faculty. 5.) The Writings and Publications series contains issues of the
school newspaper, the Avery Tiger; reports on Avery's history and other materials; and a master's thesis by Avery staff member Alphonso H. Hoursey on Avery
graduates. 6.) Miscellaneous Files include various programs, flyers, and newspaper clippings.
Throughout the collection, the following individuals are frequently mentioned: AMA officials Ruth Morton and Fred Brownlee
and Avery principals Frank DeCosta, Samuel Washington, and John Potts.
The originals of the majority of these materials are located in the American Missionary Association Records, which are housed
at the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This series consists of sections of the American Missionary Association's annual report publications that highlight the Avery
Normal Institute.
Box 1 Folder 1.1
American Missionary Association Annual Reports, 1862-1880
Photocopies of sections regarding AMA involvement in South Carolina, almost all mentioning Avery Normal Institute. Lists South
Carolina ministers and teachers as well as reports on Avery Institute. Reports include reprints of correspondence and various
statistics, including lists of teachers, number of students, and value of property.
Box 1 Folder 1.2
Annual Reports, 1881-1901
Photocopies of sections regarding Avery Normal Institute. Lists South Carolina schools and reports on Avery Institute. Reports
include reprints of correspondence and various statistics, including lists of teachers, trustees, principals, and number of
students.
Box 1 Folder 1.3
Annual Reports, 1902-1922
Photocopies of sections of regarding Avery Normal Institute. Lists South Carolina schools and reports statistics on Avery
Institute. Statistics include lists of teachers, principals, and number of students.
Box 1 Folder 1.4
Annual Reports, 1923-1945
Photocopies of sections of regarding Avery Normal Institute. With statistical reports, listing teachers, principals, and number
of students. Almost all contain principal reports which detail student attendance, programs, funding, and class sizes.
Box 1 Folder 1.5
Annual Reports, 1866-1941
Typed transcripts referring to Avery Normal Institute.
Box 1 Folder 1.6
Annual Reports, 1940-1942
Includes photocopies of records submitted to the AMA from Avery for publication into annual reports, 1940-1942. Includes
two principal's reports and two completed facts and figures forms.
This series consists of correspondence exchanged between the officials of the American Missionary Association and Avery officials.
Box 1 Folder 1.7
Administrative Correspondence, 1931-1940
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Ruth Morton and Fred Brownlee) and active or prospective Avery staff (Frank
DeCosta, Charles Parker, Thelma Menchan, Fannie Frazier, and Charles Nichols) regarding Avery Normal Institute, hiring faculty,
salary disputes, and opportunities for employment advancement.
Box 1 Folder 1.8
Administrative Correspondence, 1941
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Fred Brownlee, Ruth Morton) and active and prospective Avery staff (Florence
Clyde, Margaretta Poinsette, Charles Parker, Thelma Menchan, Thomas Bennett) regarding Avery Normal Institute and hiring and
retiring faculty (including replacing Principal Frank DeCosta with Howard Bennett), garnering donations (including for restoring
deteriorating building and improving teacher housing) and acquiring supplies. Enclosed materials include fact sheet and policies
and procedures of AMA.
Box 1 Folder 1.9
Administrative Correspondence, 1942-1943
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Ruth Morton, Fred Brownlee) and active and prospective Avery staff (Howard
Bennett, Charles Nicholas, Hattie Greene, Frank DeCosta, Elizabeth Jackson, A.W. Hoursey) regarding Avery Normal Institute,
hiring and resigning faculty, acquiring supplies, salaries, repairing building, and comments on financial reports. Enclosed
materials include a curriculum outline and wedding invitation.
Box 1 Folder 1.10
Administrative Correspondence, 1944
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Ruth Morton, Fred Brownlee) and active and prospective Avery staff (Florence
Clyde, Howard Bennett, Josephine Nichols, C.S. Ledbetter) regarding Avery Normal Institute and hiring and resigning faculty,
acquiring supplies, salaries, $10,000 fund drive, possibly selling 54 Montagu Street property. Enclosed materials include
retirement fund, tax deductions, and sewing class schedules, news clippings, and flyers regarding $10,000 fund drive.
Box 2 Folder 2.1
Administrative Correspondence, 1944
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Ruth Morton) regarding Avery Normal Institute matters such as financing
Institute, employment, selling property, replacing principle, and Advisory board. Of note are newspaper clippings and correspondence
regarding reaction to Avery students applying for admission to white-only College of Charleston.
Box 2 Folder 2.2
Administrative Correspondence, 1944
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Ruth Morton) regarding Avery Normal Institute matters such as teacher employment,
recommendations, replacing the principal, possibility of making Avery into Junior college, and getting financial government
support.
Box 2 Folder 2.3
Administrative Correspondence, 1945
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Ruth Morton) regarding Avery Normal Institute matters such as school's
financial status, teacher salaries and employment, administrative council proceedings including copy of its constitution;
fire damaging building including inspection of damage and inventories.
Box 2 Folder 2.4
Administrative Correspondence, 1945
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Fred Brownlee, Ruth Morton) and Avery staff (Samuel Washington, John Potts,
Thelma Manigault, Charlotte Tracy) regarding Avery Normal Institute matters such as fire damage, teacher salaries and employment,
administrative council proceedings, financial matters such as ending AMA appropriations to Avery, connecting curriculums with
Burke High School, resignation of Samuel Washington as Director, and the hiring of John Potts as replacement. Enclosed materials
include a report on certification requirements for elementary teachers, and a commencement invitation.
Box 2 Folder 2.5
Administrative Correspondence, 1948-1954
Includes correspondence to and from AMA officials (Fred Brownlee and Ruth Morton) and Avery staff (John Potts and Lois Simms)
regarding Avery Normal Institute matters such as selling 54 Montagu Street property, acquiring supplies for the school, getting
access to Avery records housed in AMA office, and closing of Avery. Enclosed materials include a calendar of school events
for 1947-1948, a complete list of principals and teachers from 1900-1954, and newspaper clippings regarding the abandonment
of Avery.
This series consists of reports regarding the financial status of the school compiled by Avery officials and submitted to
the American Missionary Association. These financial reports were compiled monthly by the principal of Avery and submitted
to the AMA. Includes information on expenses (such staff salaries, plant operation and maintenance, auxiliary enterprises
such as book supplies) and income (from student fees, gifts), with detailed lists of checks written during daily operations
of the school.
Box 2 Folder 2.6
Financial Reports of Avery Normal Institute, 1942
Also includes list of accounts payable and receivable, along with report analysis and cash forecasts.
Box 2 Folder 2.7
Financial Reports of Avery Normal Institute, 1943
Also includes list of accounts payable and receivable, along with report analysis and cash forecast for subsequent month.
Enclosed materials include correspondence explaining report incongruities.
Box 2 Folder 2.8
Financial Reports of Avery Normal Institute, 1944
Also includes list of accounts payable and receivable, along with report analysis and cash forecasts
Box 2 Folder 2.9
Financial Reports of Avery Normal Institute, 1945-1946
Also includes list of accounts payable and receivable, along with report analysis and cash forecast for subsequent month.
Enclosed materials include correspondence explaining report incongruities.
Box 2 Folder 2.10
Financial Correspondence, 1945-1946
Regarding financial reports including AMA audit reports, explanations of incongruities, and changes made to reports.
This series consists of employment information for Avery faculty and staff memebers. Materials include appointment contracts,
completed candidate applications, health screening information, recommendation forms, and, at times, pictures of candidates
and college transcripts. Also includes correspondence regarding employment between teachers and the American Missionary Association.
This series consists of writings and publications related to Avery, including issues of the school newspaper, the Avery Tiger; reports on Avery's history and other materials; and a master's thesis by Avery staff member Alphonso H. Hoursey on Avery
graduates
Box 3 Folder 3.5
Avery Tiger, 1931-1951
Incomplete photocopies of four issues (October 1931, November 1942, October 1951, and November 1951) of the Avery Tiger, Avery's monthly student-run newspaper. Includes miscellaneous news regarding Avery (such as participation in war efforts),
editorials, sports commentary, humor column, a short story by Alphonso Hoursey, and advertisements.
Box 3 Folder 3.6
Writings on Avery, 1882-1885 and 1944-1952
Includes reports and memoranda regarding the history and progress of the school by Avery employees (such as Principle M. A.
Holmes), and AMA officials (Ruth Morton and Fred Brownlee). The folder also includes an essay entitled "Negro Higher Education in South Carolina" by Lewis McMillan and an excerpt of the City of Charleston Yearbook regarding damages sustained to the building from a hurricane in 1885.
Box 3 Folder 3.7
A Follow Up Survey of Graduates of Avery Institute, Charleston, South Carolina, For Years 1930-1940 by Alphonso W. Hoursey, 1941
This series consists of various programs, flyers, and newspaper clippings.
Box 3 Folder 3.8
Avery Miscellaneous Materials, 1878-1978
Includes graduation ceremonies programs list of student art exhibits; catalogue of courses of study; statement of philosophy
and long-term plans written by principal John Potts, 1947; constitution of the Avery Administrative Council; photograph (possibly
of 1978 class reunion); a floor plan regarding repairs to Avery building; a flyer entitled "News from Avery Institute"; and two teacher blurbs.
Box 3 Folder 3.9
Non-Avery Materials, 1943-1951
Includes News and Courier clippings regarding black voting in Charleston and race relations, segregation, and racism. Two
issues of Scholastic Roto -- The High School World in Picture and Paragraph.
The nature of the Avery Research Center's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may
be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Avery Research Center claims only physical ownership
of most archival materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright
law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of
copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be
fully credited with the source.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Avery Normal Institute Records, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
Processing Information
Processed by Jessica Lancia, 2006
Encoded by Melissa Bronheim, July 2010
Edited by Melissa Bronheim, July 2010, and Amanda Ross, January 2011
