Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society (OEDGS) was founded in 1985 and chartered as a chapter member of the South Carolina Genealogical Society on January 6, 1985.  For a number of years, OEDGS has been the largest genealogical society in South Carolina, with members in 40 states.

The purpose of the OEDGS is to promote genealogical and historical research in Old Edgefield District.  To this end, the Society maintains a large collection of newspapers (both hard copies and microfilm); many Old Edgefield County records, such as probate records (wills and deeds), censuses and mortality tables.  There is an extensive collection of family histories as well, with new titles being acquired regularly.  Many of these histories were donated by the authors or by family members.
 

OEDGS also has over 1,000 surname files available to researchers, which contain Bible records, newspaper clippings, letters, lineage charts, diary excerpts, and other information.  The Society also has subject files, which include church histories, cemetery surveys, information on historic homes and communities, etc.  The Society welcomes additional material from members and researchers to add to these collections.

On the shelf is a vast amount of information on other South Carolina counties as well as other states, especially the southern states.  In addition, there are general books on period history, such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Reconstruction.  OEDGS is a non-profit organization supported by memberships, donations, and sale of publications.  [The Internal Revenue Code, Section 501 (3) allows tax deductions for the value of materials donated to the Chapter.]

OEDGS records are housed in the Tompkins Memorial Library located at 104 Courthouse Square in Edgefield, South Carolina.  The library is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays), and by appointment.  For more information, call 803-637-4010.