The department's State Historic Preservation Office works with individuals and communities to identify recognize and preserve structures and sites that have played a part in South Carolina's history. In May 1998, the department moved into its new home, the Archives and History Center. The new building was designed to reflect architectural elements found throughout the state. The courtyard garden was designed to symbolically represent the three major geographical regions of the state. The Courtyard Garden at the South Carolina Archives and History Center provides additional space for events, while characterizing another historical aspect of South Carolina.
Visitors can stroll through the garden while taking a break from the reference room.
Groups renting the meeting spaces inside can reserve the garden for lunches or receptions. A brick walkway meanders through trees such as oaks and dogwoods and through flowering azaleas, hydrangeas and evergreens. Beds of perennials, annuals and bulbs provide seasonal color. Trees found in the garden include redbud, dogwood, crape myrtle, water oak and white oak. Two of the trees were special gifts from local organizations.