Rev. Samuel Lander to be inducted into Museum Hall of Fame

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samuel-landerWilliamston Female College founder

Methodist clergyman Samuel Lander II (1833-1904) has been selected as the 2016 Hall of Fame Class by the Advisory Committee of the Anderson County Museum (ACM.) Since 2003 the Museum has inducted 32 deserving individuals into the ACM Hall of Fame in recognition of their contributions to Anderson County and South Carolina.

Lander founded the Williamston Female Academy in 1873. Located in Williamston, the purpose of the institution was to provide equality in education for women. Lander emphasized merit and academic honesty. His approach to women’s education was considered pioneer in its day, especially his belief both genders should have access to success but not without hard work.

The City of Greenwood offered to build a new location for the college in 1903. Lander agreed and hired additional faculty to expand with the move. However, he died before the move was complete on July 14, 1904, and was buried in the Williamston Town Cemetery.

The new college opened that September and was dubbed Lander College after its founder. The Methodist Church relinquished control of the college to Greenwood County in 1948 – and became a state supported school in 1972.

In 1992, the school became Lander University and carries on Samuel Lander’s tradition of training young people to be lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.

“Rev. Lander was known as a first rate scholar and lifelong learner. He was “ahead of his time” in wanting to provide equality in education for women” said museum Executive Director Beverly Childs. “We are thrilled to honor Rev. Lander and his accomplishments in the education field.”

Lander was chosen by the Hall of Fame committee of the ACM Advisory Committee who are appointed by the Anderson County Council. The committee made their selection from more than 28 applications. Nominees must be deceased at least 10 years before they are eligible to be nominated. Rev. Lander II was nominated by former Advisory Committee member Olive Lander Wilson.

A ceremony and reception will be held in his honor at the Museum on November 15th at 6 p.m. The reception and ceremony are free and open to the public.

Applications are now available for the 2017 Hall of Fame at the ACM or on the ACM Website www.andersoncountymuseum.org.

The Anderson County Museum is at 202 East Greenville Street, in downtown Anderson.

The Fred Whitten Gallery and Museum store hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Roper Research Room is open 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and by appointment with the Curator.

ACM is handicap accessible and admission is free. Donations are always welcome. For more information, contact the Museum at (864) 260-4737.