The Anderson County Musuem will induct William “Bill” T. Lander, Jr. into the Museum Hall of Fame on Tuesday, September 10 at 5:30 pm. The public is invited.
Born into a family of South Carolina educators, William “Bill” T. Lander, Jr. quickly learned the importance of quality education and absorbed his family’s dedication to service in public schools. The Williamston, native was the grandson of Samuel Lander, founder of Williamston Female College (later Lander University), and the son of William T. and Susan Rumph Lander. Lander believed that education was a never-ending process. He studied at Wofford College and earned his master’s degree through Clemson University. Other graduate work was completed at Emory University and the University of South Carolina.
Lander served in the Counterintelligence Corps of the US Army during World War II in the Pacific. Men in his command were directly responsible for the capture of Admiral Shimada (the Japanese Naval commander who planned and oversaw the attack on Pearl Harbor), Tojo (Japanese Prime Minister) and Tokyo Rose (Iva D’Aquino). Reaching the rank of Major, Lander was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.
From 1955 to 1961 he held the position of Principal at Williamston Elementary School. From 1961 until his passing, he served as Superintendent of the South Carolina Opportunity School. The school integrated in 1965, notably ahead of most other schools in the state.
Lander was active in civic affairs and served the Grace Methodist Church in Williamston as a member of the laity. He served on the Anderson Memorial Hospital board and was a member of the Lions’ Club and Williamston Community Chest. Importantly, he was supported and assisted in his work by his wife, the former Olive Fuller. Lander was laid to rest in the Williamston City Cemetery after his passing in March of 1968.
The Hall of Fame recipient is nominated by the museum Advisory Committee which is appointed by the County Council. Nominees must be deceased for at least ten years before they are eligible to be submitted. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. on September 10th followed by a reception. Both are open to the public.
The award-winning Anderson County Museum is celebrating 41 years of preserving the history and heritage of Anderson County and South Carolina. Located at 202 East Greenville Street in downtown Anderson, the museum is handicap accessible and admission free. The Fred Whitten Gallery and Whitner’s Mercantile 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. For more information, contact the Museum at (864) 260-4737.
