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There is an urgency of remembering our history, our roots. In our fast paced world we often forget the past, our roots, and our heritage.

Dr. Virginia Schafer, a new resident of Winnsboro, is looking for original photos and stories for her book, The Local Legends of Fairfield County, South Carolina.

The book publisher is Arcadia Press, one of the leading history book publishers in the U.S.

“I want the book to focus on the unsung heroes of the county, which of course includes areas such as Blythewood, Ridgeway, Blair, Blackstock, and other areas that covers land from the Wateree to Lake Monticello,” said Schafer.

“There are so many stories and legends that have not been told and even though this is mostly a picture book; a picture can portray a thousand words.

Many folks have the family photos in a shoebox stashed in the closet and soon these boxes and memories may be forgotten. This book is just one way to preserve and share these memories.”

As a doctor and a professional medical writer, putting together a history book was a different genre from her usual health-related publications.

“But it was meant to be.” Schafer said. “I had joined the South Carolina Writers Workshop, the state writing organization, and received an email about a need for ‘Legend’ books about South Carolina.”

After communicating with the editor and publisher, Schafer got the contract and decided to write about Fairfield County because of one of her old patients, Carroll Pope.

“He had such fantastic and interesting stories about the area where he grew up.

The unique story about this historic place was so intriguing.

I wanted to learn more and finally picked Fairfield County as my subject matter.”

This spawned an introduction to Pelham Lyles of the Fairfield County Museum who provided many resources and introductions.

“I fell in love with the county, the people and their proud heritage.

I was so excited that we even bought a historic home in downtown Winnsboro.” Schafer added.

“I look forward to getting this book together and learning more about the people in Fairfield County, their stories and history.

I also look forward to getting involved in the community activities and organizations such as the Fairfield County Museum. “The Smithsonian Exhibit, New Harmonies, Celebrating Americana Music, is just one example of how we can share our knowledge and stories about our ‘root’ heritage,” she said.

This exhibit is in its final weeks at the Fairfield County Museum in Winnsboro and more information can be obtained by calling 635-9811.

Original Photos can also be scanned and returned directly to the individual at the museum Tuesday through Saturday or by calling Virginia Schafer at 1-800-381-2306.