Vision Statement

In our vision for the future of the W. W. Law Research and Preservation Center, we are working to create an archival repository around the W. W. Law collection, and geared toward celebrating almost two centuries of low country African American experiences.

After four decades of NAACP activism, this humanitarian embarked on a campaign of historic preservation involving Laurel Grove Cemetery South, and created the King Tisdale Cottage, Negro Heritage Trail Tour, Beach Institute, Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum and the Black Heritage Festival. Simultaneously W. W. Law amassed holdings that represent his vast interest and efforts to eliminate inequality and promote universal justice.

The Law collection is distinguished by over a-half-century of NAACP documents, including correspondence with major regional and international figures among whom are Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Roy Wilkins, Thurgood Marshall, as well as Daisy Bates of Little Rock nine fame. Correspondence with local and State elected officials such as segregationist Governor Lester Maddox and former President Jimmy Carter accentuate the value of this collection.

The W. W. Law Research and Preservation Center will also provide access to artifacts representing low country culture, an assortment of rare nineteenth century periodicals, five thousand books including numerous signed first editions, several hundred pieces of original art, signed limited edition prints and popular iconic reproductions. In addition to compiling important African American oral histories, this twentieth century visionary also amassed one of the region’s most eclectic music collections.

The W. W. Law Research and Preservation Center is committed to using state of the art technology to translate W. W. Law’s many interest into an interactive experience intended to expose local, regional, national and international patrons to the life work of a man Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the most important civil right figure in the South. The Research and Preservation Center will offer interactive educational exhibits designed to peak and engage the curiosity of children, while allowing adults to witness the world as seen by W. W. Law.

A student of history and a consummate collector, W. W. Law’s legacy will be used to immerse patrons in a world of political and civic leadership, civil rights activism and historic preservation. Ultimately, W. W. Law’s life serves as a metaphor for the potential each of us has to make change.