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SALUDA—The Historic Saluda Committee has just announced its transition into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, now named Historic Saluda, Inc. The committee is currently halfway through the paperwork process and has received its Articles of Incorporation.

Since its inception in 2010, the HSC has played a pivotal role as an advisory committee to the City of Saluda. It has spearheaded numerous projects and raised awareness of the town’s rich historical heritage. Over the past 15 years, the HSC has championed historic preservation efforts, laying a solid groundwork for future initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper connection to Saluda’s vibrant past.

Cindy Stephenson Tuttle, the president of Historic Saluda, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating that it marks a significant step toward expanding the organization’s mission. 

“We believe the time is right to grow further and strengthen our mission by transitioning into a nonprofit organization,” Tuttle said. “This change opens exciting opportunities for us, including the fulfillment of our longstanding dream of creating a museum to celebrate and share Saluda’s fascinating history.”

Among the HSC’s achievements has been the collection and preservation of oral histories from Saluda’s residents. These compelling narratives will play a key role in the proposed museum, bringing the town’s history to life in a way that resonates with both residents and visitors. More details about the museum’s development are expected to be announced in the near future.

The vision for the museum is clear. It will honor Saluda’s expansive history, from the early settlers who established Pace’s Gap, now known as Saluda, to the many individuals and families who have enriched the community. Notably, several board members of the new organization are direct descendants of the early settlers, offering a personal connection to the town’s historical narrative.

Thanks to the generous contributions of community members, Historic Saluda, Inc. has already established a solid foundation for the museum. The organization has preserved many photographs, documents, and artifacts, which have been digitized and archived for safekeeping at the local library. 

“Archiving remains a top priority, and we can’t wait to share these treasures with everyone,” Tuttle added.

The team behind Historic Saluda, Inc. envisions the museum as a communal space for the people of Saluda, an area to enjoy, support, and nurture, ensuring that the town’s legacy is honored for generations to come. 

Tuttle extended her heartfelt thanks to the community, saying, “Thank you for believing in our mission and for being a vital part of preserving Saluda’s history. Together, we’ll ensure that our town’s story continues to be told for years to come.” 

For more information and ongoing updates, follow Historic Saluda, Inc. on Facebook.