Lander University founder Rev. Samuel Lander II will be inducted into the Anderson County Museum Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.
The public is invited to the induction ceremony and the following reception honoring Lander. Admission is free.
The Hall of Fame committee of the Anderson County Museum Advisory Committee selected Lander from a lengthy list of nominees in recognition of his contributions to Anderson County and South Carolina.
In 1872, Lander, a Methodist clergyman, founded Williamston Female College in Williamston and served as its president until his death. He is buried in Williamston Town Cemetery.
Prior to his death, he agreed to move Williamston Female College to Greenwood. Renamed in his honor, it opened in September 1904, two months after he was laid to rest. It remained a women's college until 1943, when men were first admitted.
According to Beverly Childs, executive director of the Anderson County Museum, Samuel Lander was ahead of his time in wanting to provide equality in education for women. "We are thrilled to honor Rev. Lander and his accomplishments in the education field," she said.
Lander is actually the second member of his family to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. His grandson, Samuel Lander Prince, a prominent attorney who served as dean of the University of South Carolina School of Law, is already in.
Prince was not the only descendant of Samuel Lander to distinguish himself in the professional world. Many others followed his example of service and became preachers, teachers, scientists and professors.
Retired professor and Lander University Trustee Dr. DeWitt Stone, Jr. said he is pleased to have his great-grandfather honored by the Anderson County Museum. "He was a true Renaissance man, with interests in mathematics, science, languages and religion.
His life was one of service to his church and to the education of young women. He made a difference in this portion of South Carolina," he said.
Laura Lander, the youngest great-grandchild of Samuel Lander, said that family members are hopeful that Margaret Scheibler, the last surviving grandchild, will be able to attend the ceremony. Scheibler celebrated her 104th birthday this spring.
Laura Lander, who was named after Samuel Lander's wife, said that "the whole family is delighted that this is happening. We have all felt that Dr. Sam's contributions to Anderson County and the state were worth noting." She said her great-grandfather "was a pioneer in many ways."