Palmetto Education Association

Front: Founded in 1900 as the S.C. State Teachers Association, and known from 1918-1953 as the Palmetto State Teachers Association, the Palmetto Education Association (PEA) was a state-wide professional association for African American teachers and public school employees. In 1947 the PEA purchased a house at this site to serve as their first permanent headquarters. The building was razed in 1957 and a new headquarters was built here. Reverse: The Palmetto Education Association pressured for equitable salaries, working conditions, and professional development for African American teachers. They also worked to improve schools and curricula for African American students. In 1968 the PEA merged with the formerly all-white S.C. Education Association and moved from this location. The building that stands here today was PEA headquarters from 1957-68.