WINNSBORO – “The Olde English tourism district is proud to announce Fairfield County Museum’s Eddie Killian as the 2024 Hospitality Employee of the Year Award recipient. Killian’s outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the Fairfield County Museum’s genealogical research library have made a lasting impact on both the community and visitors from across the region,” said Jenny Parrish, Executive Director of the Olde English District.
The award seeks to celebrate and honor front-line staff who exhibit exceptional service within the tourism industry. The award is given annually and coordinated and co-sponsored by the South Carolina Area Tourism Regions (SCATR) and the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT).
“The research library, under Eddie’s supervision and direction since 2011, has expanded the mission of the historic museum concept and increased public use of the county facility, attracting numbers of local citizens and visitors from out of town, plus expanding the operation’s outreach to online presence,” wrote Pelham Lyles, Director of the Fairfield County Museum. “When researching visitors come to the Museum, so do their dollars come to local eateries, lodgings, and gas stations, as well as to other shops in the area.”
Through Killian’s leadership, the research library has grown exponentially. He has spearheaded major projects alongside volunteers, including the acquisition and organization of significant genealogy collections, microfilm records, and donations from regional archives. Killian has also played a pivotal role in digitizing Fairfield County courthouse records dating back to 1787, collaborating with historian Ken Shelton to make these records accessible online.
“Eddie’s dedication embodies the very essence of hospitality—welcoming visitors, sharing knowledge, and preserving our region’s rich history,” said Jenny Parrish, Executive Director of the Olde English District. “His efforts not only enhance the experience of those who visit Fairfield County but also contribute to the overall economic impact of heritage tourism in the Olde English District. We’re thrilled to see his hard work recognized with this well-deserved honor.”
As the regional winner, Killian’s nomination will now be submitted for statewide competition for the South Carolina Hospitality Employee of the Year Award. The recipient of this prestigious statewide honor will be announced at the Governor’s National Travel & Tourism Week Press Conference in Columbia.
