Dr. Anne Peden of Greenville, SC, attended Hollis Elementary and Alan-Woodside High School. She attended Erskine College for a single year, subsequently earning a bachelor’s degree in English and Fine Arts from Clemson University. She went on to earn her Masters from Furman University and her PhD from Clemson University, both in English and Fine Arts. She taught elementary school for several years before moving on to teach at Greenville Middle School. In 2008, she began working in the field of historic preservation. In addition to education, she has also worked as a preservationist and local historian. She is the founder and current chair of the Piedmont Historical Preservation Society.
Dr. Peden’s mother, a teacher herself, was very influential in her life. Growing up, her parents and friends told her she was a natural learner and encouraged her to accomplish things on her own. Penny Forester, a librarian in Greenville, acted as Anne’s mentor and friend and taught her about research, data, and information. Currently, Dr. Peden is working for the Piedmont Historical Preservation Society as well as other organizations, helping to preserve history.
Interviewed by: Edwin Waters, USC Upstate
