The Post and Courier reported that the Center for African American History, Art and Culture has designated its second-floor event space as the Larry and Audrey Ogletree Room in honor of the couple’s extensive contributions to the institution’s development and mission. Larry Ogletree, who served on the board, provided key input on infrastructure upgrades to the historic building during a 2019 briefing covered by the Aiken Standard. Audrey Ogletree supported those efforts throughout their 63-year marriage, as detailed in her husband’s obituary published by the Aiken Standard following his death on May 19, 2026.
Center records show the facility occupies the former Immanuel Institute, a Victorian structure built in 1889 by the Rev. W.R. Coles as a church and school for freed enslaved people after he arrived in Aiken in 1881. The Post and Courier noted that renovations wrapped up in 2021 thanks to backing from corporate sponsors, local governments and private donors before the City of Aiken assumed oversight in 2022 and appointed Juanita Campbell as executive director. That same year the center joined the National Park Service’s Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, according to agency listings.
A 2019 Post and Courier article on the Aiken Together fundraising drive identified Larry Ogletree as an active participant who helped secure a $250,000 state contribution toward the center along with two other heritage sites. State Rep. Bill Clyburn, who co-chaired the campaign, stated at the time that the initiative aimed to raise $2 million by 2020 and had already collected pledges from more than 160 donors. Ogletree also founded the Friendship Community Corporation, a nonprofit that focused on housing needs in the area, as recalled in funeral tributes compiled by the Aiken Standard.
The second-floor room, which includes a catering kitchen, pine floors and an original fireplace, can seat 80 guests at tables or 120 in auditorium configuration for lectures, exhibits and receptions, according to earlier Post and Courier descriptions of the venue. Campbell has outlined plans for permanent displays that trace African roots, the Middle Passage and Aiken-specific achievements, she told the newspaper during a 2023 Juneteenth preview. A Gullah culture exhibit opened there in October 2024 with a free reception that featured historian Wayne O’Bryant leading discussions, the center announced at the time.
Post and Courier coverage indicated the naming reflects the Ogletrees’ role in sustaining the center’s educational programs, which have included Civil Rights photography shows, live music events and community open houses that draw hundreds of visitors each year. The center’s location at 120 York St. N.E. remains open for public tours, with additional details available through its social media pages or by calling 803-502-4857, officials stated. Larry Ogletree’s surviving family includes son Vincent Ogletree, sister Eloise Turk and grandchildren Booker and Kaiya Cusaac.
