USC celebrates 200th birthday of preservationist

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The A. C. Moore Herbarium in Columbia is holding an all-day symposium to honor of the 200th birthday of South Carolina preservationist Henry William Ravenel.

University of South Carolina spokesman Jeff Stensland says the event is being held Saturday in the Currell College auditorium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ravenel is known around the world as a 19th century botanist who preserved thousands of plant specimens during his lifetime. Much of the collection was purchased by the university. Portions of his collection are on view at the university's McKissick Museum.

South Carolina naturalist Rudy Mancke opens the event at 9 a.m. with remarks on the importance of preserving natural history.

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