Vision
We envision Willington as a thriving historic campus where preserved buildings serve as active, welcoming spaces filled with learning, creativity, and community pride.
Our goal is a fully restored and expanded collection of historic structures working together as a unified destination — a place where diverse stories are honored, heritage is preserved, and neighbors gather with purpose.
Through responsible growth and long-term stewardship, we aim to create a sustainable model of rural revitalization that strengthens community identity and inspires future generations.
Mission
Willington on the Way exists to preserve, restore, and activate our historic campus of late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings as a living center for education, culture, and community life.
We are committed to safeguarding the architectural heritage of Willington — including our Bookshop, History Center, Curiosity Shop, African-American Center, Old Post Office, and surrounding historic structures — while thoughtfully expanding our footprint to secure additional buildings for community use.
Our mission is not simply to maintain old buildings, but to breathe life into them — using these spaces to host educational programs, exhibits, local history initiatives, cultural events, and collaborative community projects.
We steward these properties as shared community assets, ensuring they remain vibrant centers of learning, storytelling, and civic engagement for generations to come.
History
Willington is a charming hamlet located in northwest McCormick County located along the Nature Route of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Willington was the home of the Willington Academy which educated many of the South's early leaders including eleven governors, three vice presidents and several college presidents.
A railroad was built to support the community and its burgeoning cotton industry. At the turn of the 20th Century, the town boasted 13 stores, a livery stable, doctor's office and post office. The area began to fade during the Great Depression and by the mid 1990's the town was named one of "Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites in South Carolina." by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Willington on the Way, a non-profit organization, was established by Sara Jeungst, to save and renovate buildings in the community. The Willington Bookshop is the heart of the “Book Village.” The Bookshop, along with private and charitable donations, supports the History Center and the continuing maintenance of the historic buildings.
The History Center now includes local genealogical resources and historical artifacts. The History Center also schedules and conducts tours of the Daniel P. Juengst Railroad and Post Office Building and the African American Cultural Center.
Willington retains its small community charm on SC Highway 81, but it enjoys a new lease on life as a Book Village that reflects its origins as a village founded on the values of education.
Our Founder
Reverend Dr. Sara Covin Juengst is a remarkable figure whose passion for history and education has had a lasting impact on Willington, SC. She was born in Willington on January 15, 1931 and is a French Huguenot descendent.
Sara and her husband Daniel returned to Willington for retirement. They along with Bob Edmonds, of the McCormick County Historical Commission, undertook the restoration project by forming Willington on the Way, an independent not-for-profit corporation to receive funding and donations.
In 2000, they founded the Historic Willington Bookshop, the Willington History Center, and the Willington African American Cultural Center, creating spaces that honor the region’s rich history and cultural diversity. Through her vision, these institutions preserve the stories of Willington's past, including the village’s African American heritage and the contributions of its people. Her dedication to community, storytelling, and education continues to inspire residents and visitors alike, making her a key figure in the preservation of Willington’s legacy.
Reverend Dr. Sara Covin Juengst made a significant contribution to the revitalization of Willington, SC, by securing grants and money from friends, family and descendants of the Huguenots, to renovate seven historic brick buildings and two wood-frame buildings. Her efforts were key to preserving the historical architecture and transforming it into a hub for cultural education. Through their leadership, these buildings have created vibrant spaces for the community to explore local history, culture and education.
SC House of Representative’s congratulates Dr. Sara Covin Juengst