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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- This month marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Ordinance of Secession.

On December 20, 1860 at the First Baptist Church of Columbia, South Carolina became an independent nation.

Descendents of signers will be recognized at a special event coming up on Sunday.

At 3 p.m. a memorial service will be held at the Department of Archives and History recognizing the 170 signers.

Currently, more than two dozen descendants have been located to participate.

If you're an ancestor and you'd like to take part in the event contact Nita Keisler of the United Daughters of the Confederacy at 803-730-1283.

The program is free to the public.