Historic Charleston Foundation
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What We Do
Historic Charleston Foundation is dedicated to preserving and protecting the historical, architectural and cultural character of Charleston and its historic environs, and to educating the public about Charleston's history and the benefits that are derived from preservation.

Through its Neighborhood Impact Initiative, HCF preserves not only specific buildings, but also the historic fabric of Charleston neighborhoods.

The Foundation seeks to achieve this through:
  • active advocacy and participation in community planning;
  • enhancing public awareness and support of preservation through educational programs and heritage tours;
  • conservation and long-term preservation of historically significant properties through purchase and resale, acquisition and rehabilitation, easements, covenants and interpretation;
  • rehabilitating historic neighborhoods and protecting their quality of life;
  • interpreting museum properties and objects of historical significance;
  • providing technical assistance to preservation efforts;
  • identifying objects with a strong association to Charleston and adapting them for educational purposes and reproduction;
  • documenting Charleston's architectural heritage;
  • encouraging the study and publication of historical, archaeological and architectural research;
  • maintaining financial and organizational independence.

One of the great losses of Charleston architectural heritage was the demolition of The Charleston Hotel for a modern motor inn. Images like these underscore the importance of the preservation work HCF does.

The Foundation is funded primarily through its earned income programs, which include the annual Festival of Houses and Gardens and other public programs, royalties earned through the Foundation's Licensed Products program, admissions from the Foundation's two museum houses, and sales from the Foundation shops.

Foundation programs are also augmented by generous contributions from individuals and corporations and through grants from foundations and governmental agencies.