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Double Parlors
The double parlors are a product of the 1830s renovations. The original central hallway was replaced with moveable mahogany pocket
doors that could be adjusted to create two intimate rooms or one grand entertaining room. At the same time, the front door was
moved to the Elizabeth Street side of the house, where one now comes in through the marble entrance. The interior was also updated with
new door surrounds, mantles, gilded mirrors and torchieres.
The furniture in the room also dates from the 1830s and exemplifies the American Empire style. It was made in New York and retailed
in Charleston. The furnishings on display are family pieces and were used in this house.
The large portrait dominating the second parlor depicts Harriet Lowndes Aiken, the wife of William Aiken. Jr. and one of Charleston's
leading hostesses. The well-educated Mrs. Aiken spoke four languages and played several musical instruments. She was the ninth of eleven
children born to Thomas and Sarah Lowndes. Her father was a politician who served in the state and national legislatures, although he had
retired from politics by the time Harriet was born. George Whiting Flagg completed Harriet's portrait in 1858 when she was 45 years old
and at the height of antebellum Charleston society.
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LOCATION
48 Elizabeth Street, two blocks from the Charleston Visitor Center.
Click the map above for Driving Directions.
RESTORATION UPDATES
2008 MUSEUM SPONSOR
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Saturday : 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Sunday : 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Last tour begins at 4:15 p.m.
Features the only "audio tour" in Charleston
PURCHASE TICKETS
$10 or visit both the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House for $16. Tickets may be purchased at either site.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
GIRL SCOUT OPPORTUNITIES
Learn more about earning credits toward your Local Lore Patch.
INFORMATION
Phone: (843) 723-1159
Email: vperry@historiccharleston.org
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