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The Library
The Aikens owned almost 2000 volumes that covered a wide range of subject matter, including the popular novels of the day.
Many of these were anonymously published in serial form. The Aikens also collected classic works by writers like Shakespeare
and Voltaire. There are also books covering maritime history, the American Revolution and the French Revolution, as well as
compilations of Confederate government records, travel guides and religious texts. The Aikens purchased many of their books
during their "grand tours" of Europe. Many of the texts are in foreign languages like French, German and Italian.
For conservation reasons, the majority of the Aikens' extensive collection is housed in climate-controlled archives. They
comprise a great research tool, particularly because family members wrote their names, the dates, and where they purchased the
books inside the covers, which helps us trace their travels in Europe.
Engraved portraits, printed in 1852, hang on the walls of the Library. They portray three of the leading statesmen of Governor
Aiken's day, John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, and Henry Clay. These famous politicians were known as the "Great Triumvirate."
They were at the forefront of the debate during the first half of the nineteenth century over states' rights, slavery and the expansion of the United States.
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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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