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Matching Funds Needed for Match Challenge Grant for Aiken-Rhett Conservation Effort
Save America's Treasures, an innovative federal funding partnership, has awarded Charleston's historic Aiken-Rhett House, c. 1818, a prestigious $225,000 grant in support of the property's future conservation. Each SAT award encourages private sector investment with the requirement of a one-to-one match with non-federal funds. Those who wish to support crucial conservation efforts at the Aiken-Rhett House through a donation may call 843-724-8496 or email Lela Agnew, Director of Development.

Listed as a "contributing property" in Charleston's Old and Historic District, the Aiken-Rhett site includes a Greek Revival residence and a remarkable array of historic service buildings and slaves' quarters.

"This grant will allow us to take the first steps in a major new conservation effort we have undertaken following a comprehensive three-year study made possible by the late Theodore Maybank, a descendant of the Aiken family," said Kitty Robinson, Historic Charleston Foundation's Executive Director.

The recently awarded Save America's Treasures Grant will require a one-to-one match with non-federal funds. Photo Credit: Bill Struhs

The grant will primarily support exterior weatherproofing of the house. A stone-colored lime wash finish will be applied to the stucco, which will restore the façade to its 1858-1860 appearance. Shutters, windows and doors will also be restored, which will in turn help conserve the historic masonry.

Save America's Treasures announced $14,500,000 in grants through the congressionally appropriated program to 35 historic properties and sites and 25 nationally significant collections of artifacts, documents and artistic works. The partnership had received 390 applications in 2004.

"Our historic buildings, art and writings are the storehouse of America's memory and values," said First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. "The grants provided by Save America's Treasures will help preserve these so that we can pass on this critical legacy and teach our young people the story of this nation."

The Save America's Treasures partnership includes the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the National Park Service, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

"We are very proud to have received this award," said Kitty Robinson, Executive Director of Historic Charleston Foundation, "The Aiken-Rhett House is an American treasure here in the midst of our urban landscape, and we will continue to share it with the public and to interpret the powerful stories of the Aiken and Rhett families and of the African-American families who lived there."

In recognition of its historical significance and rare state of conservation, the Aiken-Rhett House has been the recipient of significant grants and bequests in past years from noted supporters including the Joanna Fund, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Community Foundation, the Ehmann Fund, the Ceres Foundation, and the S.C. Dept. of Archives and History, as well as generous private donors.