he staff and trustees of Historic Charleston Foundation are grateful to the more than 600 enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who support the Festival of Houses and Gardens, the Foundation’s largest fundraising effort, each year. In 2008, the Festival will take place from March 13 to April 12. This event provides both visitors and volunteers with the rare opportunity to explore the private gardens and interiors of some of the finest residences in America, and proceeds support HCF’s preservation programs.

We invite you to join our bright, energetic and friendly team  of Festival of Houses and Gardens volunteers. If you wish to volunteer for this year's Festival, please fill out the online Volunteer Card. If you have any questions, call 843-720-1184 or contact the Manager of Volunteer and Public Relations.

Festival Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers are asked to serve for the length of a Festival tour, 3½ hours per day on two separate days, for a total 7-hour tour commitment.

Festival volunteers receive numerous benefits including:

A 20% discount at Foundation Shops from February through April

A complimentary walking tour of the Old and Historic District

An annual pass for themselves and a guest to HCF's museum sites, the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House

A complimentary Festival ticket good for any of the Festival of Houses and Gardens tours (excludes Premier Gardens, Oyster Roasts and Picnics, Plantation Excursion, Harbor Cruise, musical events, Charleston History morning walking tours, Luncheon Lectures, Eat & Run series, and other special events)

Volunteers must commit to both dates of one tour to qualify for a free ticket. Volunteers receive one free ticket for every tour (two dates) they work.

Senior docents and senior street marshals also receive two tickets to a Charleston Symphony Orchestra Performance.

Museum Volunteers