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© Historic Charleston Foundation
Historic Charleston Foundation is an advocacy organization advancing the mission of historic preservation. As historic preservation has evolved into more than a movement to simply save historic buildings, the Foundation has broadened its scope into balancing the needs of modern society with protecting the sensitive fabric of the historic district.
Our mission is to advocate for a future for Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community
Pictured Above: Deborah Edwards on the porch of her newly renovated Freedmans Cottage in the North Central Neighborhood. Through its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, HCF and the City of Charleston preserved this historically significant structure.
We advocate for all neighborhoods, parks, gardens, historic buildings and the memories they’re made of – and help make the vital decisions that move us all forward.
Why We PreservePreservation in Action
The goal of the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative is to stabilize neighborhoods by securing the future of their historic structures and community.
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Easements are a successful tool that help protect a historic property by safeguarding its historic character, materials and significance.
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We were the first organization in the country to develop a revolving fund as a preservation strategy.
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We’ve been at the forefront of efforts to protect the nationally significant historic Ashley River Corridor and lead the expansion of the National Register-designated Ashley River Historic District from approximately 7,000 to 24,000 acres.
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To protect the cultural character of our neighborhoods, we’ve embarked upon a housing affordability initiative.
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Archaeological digs help answer questions about Charleston’s history that documentary records alone cannot provide.
Read MoreAiken-Rhett House & Nathaniel Russell House
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2023-2024 Art & Architecture Study Series is comprised of four individual programs: three lectures and one off site excursion each program may be attended individually or all four for a...
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'Tis the season! Join us for a holiday inspired tour of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, spruced up and illuminated by candlelight, the way the Russells would have lit the...
Buy Tickets'Tis the season! Join us for a holiday inspired tour of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, spruced up and illuminated by candlelight, the way the Russells would have lit the...
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At the November 14 Charleston County Council meeting there were two major amendment proposals brought before council. First was the reconsideration of a previously overturned amendment to the Charleston County…
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by Anne Blessing, Board Chair, and Winslow Hastie, HCF President & CEO, November 28, 2023 Last year, Historic Charleston Foundation celebrated 75 years of pioneering advocacy, preservation and education in…
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*** Link to a pdf version for you to save/download: Sales Policy and Guide to The Charleston Festival Sales Policy and Guide to The Charleston Festival (previously the Festival of…
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