Protecting Our Past
Championing Our Future

We lead the way in preserving Charleston's heritage through our Preservation initiatives, Advocacy efforts, and House Museums. Experience our mission firsthand at the Aiken-Rhett and Nathaniel Russell Houses, showcasing Charleston's rich history.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advocate for a future for Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community.

Our History & Values
Advocacy
Advocacy Issues
Experience HIstory
House Museums
The past is everywhere you look in Charleston – triumphs and tragedies, beauty and brutality, infused in art and architecture and etched in stone. Preserved, and restored, step through the door to be transported back in time. 
Aiken-Rhett House
Preserved “as-found”, a stark example of the wealthy vs. the urban enslaved, c.1820s.
Visit
Nathaniel Russell House
Restored to c.1808, a National Historic Landmark with ongoing archaeology.
Visit
PReservation Programs

Common Cause Loan Fund

Events & Programming

Experience Historic Charleston

Dive deeper into Charleston’s history through House Museum tours, Foundation programs and annual fundraising events.
Parties
Let's Talk Tourism: Coffee and Conversation with HCF Advocacy Team I
Let's Talk Tourism: Coffee and Conversation with HCF Advocacy Team I
Grab a cup of coffee at HCF's headquarters, the Captain James Missroon House, and hear directly from HCF's advocacy staff on where the City’s planning process stands, what the Foundation is watching, and how residents can weigh in before the City's survey closes. Bring your questions. This is a drop-in conversation, where HCF aims to capture your input.
Aug 25
9:00 am
Tickets
Parties
Let's Talk Tourism: Coffee and Conversation with HCF Advocacy Team II
Let's Talk Tourism: Coffee and Conversation with HCF Advocacy Team II
Grab a cup of coffee at HCF's headquarters, the Captain James Missroon House, and hear directly from HCF's advocacy staff on where the City’s planning process stands, what the Foundation is watching, and how residents can weigh in before the City's survey closes. Bring your questions. This is a drop-in conversation, where HCF aims to capture your input.
Sep 15
9:00 am
Tickets
Parties
Family Day at the Aiken-Rhett House
Family Day at the Aiken-Rhett House
Historic Charleston Foundation invites you to Family Day at the Aiken-Rhett House on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Enjoy live music, BBQ, a petting zoo, indigo dyeing, games, and a scavenger hunt while exploring Charleston history. Proceeds support Historic Charleston Foundation and preservation of the Aiken-Rhett House Museum. Tickets are required—don't miss this fun family event!
Oct 3
3:00 pm
Tickets
Parties
Fall Gala 2026
Fall Gala 2026
Save the date for the 2026 Fall Gala on Thursday, October 22 at The Harborside Garden at 40 East Bay, overlooking the Charleston harbor.
Oct 22
6:00 pm
Tickets
Parties
PreserVISIONist Soiree 2026
PreserVISIONist Soiree 2026
Save the date for October 23rd for the most anticipated PreserVISIONist event of the year! For the first time ever, we'll be at the Capt. James Missroon House overlooking the Charleston battery.
Oct 23
7:00 pm
Tickets
Parties
Holiday Candlelight Tours at the Nathaniel Russell House
Holiday Candlelight Tours at the Nathaniel Russell House
Celebrate the season with a candlelight tour of the Nathaniel Russell House, where Charleston’s post-colonial elite marked the holidays in 1808. Tickets required, four tours each night.
Nov 20
5:30 pm
Tickets

Get Involved

From the Foundation

Stay up to date

Dive deeper into ongoing initiatives, our House Museums and advocacy issues directly from Historic Charleston Foundation.