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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.
Communities must be vibrant to survive. With vibrancy comes inevitable growth and development. Our mission is to address modern society’s needs – mobility and transportation, tourism, livability and growth – while protecting and preserving the architecture and material culture of Charleston and its Lowcountry environs. Historic Charleston Foundation champions the historic authenticity, cultural character and livability of the Charleston region through advocacy, stewardship and community engagement. The Foundation envisions a livable Charleston that honors its historic places, its people and its culture.
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
Easements are a successful tool that help protect a historic property by safeguarding its historic character, materials and significance.
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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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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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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.
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We were the first organization in the country to develop a revolving fund as a preservation strategy.
Read MoreAiken-Rhett House & Nathaniel Russell House
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The fabulous Opening Night Party kicks off the second annual Illumination Charleston weekend. Join incredible event co-chairs, Jaimie Dewberry and Alex Malloy, in another over-the-top evening. Enjoy creative cocktails and...
Buy TicketsHistoric Charleston Foundation invited a select group of designers and artisans to create site-specific vignettes throughout the historic Aiken-Rhett House Museum, ca. 1820s. On display for one weekend only -...
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Jim Martin, Director of Horticulture, Magnolia Plantations 'Tis the season to welcome guests for the holidays! Join us for a holiday inspired workshop at the historic Aiken-Rhett House Museum. Allow...
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Charleston Tourism Forum, recorded October 18, 2022Historic Charleston Foundation was proud to host a community tourism forum, along with the City of Charleston, SC Government and Explore Charleston, on Tuesday,…
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At the Board of Architectural Review Meeting on October 12, BOTH preservation groups, The Preservation Society of Charleston, and Historic Charleston Foundation stood together in opposition to the proposed development…
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2023 Festival Dates: March 15 – April 16, 2023 WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Updated: October 2022 Thank you for your patronage of the Festival of Houses and Gardens,…
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