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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
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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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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Archaeological digs help answer questions about Charleston’s history that documentary records alone cannot provide.
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To protect the cultural character of our neighborhoods, we’ve embarked upon a housing affordability initiative.
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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.
Read MoreAiken-Rhett House & Nathaniel Russell House
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There's something about an early evening tour by candlelight through the iconic Aiken-Rhett House in the fall. Experience the ambiance of this preserved-as-found antebellum house and its outbuildings including the...
Buy TicketsThere's something about an early evening tour by candlelight through the iconic Aiken-Rhett House in the fall. Experience the ambiance of this preserved-as-found antebellum house and its outbuildings including the...
Buy TicketsThere's something about an early evening tour by candlelight through the iconic Aiken-Rhett House in the fall. Experience the ambiance of this preserved-as-found antebellum house and its outbuildings including the...
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Unpacking the Army Corps Peninsula Seawall Draft Final Report View Historic Charleston Foundation’s webinar with the Army Corps project team and city leadership to help you understand what is…
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The Opportunity with Historic Charleston Foundation Located in Charleston, SC, consistently ranked as a top travel destination and a highly desirable place to live and work, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF)…
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After original architectural details at the Nathaniel Russell House Kitchen House were found remarkably intact under multiple layers of modern material, certain questions arose surrounding its mostly unaltered condition. Did…
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