Historic Charleston Foundation - Charter Day Awards

Honoring preservation in the lowcountry and beyond

To commemorate its 1947 founding, HCF honors extraordinary contributions in preserving the Lowcountry's irreplaceable built environment and cultural character.

Each April, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) honors extraordinary contributions in preserving Charleston’s irreplaceable historic built environment and cultural character with its Charter Day Awards. Awards include the Stoney Craftsmanship Award, the Whitelaw Founders Award, the Joseph H. (Peter) Advocacy McGee Award and The Frances R. Edmunds for Historic Preservation.

In 2025, HCF was honored to recognize the following award winners: Meadors, Inc., Rob Robertson and his Montagu St. home, Harrison Malpass and his Rutledge Ave. home, Catfiddle Street, the City of Charleston's Low Battery Seawall, and the Ten Mile Community. Special Recognition awards were presented to Artis Construction and Welch Community Hope. The 2025 Frances R. Edmunds Award honoring exceptional personal achievement and service in historic preservation was presented to Russell Rosen, one of the most highly regarded structural engineers in Charleston for more than 45 years.

The Awards

Joseph H. (Peter) McGee Advocacy Award

In 2023, HCF created the Joseph H. (Peter) McGee Advocacy Award, named for past HCF Chairman and nationally-recognized preservationist, Peter McGee. This award recognizes citizens who devote time, energy, and passion into preserving significant historic places or advocating for public policy that advances the principles of historic preservation, excellent urban design, and community planning.

Stoney Craftsmanship Award

The Stoney Craftsmanship Award recognizes craftspeople who have kept alive Charleston’s tradition of excellence in the building trades.

Whitelaw Founders Award

The Whitelaw Founders Award recognizes individuals, groups, or government entities that actively engage in the long-term preservation of important buildings and places.

The Frances R. Edmunds Award for Historic Preservation

The Frances R. Edmunds Award for Historic Preservation is the Foundation’s highest honor and only presented on special occasions to recognize exceptional personal achievement in the field of historic preservation and service to our Mission Statement.

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