House Museums

Few colors carry as much history as indigo — and few places feel that weight more than Charleston. In “Indigo: Variations in Blue,” curator Tushara Bindu Gude, Ph.D., brings together eight artists to explore indigo as color, pigment, memory, and meaning inside one of the South's most extraordinary historic spaces: the preserved “as-found” Aiken-Rhett House c. 1820. Part of Historic Charleston Foundation's 2026 Festival and events, the exhibit runs from March 18–April 11.

One of the most important jobs in a Museum of any kind is the maintenance and care of its collection items. During the summer, Museum intern Julia Keadle worked with both historic house museums to update collection items and imagery. Read directly from Julia about her summer.

With the help of primary sources, we are able to learn more about the resilient life of Dorcas Richardson (1821-887). Enslaved at the Aiken-Rhett House until the age of 44, Dorcas went on to become the author of her own story, dedicating her life to hundreds of orphaned children and leaving behind a legacy we continue to learn from.

While the John Gough Linen Press is on loan to the DAR Museum in Washington DC, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum will have three models on display including a model of the Bennett Rice Mill following Hurricane Donna.

From Director of Museums, Tracey Todd, learn more about the Nathaniel Russell House's recent feature on Walter Edgar's Journal, and how the house museums are preparing for 2025.

Dive into Charleston’s rich holiday traditions with Director of Museums, Tracey Todd. From the lively 18th-century festivities with fireworks and special meals to the 19th-century introduction of Christmas trees and familiar customs; visit the Nathaniel Russell and Aiken Rhett House museums to see how historic celebrations continue to inspire the season today.

Charleston-based artist, David Boatwright, is known for his iconic murals but thi fall, he's bringing a new body of work to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum for a temporary art exhibit titled, "Tht's ALL Folks!"

An update on the Nathaniel Russell Kitchen House Project and artifacts found in excavation.