Why Archaeology Matters in Downtown Charleston, Easement Education Series II

Beneath Charleston's streets, sidewalks, and construction sites, archaeologists continue to uncover evidence that deepens our understanding of the city's past. As a living historic city, Charleston must continually balance growth with the responsibility to protect its irreplaceable cultural resources.

Join Historic Charleston Foundation for the second session of the Easement Education Series, a lecture with archaeologist Andrew Agha, PhD, RPA, of Aghatech Industries LLC. Dr. Agha has practiced archaeology in South Carolina since 1997 and led the 2024 excavation beneath the Nathaniel Russell House Kitchen House, a project undertaken in partnership with Historic Charleston Foundation that recovered thousands of artifacts, including a rare carnelian bead, and offered new insight into the Russell family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property.

This talk explores why archaeology conducted alongside everyday development and infrastructure improvements is essential to responsible preservation. For owners of historic properties, hiring a qualified archaeologist to identify and analyze archaeological resources can inform renovation planning, compliance requirements, and long-term stewardship, a responsibility already built into many of HCF's exterior easements. Attendees will learn how archaeological research expands public knowledge and supports thoughtful decision-making across the Charleston peninsula, where the past and present are constantly intertwined.

Dr. Agha will bring samples of his findings to the presentation, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own artifacts for identification.

This program is part of the Easement Education Series designed for HCF easement and covenant homeowners. RSVP required to Joyce Pope, HCF Easement Manager via email jpope@historiccharleston.org

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