Historic Charleston Foundation Goes to Washington
Last week, Winslow Hastie, Lisa Jones, and I traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the 2026 National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week, joining preservation advocates from across the country to engage directly with members of Congress about the policies and funding that support historic preservation—not just in South Carolina, but nationwide.
About Advocacy Week
Hosted by Preservation Action, Advocacy Week brings together preservationists, nonprofit leaders, industry partners, and grassroots advocates from across the country to champion policies that protect historic places. Preservation Action is a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing federal preservation policy and ensuring that historic preservation remains a priority in Washington. Historic Charleston Foundation partners with Preservation Action by serving as the South Carolina organizer and leader on federal preservation issues.
South Carolina Represents
HCF was joined by partners from GBX Group, Ryan LLC, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, along with Ebone Ivory, a Preservation Action Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholar. Together, the group shared perspectives from across the preservation field demonstrating the many ways preservation supports communities and economic development.
On Wednesday, the delegation met with staff from the offices of Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Tim Scott, and Representative James Clyburn. The conversations were productive and well received, helping to strengthen relationships that will continue to support preservation efforts in South Carolina and beyond.
Key Advocacy Priorities
During these meetings, HCF highlighted several national priorities to ensure historic preservation in South Carolina continues to thrive:
Historic Preservation Fund (HPF)
As the HPF approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, HCF urged Congress to provide $250 million in FY27 funding and reauthorize the program long-term at that funding level. The HPF supports State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, Certified Local Governments, and competitive grants that help communities preserve important historic and cultural resources.
Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (HTC-GO)
HCF also encouraged lawmakers to cosponsor the HTC-GO Act, which would strengthen the Federal Historic Tax Credit—one of the nation’s most effective tools for revitalizing historic buildings. For nearly 50 years, the credit has preserved over 50,000 buildings and generated $249 billion in private investment.
In Charleston, recent examples include the Charleston Naval Hospital, currently being rehabilitated into housing, and the Charleston City Jail, which has been transformed into event and office space. Projects like these often rely on the Historic Tax Credit to close financing gaps and make complex historic rehabilitations economically feasible.
We also educated our representatives on our Saving Grace Initiative and provided an update on Common Cause—funded in part by an earmark from Senator Graham’s office during our visit to the Hill a few years ago.
Why Advocacy Matters
Preserving historic places strengthens neighborhoods, supports local economies, and connects us to our shared past. Advocacy Week gives organizations like HCF the chance to show lawmakers the tangible impact of preservation programs. We discussed how federal support helps revitalize historic buildings, create jobs, and maintain the character that makes communities like Charleston unique.
While this year’s meetings on Capitol Hill have concluded, the work of advocacy doesn’t stop here. HCF will continue engaging policymakers, partners, and the public to make sure preservation remains a national priority and that the historic places defining our communities are protected for generations to come.
Want to help? Contact your representatives and let them know why historic preservation matters to you and your community. Let me know if I can help connect you!