Saving Grace

Molly Schweickhardt and Bates McLuer, both interns in HCF's Preservation Department, spent the summer immersed in hands-on preservation work. Schweickhardt assisted with easement inspections across the peninsula and researched pre-Civil War records at Calvary Episcopal Church, uncovering the stories of the church's enslaved and free congregants. Bates used ArcGIS to map the ruins of the Walled City and researched Free People of Color named in Calvary Church's historic records. Together, they also contributed to the Aiken-Rhett House Crack Study, measuring and documenting cracks throughout the historic house.

Historic Charleston Foundation announces the 2026 Charter Day award winners, honoring excellence in the protection, restoration, and interpretation of Charleston's historic built environment. From residential rehabilitations to cultural landscape preservation, this year's honorees embody the spirit of preservation in Charleston through expertise, vision, and a deep commitment to our city's legacy.

A look back at some of the most impactful work from 2025 across the Foundation's pillars: Preservation, Advocacy, Museums.

The Saving Grace Initiative continues to gain momentum, with a temporary roof installed at New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church to protect its historic structure, ongoing preservation efforts at St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church, and both churches actively engaging with the community through restoration work and upcoming events.

We are launching into the new year with several exciting new grants that are going to fuel our preservation work in the months ahead. Read the full update from President & CEO Winslow Hastie with exciting news from the Foundation.

As part of Saving Grace, HCF is proud to support the congregation of St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church (c. 1850) in the preservation of its historic structure. This year, Clemson MSHP students contributed detailed research and documentation to aid restoration efforts and grant applications.