Share Your Time & Talents With Us

Volunteer opportunities with Historic Charleston Foundation are abundant!

We are grateful for the support of the over 700 volunteers who support us annually by working with our student field trips; our two house museums, including our garden at the Nathaniel Russell House Museum; and with our two largest public education programs, the Charleston Antiques Show and the Festival of Houses and Gardens.

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Education Volunteers

Throughout the year, we host groups of local school children, grades k – 12, at our house museums. Volunteers are needed to help lead tours, manage the groups, assist with crafts and activities and occasionally to accompany groups to other sites in downtown Charleston if the group is on a scavenger hunt. Volunteers are needed M – F, September – May for approximately 4 hours, either in the morning or the afternoon depending on when the groups are scheduled. Contact the Manager of Volunteers and Communications, Liz Caldbeck, at 843.723.8292 for more information.

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Festival of Houses and Gardens and Charleston Antiques Show

The Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens takes place in the spring, when the gardens are traditionally in their full glory and warm breezes offer a respite from winter weather. The Festival is generally held mid-March through the third week of April, with the Charleston Antiques Show kicking off opening weekend in mid-March.

The Festival provides both visitors and volunteers with the rare opportunity to explore the private gardens and interiors of some of the finest residences in America, and proceeds support the Foundation’s preservation programs. Over 650 volunteers help make the Festival and the Antiques Show possible!

If you have questions, please contact, Liz Caldbeck, Manager of Volunteers and Communications, 843.723.8292.

See Festival & Antiques Show Dates

Volunteer Roles
- Festival Docent: Briefly tell visitors about the history, architecture and decorative arts in the room to which you are assigned using materials provided by the Foundation.
- Festival Garden Docent: Briefly tell visitors about the plants and design found in a specific garden using materials provided by the Foundation. Garden Docents are needed for all afternoon and evening tours, as well as for Glorious Gardens.
- Festival Senior Docent: Coordinate Street Marshals before and during the tour.
- Festival Street Marshal: Assist visitors with directions and information along tour routes. Marshals are needed for all tours, including Glorious Gardens.
- Festival Senior Street Marshal: Coordinate Street Marshals before and during the tour.
- Festival Reception Host: Pour wine and lemonade for visitors during the garden receptions. Spaces are extremely limited and will be assigned on a first-received basis.
- Charleston Antiques Show: Volunteers are needed to welcome guests and provide directional assistance.
- Various Roles through the Year: Volunteers are always needed in various roles throughout the year, from helping with day-to-day administrative tasks to assisting in other annual events.
Volunteer Benefits
- Landmarks Pass: A temporary pass to numerous local historic sites will be mailed to you with your Festival tour assignment confirmation in February. The Landmarks Pass will be valid from the end of February through mid-March.
- 20% Discount at The Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation: Receive your discount from March 1 through April 30 using your Landmarks Pass as identification, at The Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation, 108 Meeting Street.
- Walking Tour of Historic District: Sign up during one of the Volunteer Training and Assignment Distribution meetings (see information below) to take a complimentary guided walking tour of the Old and Historic District in March.
- Annual Pass to the Aiken-Rhett and Nathaniel Russell House Museums: A pass for you and a guest through February of the following year will be mailed to you after the Festival.
- Complimentary Festival Ticket: A free Festival ticket good for any of the Festival of Houses and Gardens afternoon and evening house and garden tours, including Glorious Gardens. Free tickets are not available for Morning History Walks; Charleston Antiques Show (admission and special events); Festival special events (all special events where food and beverages are served, concerts, etc.). You must volunteer for both dates of one tour to qualify for a free ticket. You will receive one free ticket for every tour (two dates) you work.
Benefits for Senior Positions
- Senior docents and senior street marshals will receive two complimentary Festival tickets for working both dates of one tour!
Volunteer Requirements
- Attend Training & Assignment Distribution: All volunteers should plan to attend a one-hour training session in early March.
- An eagerness to learn! Prior knowledge of history, architecture and decorative arts is not necessary to volunteer during the Festival nor during the Antiques Show. Materials and training will be provided by the Foundation.

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Share Your Time & Talents With Us

Volunteer opportunities with Historic Charleston Foundation are abundant!

Want to get involved?

Education Volunteers

Museum Volunteers

Festival of Houses and Gardens and Charleston Antiques Show

Volunteer Roles

Volunteer Benefits

Benefits for Senior Positions

Volunteer Requirements