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Exploring the age-old details with the Preservation Society of Charleston
DYK that May is National Preservation Month? Founded by English colonists in 1670, Charleston has a vast + rich history. From starting as a major seaport, trading our cultivation of rice, cotton, + indigo, to consistently being named one of the top cities in the world, our city has a story to tell– and one that needs to be preserved for future residents + visitors alike to enjoy.
Enter: the Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC). Nearly 100 years ago, the story of the PSC began as a grassroots movement led by local activist Susan Pringle Frost. Susan, or “Miss Sue” as the PSC affectionately refers to her, was the real deal: preservationist, suffragette, and general rabble-rouser.
On April 21, 1920, thirty-two concerned citizens gathered at 20 South Battery to join forces in the fight for responsible preservation in Charleston as the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings.
“Miss Sue” | Photo provided by the PSC
The first initiative taken on by the Society’s founding members was rescuing the 1802 Joseph Manigault House, which was facing an immediate threat of demolition. The significant Adam style building, designed by renowned Charleston architect Gabriel Manigault, was the first private residence in the city to be saved through a public campaign– one of the early hallmarks of the Preservation Society.
The Joseph Manigault House | Photo provided by the PSC
Today, the ever-evolving PSC is still a membership-led advocacy organization. And it ain’t just about pretty paint colors– the PSC is focused more on community engagement + advocating for what makes Charleston so darn special.
In honor of National Preservation Month, the Preservation Society of Charleston is hosting a bevy of events– from a plantation picnic to a hard hat tour of restoration work currently in progress, you’ll want to preserve some time on your calendar to attend.
Preservation Month Picnic | May 5 | 12-4 p.m. | White House Plantation | 5877 Clover Hill Rd, Green Pond | $50 - $75 | Bluegrass, BBQ, + all the Lowcountry’s fixins for family-friendly fun.
Exclusive Tour of Hebrew Orphanage | May 8 | 6-8 p.m. | 88 Broad St. | $50 | One of the city’s last great untouched buildings.
The Hebrew Orphanage | Photo provided by the PSC
A Candid Conversation on a Livable Charleston | May 16 | 6-8 p.m. | The Cedar Room | 701 E. Bay St. | $100- $150, higher price includes a PSC membership | The discussion will be led by urbanist + author Joel Kotkin.
Hard Hat Tour | May 22 | 6-8 p.m. | 28 Pitt Street | $35 | Gain an insider’s view of the restoration work currently in progress. Reception to follow.
28 Pitt St. | Photo provided by the PSC
One of my favorite things about living in Charleston is the city’s spirited history. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that the historic dwellings we drive past every day may not be here if it wasn’t for the work of organizations such as the Preservation Society of Charleston (thank you to Corie Hipp + Leah Farrell at PSC for contributing to today’s newsletter).
This month, preserve some time to stop + look around– soaking in the charm of Charleston + noticing the steps taking place to keep it real.
– Justine