Historic Charleston Foundation
From CharlestonWiki
Historic Charleston Foundation was founded in 1947 to preserve and protect the integrity of Charleston's architectural, historical and cultural heritage. The Foundation seeks to achieve this through active advocacy, participation in community planning, innovative educational and volunteer programs, the preservation of properties, research, and technical and financial assistance programs. Historic Charleston is a pacesetter in its efforts to preserve the historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landmarks that make Charleston a unique American city.
Contents |
History
Since 1947, Historic Charleston Foundation has played an important role in revitalizing Charleston and preserving the city’s historic architecture and neighborhoods. The foundation first received national recognition when in 1959 it created the country’s first Revolving Fund, stressing the importance of revitalizing entire neighborhoods rather than just individual buildings. Its Ansonborough project is credited with inspiring community-based conservation efforts in historic neighborhoods throughout the nation. By purchasing properties threatened with demolition, restoring their historic character and livability, and selling them to preservation-minded buyers after attaching protective covenants, the foundation not only stabilized the neighborhood but also secured the future of these historic structures.
Preservation Efforts
HCF is also known as an innovator in historic easement and covenant programs, holding more than 380 easements and covenants that protect historic buildings in the city and outlying areas. Properties protected by these programs by HCF are as diverse as the magnificent William Gibbes House in Charleston to Auldbrass, the only plantation designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, in Yemassee.
HCF also owns and operates two museum houses: The Nathaniel Russell House, c. 1808, and the Aiken-Rhett House, c. 1818. In addition, the foundation has a robust retail and licensed products program. Its two principal fund-raising events are the annual spring Festival of Houses and Gardens and the Charleston International Antiques Show. Proceeds from both events support preservation initiatives.
In 2007, Historic Charleston Foundation urged the city to undertake the development of a new Preservation Plan to update its 1975 plan and donated $75,000 to begin the process as a part of the its 60th anniversary celebration. Adopted in 2008, the plan’s recommendations address myriad 21st century issues, including land use and zoning, public education of preservation issues, a detailed analysis of historic neighborhoods, affordable housing, transportation, and the design review process.
In 2008, HCF was recognized by the state of South Carolina with an “Angel Award,” recognizing only 10 nonprofit organizations statewide as models of charitable organizations, ensuring that its philanthropic funding effectively and efficiently support its mission. In 2009, HCF and the city’s new Preservation Plan were recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with one of its coveted national awards.
Easements and Covenants
A preservation easement is a legal agreement between the owner of a historic property and Historic Charleston Foundation that establishes perpetual protection for the property. An easement allows homeowners to prevent inappropriate changes from being made to their historic property by giving Historic Charleston Foundation the ability to work with current and future owners to safeguard its historic character, materials and significance.
A Request for Alteration Form must be submtted to the easement manager for any alterations or repairs to easement or covenant properties. The request must be approved prior to any changes or construction. Questions about repairs or alterations should be addressed to the easement manager.
Owners of an easement property are legally obligated to honor the terms of the easement, while retaining ownership of the property. Easement donors make a gift to current and future generations when they voluntarily place perpetual restrictions on their historic property. When an easement donor makes a "qualified contribution" of an easement, the donor is entitled to an income tax deduction.
Since 1940, Charleston has lost several hundred historic structures and nearly one-third of the antebellum plantation buildings in the surrounding countryside. Countless battlefields and archaeological sites have been destroyed by development. Construction since 1970 has caused significant encroachment on the quantity and quality of our precious heritage sites, sometimes through demolition, but more often through neglect, improper maintenance, insensitive alteration, or large scale sprawl development.
Today, more than ever, effective tools such as conservation easements are an essential force in securing our architectural and historic heritage. For more information, contact April Wood, Manager of Easements and Technical Outreach.
Revolving Fund
Historic Charleston Foundation was the first organization in the country to develop the Revolving Fund as a preservation strategy. The initiation of this fund in 1958 enabled the Foundation to begin the Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project, an extraordinary effort to save a six-block neighborhood bordered by Market, Calhoun, East Bay and Meeting streets.
Through the Revolving Fund, Historic Charleston Foundation sought to purchase, stabilize and resell historic properties with protective covenants in Ansonborough where, over a 12-year period, more than 60 structures were rehabilitated. The accomplishment was hailed nationwide, and other preservation programs across the United States modeled local initiatives on the Charleston program.
HCF's Ansonborough project is considered one of the first successful attempts in the country to preserve an entire neighborhood.
The Revolving Fund was revitalized in 2004 with a $300,000 gift from the estate of Mrs. Charles Henry (Elizabeth) Woodward. With this seed money, HCF purchased 79 Anson Street and 9 George Street, both of which were sold with protective covenants to preservation-minded buyers. In 2005, HCF purchased 13 Pitt Street, one of the largest properties in Harleston Village, and one that retains much of its original historic fabric. It, too, was sold to a responsible buyer who placed protective covenants on the property and will soon undertake a sensitive renovation.
Museums
Aiken-Rhett House
48 Elizabeth Street
The Aiken-Rhett House stands alone as the most intact townhouse complex showcasing urban life in antebellum Charleston. Built in 1818 and greatly expanded by Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s, the house has survived virtually unaltered since 1858.
A successful businessman, rice planter, distinguished politician and governor of South Carolina, William Aiken, Jr. was one of the state’s wealthiest citizens. Following a well-established tradition among Charleston’s elite, Governor Aiken and his wife, Harriet Lowndes Aiken, traveled in Europe and returned with magnificent fine art and furnishings. Today, visitors will find many of these objects in the same rooms for which they were purchased.
The Aiken-Rhett House remained in the family until 1975 and has been owned by Historic Charleston Foundation since 1995. The foundation has adopted a conservation approach to the interpretation of this important house and its outbuildings.
Nathaniel Russell House
51 Meeting Street
Since 1808, visitors have admired the grand Federal townhouse of Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. Set amid spacious formal gardens, the Nathaniel Russell House is a National Historic Landmark and is widely recognized as one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings. The graceful interior with elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms and a magnificent free-flying staircase are among the most exuberant ever created in early America.
Located in Downtown Charleston near High Battery, the house is furnished with period antiques and works of art that evoke the gracious lifestyle of the city's merchant elite.
Today the Nathaniel Russell House interprets the lives of the Russell family, as well as the African American slaves and artisans who were responsible for maintaining one of the South's grandest antebellum townhouses.
Events
Festival of Houses and Gardens
Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century.
Visit Charleston to see why it has been renowned for three centuries as “a city set in a garden.” The Festival is set during the peak of the city's blooming season. Tours featureseven to 10 properties each day in one of 11 neighborhoods, dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian eras, to early 20th century. Beautiful architecture and lush gardens are woven throughout the historic neighborhoods of Charleston, which has consistently been named among the 10 most courteous and friendly cities in America.
For information or assistance with purchasing tickets, contact the HCF Ticket Office at 843-722-3405
Charleston International Antiques Show
Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, the 7th Annual Charleston International Antiques Show has established itself as a premier destination for antique collectors and admirers alike.
Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly rose to prominence as the colonies’ most significant seaport, importing the finest in 18th and 19th century material culture. Today the city’s legacy of Continental, European and Asian influences can still be found in its alluring architecture and decorative arts. Because of this unique heritage, Charleston’s annual antiques show has attracted the attention of connoisseurs around the world.
Exhibitors will showcase a spectrum of period furnishings, decorative pieces and fine art from the late 17th to 20th centuries, including vintage jewelry, oriental rugs, ceramics, architectural elements, garden furniture, porcelains, needlework and silver.
Through the show's educational and entertaining special events, collectors have a unique opportunity to purchase and learn more about everything from exquisite furniture and fine art to rare maps, jewelry, posters, prints and quilts.
Located at 40 East Bay Street, General Admission tickets are $15 per day.
Show hours for 2010 are: Friday, March 19, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, March 21 , 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 843-722-3405.
The Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation
108 Meeting Street, c. 1930
Located in a rehabilitated Esso gas station, The Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation offer both classical and casual furnishings and home accessories, as well as gifts and the city's largest bookstore dedicated to history, architecture, preservation, garden design, and Lowcountry cuisine.
Many products sold here are produced under the prestigious Historic Charleston Foundation license. Foundation staff coordinates the research, development, and production of these beautiful items whose origins are found in Charleston's history. Products sold under the HCF license include home furnishings for both indoor and outdoor use, historic paint palettes, home accessories, mirrors, lamps, tabletop and linen products, and delicious Lowcountry culinary treats.
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., 2-5 p.m.
Contact
Please visit us online at historiccharleston.org
Categories: History | Historic Homes | Museums | Architecture | Events
