Preservation Society Of Charleston

Programs: Preservation, education & advocacy drives our mission to cultivate interest in and advocate for the preservation of buildings, sites and structures of historic or aesthetic significance. The society hosts three public lectures during the year, focused on historic preservation issues, concerns and topics. Members are assisted with technical advice in rehabilitating their historic properties. Our planning and zoning efforts in the community allow us to review and analyze hundreds of proposed projects to determine the effect on the integrity of historic buildings, the settings and the streetscape as a whole. We appear before public boards and commissions to advocate for the appropriate rehabilitation of historic buildings and for compatible new construction. Our preservation easement program allows owners of historic buildings to protect their properties in perpetuity. Our efforts are advanced through our memberships and donations. Additional programs include historic markers, carolopolis & pro merito awards, preservation progress (the society's newsletter since 1956) and the halsey map, which is a web-based, interactive program. These are some of the pivotal longstanding and respected programs the society has undertaken.

the fall tours of homes and gardens are the society's foremost annual fund raising and educational opportunity. The five-week event, now in it's 41st year, is made possible because of the generosity of owners of historic properties, loyal society members and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Charleston's very special sense of place, the unique neighborhoods and the flourishing culture of an exceptional heritage of this national historic landmark city, lends to an enjoyable experience. Funds raised from this program allow the society to continue it's mission of educating, protecting and promoting charleston's history, culture and architectural heritage visitors and guests experience first hand. The interiors and gardens of dozens of historic and architecturally important buildings, as we prove that preservation is progress. Special events are one of the ways in which the society exhibits preservation at work in the neighborhoods, and preservation is progress. In keeping with our mission is our continued effort to educate and display charleston's cultural history by focusing attention on the character and integrity of the setting, the relationship of historic buildings to the landscape and to each other. History and architecture are the standards by which our events are planned.

the retail operation provides the public with access to educational publications pertaining to preservation and local history. Sales of preservation and historical merchandise provide needed support for preservation programs.