79th Charter Day Award Ceremony and Celebration

The Board of Trustees and Staff of Historic Charleston Foundation invite you to celebrate our 79th annual Charter Day award winners at the awards ceremony on Thursday, April 30th. 2026 award recipients TBA.

Each April, Historic Charleston Foundation commemorates its 1947 founding by honoring extraordinary contributions in preserving Charleston’s irreplaceable historic built environment and cultural character. The Foundation will present awards to individuals and organizations whose vision and dedication have shaped Charleston’s historic legacy and the authenticity of the Lowcountry at the 6pm ceremony at First Baptist Church. Ceremony to be followed by a short reception at the Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting Street. Join us to celebrate those whose hands-on craftsmanship and stewardship bring our city’s most significant structures back to life. Registration encouraged.

Charter Day Awards: 

Joseph H. (Peter) McGee Advocacy Award

• In 2023, HCF created the Joseph H. (Peter) McGee Advocacy Award, named for past HCF Chairman and nationally-recognized preservationist, Peter McGee. This award recognizes citizens who devote time, energy, and passion into preserving significant historic places or advocating for public policy that advances the principles of historic preservation, excellent urban design, and community planning.

Stoney Craftsmanship Award

• The Stoney Craftsmanship Award recognizes craftspeople who have kept alive Charleston’s tradition of excellence in the building trades.

Whitelaw Founders Award

• The Whitelaw Founders Award recognizes individuals, groups, or government entities that actively engage in the long-term preservation of important buildings and places.

2026 award winners TBA.