 ave America's Treasures, an innovative federal funding partnership, has
awarded Charleston's historic Aiken-Rhett House, c. 1818, a prestigious $225,000 grant in support of the property's future conservation. Each SAT
award encourages private sector investment with the requirement of a one-to-one match with non-federal funds. Those who wish to support crucial
conservation efforts at the Aiken-Rhett House through a donation may call 843-724-8496 or email Kit Matthew,
Director of Development.
Listed as a "contributing property" in Charleston's Old and Historic District, the Aiken-Rhett site includes a Greek Revival residence and a remarkable
array of historic service buildings and slaves' quarters.
"This grant will allow us to take the first steps in a major new conservation effort we have undertaken following a comprehensive three-year study made
possible by the late Theodore Maybank, a descendant of the Aiken family," said Fielding Freed, Historic Charleston Foundation's Director of Museums..
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The recently awarded Save America's Treasures Grant will require a one-to-one match with non-federal funds. Photo Credit: Bill Struhs |
The grant will primarily support exterior weatherproofing of the house. A stone-colored lime wash finish will be applied to the stucco, which will
restore the façade to its 1858-1860 appearance. Shutters, windows and doors will also be restored, which will in turn help conserve the historic masonry.
Save America's Treasures announced $14,500,000 in grants through the congressionally appropriated program to 35 historic properties and sites and 25
nationally significant collections of artifacts, documents and artistic works. The partnership had received 390 applications in 2004.
"Our historic buildings, art and writings are the storehouse of America's memory and values," said First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the
President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. "The grants provided by Save America's Treasures will help preserve these so that we can pass
on this critical legacy and teach our young people the story of this nation."
The Save America's Treasures partnership includes the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the National Park Service, the National
Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
"We are very proud to have received this award," said Kitty Robinson, Executive Director of Historic Charleston Foundation, "The Aiken-Rhett House
is an American treasure here in the midst of our urban landscape, and we will continue to share it with the public and to interpret the powerful
stories of the Aiken and Rhett families and of the African-American families who lived there."
In recognition of its historical significance and rare state of conservation, the Aiken-Rhett House has been the recipient of significant grants
and bequests in past years from noted supporters including the Joanna Fund, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Community Foundation,
the Ehmann Fund, the Ceres Foundation, and the S.C. Dept. of Archives and History, as well as generous private donors.
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