Historic Charleston Foundation
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Volunteer

Whe staff and trustees of Historic Charleston Foundation are grateful to the more than 600 enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who support the Festival of Houses and Gardens, the Foundation’s largest fundraising effort, each year. In 2010, the Festival will take place from March 18 to April 17. This event provides both visitors and volunteers with the rare opportunity to explore the private gardens and interiors of some of the finest residences in America, and proceeds support HCF’s preservation programs.

We invite you to join our bright, energetic and friendly team  of Festival of Houses and Gardens volunteers. If you wish to volunteer for this year's Festival, please fill out the online Volunteer Card. A confirmation packet will be mailed to you in February. If you have any questions, call 843-720-1184 or contact the Manager of Volunteer and Public Relations.

Festival Volunteer Training

Volunteer should plan to attend one of the three volunteer training meetings:

Tueday, March 2, 5:45-6:45 p.m. at Seacoast Church, Mt. Pleasant

Monday, March 8, 5:45-6:45 p.m. at John Wesley United Methodist Church, W. Ashley

Monday, March 15, 5:45-6:45 p.m. at The Charleston Museum, Downtown

Spring Lecture

The trustees and staff of Historic Charleston Foundation invite you to attend a Spring Lecture honoring Festival of Houses and Gardens and Charleston International Antiques Show volunteers, homeowners and supporters.

George A. Trenholm: The Real Rhett Butler?
Speaker: Larry Gale

Monday, March 15

7 p.m.

The Charleston Museum Auditorium

360 Meeting Street

 

Festival Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers are asked to serve for the length of a Festival tour, 3½ hours per day on two separate days, for a total 7-hour tour commitment. Festival volunteers receive numerous benefits including:

* A 20% discount at Foundation shops from February through April

* A complimentary walking tour of the Old and Historic District

* An annual pass for themselves and a guest to HCF's two museum sites: the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House

* A complimentary Festival ticket to any one of the afternoon or evening Festival of Houses and Gardens tours (excludes Plantation Picnic and Oyster Roast, Wine Tastings, Boat Cruises, Musical Concerts, Charleston History Morning Walking Tours, Luncheon Lectures, Eat & Run series, Charleston International Antiques Show events and other special events)

Volunteers must commit to both dates of one tour to qualify for a free ticket. Volunteers receive one free ticket for every tour (two dates) they work.  Senior docents and senior street marshals receive two free tickets for every tour (two dates) they work.

Museum Volunteers

Volunteer docent (guide) positions occasionally open at our two house museums, the Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken-Rhett House. If you are looking for an ongoing, year-round volunteer opportunity, contact the House Administrator at (843) 724-8482 for more information.