Charter Day Awards

Honoring preservation in the lowcountry and beyond

To commemorate its 1947 founding, HCF honors extraordinary contributions in preserving the Lowcountry's irreplaceable built environment and cultural character.

Each April, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) honors extraordinary contributions in preserving Charleston’s irreplaceable historic built environment and cultural character with its Charter Day Awards. Awards include the Stoney Craftsmanship Award, the Whitelaw Founders Award, and the Joseph H. (Peter) Advocacy McGee Award.

In 2024, HCF was honored to recognize the following award winners: Joe Faust, the Old City Jail, Kevin Eberle, Taveau Church, the Beefield Community and Lowcountry Land Trust, Martha Zierden, Bob and Donna Cox and for 2024, the Frances R. Edmunds Award to Mr. Minh Nguyen.

The 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.

The Frances R. Edmunds Award for Historic Preservation

The Frances R. Edmunds Award for Historic Preservation is the Foundation’s highest honor and only presented on special occasions to recognize exceptional personal achievement in the field of historic preservation and service to our Mission Statement.

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