Aerial photo of charleston

History & Values

Our mission is to advocate for a future for Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community.

Our Values

In 1947, the Foundation’s first Executive Director, Frances R. Edmunds (pictured), had a vision to preserve Charleston's historic resources and safeguard our region. For more than 75 years, Historic Charleston Foundation has continued to work towards that mission and build upon her legacy, and the legacy of those who followed her, that contributed immensely toward shaping the Charleston region into the vibrant, preservation-minded place we recognize today.

With our sights ahead, we refocus and redouble our efforts to advocate for a future Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community.  We are expanding our concept of preservation beyond just the built environment—to include its ability to ensure vibrant communities for its people and culture. We are tackling issues of resiliency, sustainability, and affordability, while advocating for thoughtful, smart growth that reflects the highest principles of urban design, architecture, and our community’s values. From our easement and covenant programs to our advocacy supporting historic settlement communities to the launch of the Common Cause Loan Fund, Historic Charleston Foundation will remain a significant voice and authority in the Charleston community and region for many years to come.

Frances R. Edmunds stands on the porch of an Anson Street Property, c. 1950s.

The Challenge

As a city, we’re in a seminal period – one with the potential to broaden opportunity – or widen inequality. Where so many choices about our future rely on how we make sense of our past, right now.

Whether we choose to advocate for all of our neighborhoods, parks, gardens, and the memories they’re made of – or just some – relies on understanding that only when we share everyone's stories can we understand who we truly are – and make the vital decisions that move us all forward. Fail – and we lose an essential part of ourselves – and our city – that we can’t ever get back.

How We Honor Charleston

We make it our mission to ask questions and invite conversation. To challenge conventional thinking. To listen to everyone's memories and stories – and share them with the world. To collaborate with a diverse mix of citizens, public servants, organizations, and neighborhoods to ensure our city is a place we can all call home. When that happens, we honor the beautifully complicated character that is Charleston. We honor one another. We honor ourselves.

Aiken-Rhett House Door Detail

A History of Advocacy

From establishing a revolving fund that became a national model to recognizing that saving a neighborhood is more meaningful and impactful than saving a single structure, Historic Charleston Foundation has been, and continues to be, a leading force in preservation, not just in Charleston, but throughout the country.
1947
As an outcome of a study by the Carolina Art Association (now the Gibbes Museum of Art), Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) is incorporated as an educational, not-for-profit preservation organization. Frances R. Edmunds was named as its first director.
As an outcome of a study by the Carolina Art Association (now the Gibbes Museum of Art), Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) is incorporated as an educational, not-for-profit preservation organization. Frances R. Edmunds was named as its first director.
1948
The First Festival of Houses
The first Festival of Houses is established to generate revenue for the organization and to educate the public about Charleston’s architectural heritage and the benefits of preservation. Later, the Festival earns a reputation as one of America’s oldest and most prestigious heritage tour programs, with 130 historic properties and more than 650 volunteers over the month-long tour each year.
The first Festival of Houses is established to generate revenue for the organization and to educate the public about Charleston’s architectural heritage and the benefits of preservation. Later, the Festival earns a reputation as one of America’s oldest and most prestigious heritage tour programs, with 130 historic properties and more than 650 volunteers over the month-long tour each year.
1955
HCF purchases the Nathaniel Russell House
HCF purchases the Nathaniel Russell House, c. 1808, one of the nation’s finest examples of early 19th century neoclassical architecture. The house opens to the public as a museum a year later. Recognizing the dwelling’s potential as an exhibition space, the Foundation begins procuring furnishings and decorative art by loan and purchase. The collection includes some of the most significant examples of 18th and 19th-century decorative and fine arts from America and abroad, including period furnishings crafted by early Charleston artisans.
HCF purchases the Nathaniel Russell House, c. 1808, one of the nation’s finest examples of early 19th century neoclassical architecture. The house opens to the public as a museum a year later. Recognizing the dwelling’s potential as an exhibition space, the Foundation begins procuring furnishings and decorative art by loan and purchase. The collection includes some of the most significant examples of 18th and 19th-century decorative and fine arts from America and abroad, including period furnishings crafted by early Charleston artisans.
1957 - 1976
HCF Establishes the First Revolving Fund
HCF establishes the nation’s first Revolving Fund to rehabilitate the Ansonborough neighborhood. By buying a property, stabilizing it, selling it to a preservation-minded buyer, then reinvesting the proceeds to purchase another house in the neighborhood, HCF establishes a pioneering urban renewal and preservation initiative that continues to serve as a national model. By 1976, HCF has saved a six-block neighborhood, including 60 buildings, several of which were donated by generous supporters who recognized the Foundation’s ability to rehabilitate and preserve important historic structures.
HCF establishes the nation’s first Revolving Fund to rehabilitate the Ansonborough neighborhood. By buying a property, stabilizing it, selling it to a preservation-minded buyer, then reinvesting the proceeds to purchase another house in the neighborhood, HCF establishes a pioneering urban renewal and preservation initiative that continues to serve as a national model. By 1976, HCF has saved a six-block neighborhood, including 60 buildings, several of which were donated by generous supporters who recognized the Foundation’s ability to rehabilitate and preserve important historic structures.
1971 - 1974
Historic Preservation Plan of 1974
HCF plays a key role in the development of the city’s Historic Preservation Plan of 1974. At the core of this plan is the most elaborate inventory and evaluation of historic structures (2,288 buildings) ever undertaken. One of the most significant results from this plan is a height ordinance to protect the integrity of historic streetscapes. In 2009, HCF was a co-recipient of an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the revision of the 1974 plan. The revised plan examines social, economic and cultural issues affecting preservation and offers strategies for defining individual neighborhoods, addressing sprawl, gentrification, disaster management and the need for affordable housing.
HCF plays a key role in the development of the city’s Historic Preservation Plan of 1974. At the core of this plan is the most elaborate inventory and evaluation of historic structures (2,288 buildings) ever undertaken. One of the most significant results from this plan is a height ordinance to protect the integrity of historic streetscapes. In 2009, HCF was a co-recipient of an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the revision of the 1974 plan. The revised plan examines social, economic and cultural issues affecting preservation and offers strategies for defining individual neighborhoods, addressing sprawl, gentrification, disaster management and the need for affordable housing.
1977
HCF targets two uptown neighborhoods, Radcliffeborough and Elliottborough
HCF targets two uptown neighborhoods, Radcliffeborough and Elliottborough, for stabilization and a program of home ownership for low-to-moderate-income families.
HCF targets two uptown neighborhoods, Radcliffeborough and Elliottborough, for stabilization and a program of home ownership for low-to-moderate-income families.
1977 - 1985
Charleston Place
HCF takes a lead role in discussions regarding the development of the hotel-convention complex that will become Charleston Place, an eight-story, 450-room hotel and convention center in the heart of downtown Charleston. HCF brings in nationally recognized architects to suggest design changes to make it more compatible with its historic environs. Careful planning and successful completion of this project will re-establish King Street, “Charleston’s weak, sick spine” according to Frances Edmunds, HCF’s first executive director, as the city’s most important commercial artery.
HCF takes a lead role in discussions regarding the development of the hotel-convention complex that will become Charleston Place, an eight-story, 450-room hotel and convention center in the heart of downtown Charleston. HCF brings in nationally recognized architects to suggest design changes to make it more compatible with its historic environs. Careful planning and successful completion of this project will re-establish King Street, “Charleston’s weak, sick spine” according to Frances Edmunds, HCF’s first executive director, as the city’s most important commercial artery.
1995
HCF purchases the Aiken-Rhett House
HCF purchases the Aiken-Rhett House, c. 1820, from The Charleston Museum to ensure it remains a house museum accessible to the public. The site serves as the nation’s most intact example of a 19th century urban townhouse complex with dependency buildings, including slave quarters, stables and privies. The buildings are conserved as they existed in 1858 during the residency of Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken.
HCF purchases the Aiken-Rhett House, c. 1820, from The Charleston Museum to ensure it remains a house museum accessible to the public. The site serves as the nation’s most intact example of a 19th century urban townhouse complex with dependency buildings, including slave quarters, stables and privies. The buildings are conserved as they existed in 1858 during the residency of Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken.
1996
HCF purchases the historic Captain James Missroon House
HCF purchases the historic Captain James Missroon House, c. 1808, at 40 East Bay Street. When restoration is completed in 2001, the building will serve not only as the Foundation’s headquarters, but also as a state-of-the-art preservation and archival center for those interested in restoring historic structures and researching Charleston’s architectural history.
HCF purchases the historic Captain James Missroon House, c. 1808, at 40 East Bay Street. When restoration is completed in 2001, the building will serve not only as the Foundation’s headquarters, but also as a state-of-the-art preservation and archival center for those interested in restoring historic structures and researching Charleston’s architectural history.
2011
HCF is selected to present the loan exhibit at the 2011 Winter Antiques Show in New York
HCF is selected to present the loan exhibit at the 2011 Winter Antiques Show in New York. Grandeur Preserved: Masterworks Presented by Historic Charleston Foundation showcases objects from the Foundation’s outstanding collection of material culture as well as significant items from other leading Charleston institutions.
HCF is selected to present the loan exhibit at the 2011 Winter Antiques Show in New York. Grandeur Preserved: Masterworks Presented by Historic Charleston Foundation showcases objects from the Foundation’s outstanding collection of material culture as well as significant items from other leading Charleston institutions.
2014
Stabilizing Development Pressures
The Foundation is targeting areas such the North Central Neighborhood to help stabilize housing as the development pressures in the area are dramatically increasing. So, too, is the pressure to preserve the historic character of North Central and other neighborhoods facing escalating real estate values. Projects such as the Romney Urban Garden, established by HCF in partnership with Enough Pie and the New Israel Reformed Episcopal Church, are community-building spaces, helping preserve the area’s cultural character. To address the issue of escalating real estate values, which are in some instances forcing long-term residents from their homes, HCF has joined with the City of Charleston to establish the Palmetto Land Trust (PLT), providing $70,000 as seed money upon the occasion of HCF's 70th Anniversary. The PLT will insure housing affordability options are available within the City of Charleston.
The Foundation is targeting areas such the North Central Neighborhood to help stabilize housing as the development pressures in the area are dramatically increasing. So, too, is the pressure to preserve the historic character of North Central and other neighborhoods facing escalating real estate values. Projects such as the Romney Urban Garden, established by HCF in partnership with Enough Pie and the New Israel Reformed Episcopal Church, are community-building spaces, helping preserve the area’s cultural character. To address the issue of escalating real estate values, which are in some instances forcing long-term residents from their homes, HCF has joined with the City of Charleston to establish the Palmetto Land Trust (PLT), providing $70,000 as seed money upon the occasion of HCF's 70th Anniversary. The PLT will insure housing affordability options are available within the City of Charleston.
2015 - 2018
New Exhibit at Aiken-Rhett House
Beginning in 2015, an archaeological investigation of the space beneath the outbuilding's laundry led to new discoveries and artifacts. The uncovered artifacts were the basis of a new exhibit, installed in 2018, focused on the lives of the enslaved in the Aiken-Rhett House Museum's Laundry.
Beginning in 2015, an archaeological investigation of the space beneath the outbuilding's laundry led to new discoveries and artifacts. The uncovered artifacts were the basis of a new exhibit, installed in 2018, focused on the lives of the enslaved in the Aiken-Rhett House Museum's Laundry.
2018
Archaeology begins at NRH Kitchen House
The Nathaniel Russell Kitchen House Project begins with an archaeological investigation of the former space with experts, Ed Chappell (architectural historian), Susan Buck (paint analyst), and David Hoffman (historic contractor) working together to carry out forensic investigation in the kitchen building. This investigation continues in 2024.
The Nathaniel Russell Kitchen House Project begins with an archaeological investigation of the former space with experts, Ed Chappell (architectural historian), Susan Buck (paint analyst), and David Hoffman (historic contractor) working together to carry out forensic investigation in the kitchen building. This investigation continues in 2024.
2019
Rehabilitation of Pine Tree Hotel Begins
The Pine Tree Hotel was constructed in 1962 to provide safe accommodations for African Americans at Mosquito Beach during a segregated Jim Crow Era of the American South and was thriving until the 1980s when it was heavily damaged. Initial funding for the project was provided by the National Park Service, African American Civil Rights Grant program in 2019 but then put on hold during 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Work resumed in 2021 with new challenges, only exacerbated by a fire on the site in April 2022. In 2024, HCF continues to support William "Cubby" Wilder as the rehabilitation project nears its completion.
The Pine Tree Hotel was constructed in 1962 to provide safe accommodations for African Americans at Mosquito Beach during a segregated Jim Crow Era of the American South and was thriving until the 1980s when it was heavily damaged. Initial funding for the project was provided by the National Park Service, African American Civil Rights Grant program in 2019 but then put on hold during 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Work resumed in 2021 with new challenges, only exacerbated by a fire on the site in April 2022. In 2024, HCF continues to support William "Cubby" Wilder as the rehabilitation project nears its completion.
2022
Celebrating 75 Years
In 2023, Historic Charleston Foundation marked its 75th anniversary as a preservation advocacy organization in Charleston, SC. For this milestone year, HCF debuted the Common Cause Loan Fund, a new Revolving Fund program to curb displacement in Charleston's historic homes, and revived its PreserVISIONist young professional group to engage with the next generation of preservationists. The Charleston community celebrated with the Foundation by proudly flying 75th anniversary flags across the city for the month of May, Preservation Month.
In 2023, Historic Charleston Foundation marked its 75th anniversary as a preservation advocacy organization in Charleston, SC. For this milestone year, HCF debuted the Common Cause Loan Fund, a new Revolving Fund program to curb displacement in Charleston's historic homes, and revived its PreserVISIONist young professional group to engage with the next generation of preservationists. The Charleston community celebrated with the Foundation by proudly flying 75th anniversary flags across the city for the month of May, Preservation Month.
2023
Community and Preservation Partners engage on the future of Union Pier
In 2022, the State Ports Authority (SPA) was poised to redevelop the last 70 acre parcel of undeveloped waterfront property on Charleston's peninsula with California-based development firm. In early 2023, the developer-led plan was released to the public and with our partners in preservation we agreed, there was a better way. In response to the initial plans, the National Trust of Historic Preservation listed Union Pier on its annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Places List and the Charleston community engaged in record numbers at a June 7 City Council meeting. Following the robust community reaction, the SPA partnered with the City of Charleston to pause redevelopment plans, and to start from scratch with a new team, with HCF sitting on the Stakeholder Advisory Council in late 2023. In 2024, it was announced that Charleston-based businessman and philanthropist, Ben Navarro, planned to purchase the property. HCF continues to stay engaged with the City and Mr. Navarro on the future of the Union Pier Redevelopment Project.
In 2022, the State Ports Authority (SPA) was poised to redevelop the last 70 acre parcel of undeveloped waterfront property on Charleston's peninsula with California-based development firm. In early 2023, the developer-led plan was released to the public and with our partners in preservation we agreed, there was a better way. In response to the initial plans, the National Trust of Historic Preservation listed Union Pier on its annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Places List and the Charleston community engaged in record numbers at a June 7 City Council meeting. Following the robust community reaction, the SPA partnered with the City of Charleston to pause redevelopment plans, and to start from scratch with a new team, with HCF sitting on the Stakeholder Advisory Council in late 2023. In 2024, it was announced that Charleston-based businessman and philanthropist, Ben Navarro, planned to purchase the property. HCF continues to stay engaged with the City and Mr. Navarro on the future of the Union Pier Redevelopment Project.
2024
The Festival of Houses & Gardens becomes The Charleston Festival
After 75 years, HCF's annual spring fundraiser has grown beyond tours of Charleston's houses and gardens and to reflect that growth, The Charleston Festival was born. In addition to House & Garden Tours that visitors around the world enjoy each year, The Charelston Festival engages local partners to celebrate the history, culture and preservation of the Charleston community through lectures, programs, workshops and more. New for 2024, Charleston by Design kicks off The Charleston Festival with its opening weekend of events, programs and talks.
After 75 years, HCF's annual spring fundraiser has grown beyond tours of Charleston's houses and gardens and to reflect that growth, The Charleston Festival was born. In addition to House & Garden Tours that visitors around the world enjoy each year, The Charelston Festival engages local partners to celebrate the history, culture and preservation of the Charleston community through lectures, programs, workshops and more. New for 2024, Charleston by Design kicks off The Charleston Festival with its opening weekend of events, programs and talks.