From Broadcast to Building Care: Update from the Museums
Historic Charleston Foundation advocates for a future for Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community through its preservation programs, advocacy efforts and two historic house museums, the Aiken-Rhett House, c.1820 and Nathaniel Russell House, c.1808.
The end of 2024 marked a significant milestone in sharing the stories of the Nathaniel Russell House with a wider audience. Tracey Todd, Director of Museums, and archaeologist, Dr. Andrew Agha, PhD RPA, were invited to appear on Walter Edgar's Journal in the episode that aired on December 20, 2024. A production of SCETV Radio, this radio show and podcast, hosted by South Carolina's renowned historian Walter Edgar, has explored the arts, history, and culture of the South for over two decades. “Having the opportunity to share Nathaniel Russell House history on “Walter Edgar's Journal” was an incredible experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity,” said Tracey.
In the interview, Dr. Andrew Agha describes the significance of the Carnelian Bead, explaining that “the only time [archaeologists] find beads of this particular nature are in African Burials” and while research is still being conducted, “this is one of only five recovered in Charleston in more than 50 years of archaeology in the city.” Listen to the entire episode, streaming online HERE.
2025 will begin with some much-needed TLC for both house museums, so each site is prepared for a new year of visitors, educational programs, research, and preservation work. From February 3 to February 7, the Nathaniel Russell House will be closed to the public to undergo deep cleaning and maintenance. This includes a critical project to level and repair the floors in the Kitchen House to create a space that can welcome guests to see the space while Foundation staff continue complex archaeological work. Building upon last summer’s archaeological excavation led by Dr. Andrew Agha, this work is the next step in uncovering and sharing the stories embedded in this historic structure, and incorporating that work into the interpretation of the site.
When the Nathaniel Russell House reopens to the public on February 8, our team will head up the peninsula to the Aiken-Rhett House. From February 10 to February 14, the c.1820 antebellum mansion at 48 Elizabeth Street will close to the public. This week of closure allows Foundation staff to focus on detailed cleaning and preservation of the Aiken-Rhett House’s original lighting fixtures, fireplace surrounds, soft furnishings, and other historic elements. As a preserved “as-found” historic space, the nearly 205 year-old-house presents a unique challenge for our staff, and this maintenance is crucial to the stewardship of a historic property. These efforts continue to underscore Historic Charleston Foundation’s commitment to the stewardship of each historic site on behalf of future generations of Charlestonians.
