New Exhibit at the Nathaniel Russell House: Model of the Bennett Rice Mill

The decorative arts gallery at the Russell House has a new temporary exhibit! While the John Gough linen press/secretary remains on loan to the DAR Museum in Washington, D.C. until March 2026, handmade models by Tom Boozer will remain in the exhibit space. (Tom was featured in Garden & Gun in 2014, read the article here.)

There are three models on display: 

One model represents the Bennett’s Rice Mill, c. 1844, as it appeared after damage incurred in 1960 due to Hurricane Donna, and after the city required the partial demolition of its walls.  Over the years, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to ensure the preservation of this Charleston Landmark for the community that has continued to endure. Today, the remaining facade is surrounded by scaffolding undergoing extensive restoration and stabilization work.

The second model is of a diamond gate that exists at Nieuport Plantation, situated on the Combahee River, south of Charleston. Diamond gate trunks were made of solid walls and floors made of brick or tabby. Two doors were situated on each side, designed to pivot off of two posts to control the flow of water on rice plantations.

The third is of a Pile Driver Barge. Pile drivers were essential for laying the foundational pilings for rice field dikes. Cypress logs were driven into the mud to support the openings through the dikes or the gates that controlled the water flow in and out of the fields.

The three models, made to scale, provide a visual representation of important pieces of Charleston's history. The goal of presenting history, or a historic photograph, through a 3D model, is to create an engaging educational opportunity for visitors of all ages. This new exhibit is available to visit with admission to the Nathaniel Russell House Museum through the end of the year. Please come visit and view these beautiful works of art!

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