An Overview of Historic Charleston Foundation

 

Established in 1947, Historic Charleston Foundation works to protect buildings, landscapes and cultural resources that make up Charleston’s rich and irreplaceable heritage. At the heart of the Foundation’s mission lies its preservation and advocacy programs, including protective covenants and easements. This mission is supported through the generosity of preservation-minded donors, in addition to the Foundation’s earned-income programs, including the Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, Charleston International Antiques Show, licensed products program and four retail shops. In addition, HCF fulfills its educational mission through the interpretation of its collections and two museum sites: the Nathaniel Russell House, circa 1808, and the Aiken-Rhett House, circa 1818.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees of about 35 individuals with a strong interest or specialized knowledge in historic preservation. Foundation operations are managed by an Executive Director, with support from five divisions: Preservation and Museums, Marketing and Public Programs, Licensed Products and Retail, Development and Administration.