Charleston tradition

South Carolina,
© 2012 Group Tour Media
January 13, 2012

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Three years before the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, The Charleston Museum was established. Modeled after the British Museum, which had opened to great acclaim some two decades earlier, the museum established by the Charleston Library Society is commonly regarded as America’s first museum.

Over the years, the museum saw a lot of changes. Much of the early work was lost to a fire, and operations were suspended during the Revolutionary War. The collections opened to the public in 1824 before the Civil War caused another shut down. The broad collection, progressively acquired over the years, provides a full and diverse picture of South Carolina.

The museum is spread over four properties, and tour planners can choose to visit any combination. A variety of tours are available for each locale, and discounts are provided when a group encompasses 10 or more people. With the Signature Series group programs, the list of tour options seems as long as the collection is broad. Whether groups are interested in a specific topic, want to see the temporary exhibits, or something in between, the curators of The Charleston Museum can create a custom experience.

The main building features historical exhibitions containing many things from the noted collections designed to introduce visitors to the state’s history from early settlement through the late 19th century.

Heyward-Washington, Charleston’s Revolutionary War house, was built in 1772. Located in the original walled portion of the city, the neighborhood was used by Dubose Heyward as the setting for Porgy and Bess. Heyward was both a Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence. A special guest was welcomed in 1791 — the home was George Washington’s temporary residence during his Southern Tour.

Furnished with magnificent Charleston-made furniture, the collection includes the priceless Holmes Bookcase, one of the finest examples of American-made furniture in existence. The exquisite formal garden contains plants available to Charlestonians during that period.

The second museum property, the Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, is a premier example of Adam-style, or Federal, architecture. Designed by gentleman architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother Joseph, the house is one of the most distinguished in the city, capturing the lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family. The interior reflects an outstanding collection of American, English, and French furnishings of the period, while the charming Gate Temple is the focus of the period garden.

When tours are planned for December, groups can join in the celebration of Christmas in Charleston. The Garden Club of Charleston decorates the Manigault House in the typical — and elegant — holiday design of the period.

Finally, the Dill Sanctuary, located on James Island, contains assorted habitats for wildlife and numerous cultural features including three earthen Confederate batteries and prehistoric, Colonial, antebellum, and postbellum archaeological sites. The Dill Sanctuary has been protected for purposes of preservation, wildlife enhancement, research and education, and is used only for museum-sponsored programs.•

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