The Preservation Society of Charleston: History, Membership, and How to Visit

What the Preservation Society of Charleston does

The Preservation Society of Charleston is a membership organization dedicated to protecting the city's historic architecture and neighborhoods. Founded in 1920, it operates as a private nonprofit — not a government agency — and focuses on documenting, advocating for, and educating the public about Charleston's built heritage. The organization maintains a library and archive, offers tours and educational programs, and works to prevent demolition or inappropriate alteration of significant historic structures.

The Society is headquartered in the Aiken-Rhett House, a restored antebellum mansion at 48 Elizabeth Street in downtown Charleston. This house itself is a museum property open to the public, and it serves as the physical center for the organization's work. The Society's collections include architectural records, photographs, manuscripts, and research materials spanning Charleston's colonial period through the twentieth century.

Key Takeaways

• The Preservation Society of Charleston is a private membership organization founded in 1920 that works to protect and document the city's historic buildings and neighborhoods.
• The organization operates the Aiken-Rhett House museum at 48 Elizabeth Street, where you can tour a restored antebellum mansion and access their library and archives.
• Membership includes access to the Aiken-Rhett House, invitations to lectures and walking tours, and a quarterly magazine covering Charleston's architectural history.
• The Society's library and archives are open to researchers and the general public during posted hours, and contain photographs, architectural drawings, and historical documents about Charleston properties.

Visiting the Aiken-Rhett House museum

The Aiken-Rhett House is open to visitors year-round, though hours vary by season. The house tour is self-guided, meaning you move through the rooms at your own pace with printed materials or a mobile guide. The tour covers the main floors of the house, including the parlors, dining room, and bedrooms, as well as the kitchen house and slave quarters — spaces that tell a fuller story of antebellum Charleston life than many historic house museums do.

Admission to the Aiken-Rhett House is charged separately from membership. The house is located in the historic district, within walking distance of other museums, galleries, and restaurants. Parking is street parking only; there is no dedicated lot. The tour typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, though you can spend longer if you read all the interpretive materials.

Membership benefits and costs

The Preservation Society offers several membership levels, each with different benefits. Individual and household memberships are the most common, and they typically include free or discounted admission to the Aiken-Rhett House, invitations to member-only events, and a subscription to the Society's quarterly magazine, Preservation Progress. The magazine covers topics like architectural restoration, neighborhood history, and upcoming preservation issues in Charleston.

Members also receive discounts on the Society's walking tours and lectures, which are held throughout the year. These programs focus on specific neighborhoods, architectural styles, or historical periods. Membership dues support the organization's advocacy work, which includes commenting on development proposals, working with property owners on restoration, and maintaining the archives.

The library and archives

The Preservation Society maintains a research library and archive that is open to the public. The collections include architectural drawings and photographs of Charleston buildings, both historic and demolished; manuscript collections related to local history; and reference materials on preservation techniques and Charleston's architectural styles. Researchers can visit by appointment or during open hours to consult materials.

The archives are particularly valuable for people researching a specific Charleston property or neighborhood. If you own a historic house and want to learn about its original design or previous owners, the Society's collections often contain relevant documents. The staff can also point you toward other resources, such as deed records at the county courthouse or collections at the South Carolina Historical Society.

Walking tours and educational programs

The Preservation Society offers guided walking tours of different Charleston neighborhoods, each focusing on a particular era or architectural theme. Tours typically last 90 minutes to two hours and are led by knowledgeable guides who discuss the history and architectural details of the buildings you pass. Past tours have covered the French Quarter, the antebellum mansions of the Battery, and the vernacular architecture of working-class neighborhoods.

The organization also hosts lectures, workshops, and symposiums on topics like historic preservation law, restoration techniques, and neighborhood history. These events are often held at the Aiken-Rhett House or other historic venues around Charleston. Some programs are free to members; others charge a fee but offer member discounts.

Advocacy and preservation work

Beyond education and tourism, the Preservation Society actively works to protect Charleston's historic character. The organization comments on development proposals that affect historic districts, works with property owners on restoration projects, and advocates for stronger preservation policies at the city and state level. The Society also maintains a list of endangered historic properties and publishes reports on preservation issues facing Charleston.

If you are a property owner in a historic district or own a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Society can provide information about restoration standards, tax incentives for historic rehabilitation, and the review process for exterior changes. The organization does not provide design services or construction work, but it can connect you with architects and contractors who specialize in historic preservation.

How to contact and visit

The Preservation Society of Charleston is located at 48 Elizabeth Street in downtown Charleston. You can reach them by phone or through their website to ask about current hours, tour schedules, and membership information. The organization's staff can answer questions about specific properties, direct you to relevant archival materials, or discuss membership options.

If you are interested in Charleston's history and architecture, visiting the Aiken-Rhett House and exploring the Society's programs is a way to deepen your understanding of the city's built environment. Whether you come as a casual visitor, a researcher, or a member, the organization offers multiple entry points into Charleston's preservation story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a membership to visit the Aiken-Rhett House?

No. The Aiken-Rhett House is open to the public for an admission fee. Membership provides free or discounted entry plus other benefits like event invitations and the quarterly magazine, but you can visit the house as a non-member.

Can I use the archives if I'm not a member?

Yes. The Preservation Society's library and archives are open to researchers and the public. You may need to call ahead to schedule a visit or confirm hours, but membership is not required to access the collections.

What if I want to restore my historic house — can the Society help?

The Society does not perform restoration work, but staff can provide information about preservation standards, tax incentives, and the review process if your house is in a historic district. They can also recommend architects and contractors who specialize in historic work.

Are the walking tours available year-round?

Tours are offered throughout the year, though the schedule varies by season. Spring and fall typically have more frequent tours. Check the Society's website or call for the current tour calendar and to reserve a spot.

Where do I park when visiting the Aiken-Rhett House?

Street parking only — there is no dedicated parking lot at the house. The location is in the historic district, so parking can be limited during peak times. Arriving early or visiting on weekdays may make parking easier.