Preservation Society of Charleston will Honor National Preservation Month This May with Lineup of Diverse Tours and Events

In celebration of National Preservation Month, the Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) will host a series of events to educate and raise awareness about the importance of historic preservation in Charleston. The tours and events will be led by local architects, historians, preservationists, and PSC Staff. Events begin on May 3rd, and are scheduled throughout the entire month of May.

With this year’s lineup of Preservation Month events, the PSC says they hope to “spark interest in the city’s rich and storied past, shine a light on the pressing issues threatening Charleston, and showcase the remarkable preservation projects taking place in and around the city.”

Schedule of events:

Farmers and Exchange Bank (right) Hard Hat Tour and Reception | May 3rd at 4 pm – The Farmers and Exchange Bank (c. 1854), located just North of Broad Street on East Bay, is one of few examples of Moorish style architecture in South Carolina. Join the PSC and local historic preservation architect, Glenn Keyes, to examine this unique building’s architecture and history in the midst of its ongoing rehabilitation. The tour will be followed by light refreshments and the opportunity for further discussion. $75 per person. Tickets:  bit.ly/farmersexchangehh

Preservation Picnic | May 14th at 11 am – The PSC invites its members to visit Wadmalaw Island for our preservation picnic. From 11 am – 12 pm, guests are invited to walk through one of the property’s private residences modeled after a historic 1850s building in the Greek Cross style layout. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch, bluegrass music, and views of the Wadmalaw River. This event is open to PSC members only. $75 per person. Free for children under 12. Become a member: preservationsociety.org/join

Preservation Happy Hour | May 17th at 5 pm – Join us for a happy hour to celebrate the role of preservation in Charleston. Come meet and mingle with the PSC staff, board, and other community-minded individuals. Food and drinks courtesy of Blind Tiger Pub. This event is free and open to the public – registration is required: bit.ly/pschappyhour

African American Classicism Lecture | May 19th at 5 pm – Join the PSC and local architect and professor, Phillip Smith, for an exploration on the origins of Greco-Roman architecture and the influence African Americans have had on American Classical architecture and the built environment. From 5-6 PM, attendees will have the opportunity to view museum exhibits at The Avery Research Center for African American and Culture before the lecture begins at 6 PM. “Pay-What-You-Can” ($40 suggested donation, proceeds benefit both the PSC and Avery) – registration required. Registration: bit.ly/philipsmithlecture

Read Brothers Building (below) Hard Hat Tour | May 24th at 5:30 pm – The Read Brothers Building (c. 1912), located on the corner of King and Spring streets, originally opened as the Read and Dumas five and dime store and remained the home of Read family-run businesses for over a century. In 2017, the Read Brothers’ stereo and fabric store was forced to close due to dangerous structural issues. Join the PSC, architect Simons Young, and local preservation and research consultant Brittany Lavelle Tulla to learn more about the building’s past and its ongoing restoration. $50 per person. Tickets: bit.ly/readbrothershh

For more information on Preservation Month programs and to reserve your spot, visit preservationsociety.org/preservationmonth/ or call 843.405.1050.

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