Charleston Heritage Federation Logo
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston’s historic sites, museums, and cultural organizations that make up the Charleston Heritage Federation (CHF) are pleased to announce a number of exciting activities and events for fall that brings the history of the city to life. From candlelight tours and coffee talks with authors to historical happy hours and musical performances, locals and visitors alike can experience a collection of culturally enriching offerings perfect for guests of all ages to enjoy.
CHF’s Essential Charleston Passport is available for purchase online, offering individuals a digital ticket to travel back in time and discover Charleston’s cultural mainstays by hopping between the city’s well-known historic districts. The passport includes admission to CHF’s five remarkable historic houses, the South Carolina Historical Society Museum, the Charleston Museum, and the foremost gallery of American art at the Gibbes Museum of Art. For an additional fee, guests can visit the country’s oldest landscaped gardens at Middleton Place and the oldest preserved plantation house at Drayton Hall.
Please see below for the latest CHF news, exhibits, and events taking place in the Holy City this fall.
Changing the Lives of Children in Need at the Charleston Library Society
September 20 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
The Charleston Library Society invites guests to support the launch of Coco’s Adventure Box — a resilience-building activity box for kids facing serious health challenges. A Charleston Library Society member, Casey Tulloch, created the original box for a friend’s seven-year-old daughter, nicknamed Coco after she was diagnosed with leukemia. After Coco’s successful treatment, followed by a local pilot at MUSC, Tulloch is now bringing Coco’s Box to more kids being treated at hospitals nationwide. To learn more about Coco’s Adventure Box, please visit https://bit.ly/3L59Qgo. For more information and to RSVP, please visit https://bit.ly/3RM2Kza.
Fall Garden Strolls + Wine Tasting at Middleton Place
September 21, 28 | October 5, 12, 19, 26 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Spend the evening at Middleton Place exploring America’s oldest landscaped gardens with a glass of wine in hand. During the Fall Garden Strolls + Wine Tasting, guests will enter through the main gate, park along the Greensward and start their evening at a wine table where there will be a selection of Old and New World wines. Guests will be able to wander through the National Historic Landmark that is Middleton Place, take in the beautiful flora and magnificent views of the Ashley River, and conclude the evening with dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant. Guests may extend their visit and stay overnight in Middleton Place’s award-winning inn. Regular tickets are $30 online and $35 at the event. Foundation Member Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the event. Online ticket sales end at 3 p.m. on the day of the stroll. Tickets are also available at the event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/3eIpSAI.
Colonial Cocktails: Gin and Beer with the Historic Charleston Foundation
September 22 | October 27 |5:30 – 7 p.m.
Join the Historic Charleston Foundation for a night of colonial mixology. Carin Bloom, Historic Charleston Foundation’s manager of education, will teach guests about unusual cocktails from Charleston’s past. The class will offer light bites and three cocktail samples. The event will take place at the Capt. James Missroon House on 40 East Bay Street, overlooking the Battery. Participants must be at least 21 years old. IDs are required. Tickets are $45 each. For more information and tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/GinandBeer922.
Takénobu Music at the Charleston Library Society
September 22 |6 – 7:30 p.m.
This intimate concert will bring together the talented Atlanta-based musical duo, Takénobu, to Charleston’s intellectual and cultural living room. Composed cellist and composer Nick Ogawa and violinist and vocalist Kathryn Koch will turn the Charleston Library Society’s main reading room into a space of positivity and relaxation through music. Celebrating their recently released album, “Always Leave a Note,” the duo will showcase their unique contemporary chamber-pop evolution while performing their entire catalog of dreamy and dramatic instrumental pieces. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for guests. To RSVP, please visit https://bit.ly/3DdRpnQ.
A Legacy in Silk: Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s Gown Lecture with Curator of Historic Textiles Virginia Theerman at The Charleston Museum
September 22 | 6 p.m.
Join curator of Historic Textiles, Virginia Theerman, as The Charleston Museum kicks off its 2022 fall lecture series. Theerman will speak on one of the treasures of the museum’s collection: Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s pink silk robe à la française. Theerman will discuss the history of the gown, its time in the Museum’s care, and dressing the gown for new photography. Guests will learn more about the delicate balance of preservation and accessibility as preparations are made for the gown to be temporarily exhibited next year in honor of The Charleston Museum’s 250th anniversary. This lecture is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $10. For more information and to register, call 843.722.2996 ext. 235 or visit https://bit.ly/3RzD1KG.
Kid Tours: Skeletons at The Charleston Museum
October 5 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Did you know that humans have the same number of vertebrae as a giraffe? Or that sharks have no bones at all? Come see what lies underneath fur, skin, scales, and feathers with The Charleston Museum’s curator of natural history, Matthew Gibson. This event is free for members and free with admission to The Charleston Museum. For more information, call 843.722.2996 ext. 236 or visit https://bit.ly/3Qvt3ZI.
Guerilla Shakespeare Cocktail Party at the Charleston Library Society
October 6th | 6 – 8 p.m.
The Charleston Library Society invites guests to enjoy cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres at the Charleston Library Society while the College of Charleston Theatre performers creatively (and perhaps spontaneously) interject various soliloquies, sonnets, or other abbreviated renditions of Shakespeare works and performances. Tickets to this event are $25 for members and students with photo IDs and are $35 for all other guests. To purchase tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/3B6b3zl or call 843.723.9912.
All That Jazz in Celebration of Joey Morant at the Charleston Library Society
October 7 | 6 – 7 p.m.
In honor of Joey Morant, a talented jazz musician from Charleston, the City of Charleston has commemorated October 8th as a day in his honor. This informative and entertaining evening will highlight stories of Morant through the eyes of musicians, family, and friends. With musical interludes, attendees will be able to experience the legacy of a jazz legend with Charleston roots who was an integral part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and the MOJA Arts Festival. To celebrate him and learn about his remarkable philanthropy, Joey Morant – All That Jazz Inc. Legacy Foundation, the Charleston Library Society invites community members to an evening of jazz and joy in Charleston’s Living Room. This event is free with RSVP. Please visit https://bit.ly/3qtgkMg for more information and to RSVP.
Madeira to Moonshine: A Drink History at the South Carolina Historical Society
Oct. 7 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Join the South Carolina Historical Society for “Madeira to Moonshine: A Drink History” on Friday, October 7. Enjoy a tour of historic Charleston sites and cocktails inspired by historic recipes. Guests will begin their adventure in the historic Fireproof Building located at 100 Meeting Street with Dorothy Heyward’s Champagne Punch, hors d’oeuvres, and a brief “drink history” of Mrs. Heyward’s favorite cocktails from the Charleston Renaissance era by historian Harlan Greene. The next stop will be the Blind Tiger Pub where guests will enjoy drinks devoted to Charleston’s rumrunning and moonshine history. The last site of the evening is the Edmondston-Alston House located at 21 E. Battery, overlooking the Charleston harbor, where the evening will end with a tasting of Madeira and dessert. Tickets include drinks (specifically specialty cocktails, wine, or madeira), heavy hors d’oeuvres, and admission to each location. Guests will be walking to each location. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3U0XYA3.
Día de los Muertos: A Glimpse Into Its Cultural Heritage And As a Setting for Don Giovanni at the Library Society
Thursday, October 13th | 6 – 7 p.m.
In this partnership with Charleston Opera Theater, South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs, and The College of Charleston, the Charleston Library Society invites guests to a panel discussion that will uncover how the unexpected choice of setting Mozart's classic opera, Don Giovanni, in Mexico on Dia de los Muertos transforms the experience of this musical mainstay. This pairing offers a fresh perspective on a beloved cultural tradition as experienced through the opera. This program will offer a glimpse into Dia de los Muertos’ cultural heritage as members of Charleston Opera Theater, S.C. Commission for Minority Affairs, and the College of Charleston share their insight on the subject. To RSVP and for more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3BtQTAL or call 843.723.9912.
The Charleston Museum: America’s First Museum Book Launch at The Charleston Museum
October 13 | 6 – 7 p.m.
In celebration of The Charleston Museum’s 250th anniversary of its founding, the museum is pleased to announce the release of a special commemorative volume published by the University of South Carolina Press entitled “The Charleston Museum: America’s First Museum.” The Charleston Museum invites the community to share in the excitement of the upcoming momentous anniversary of America’s first museum with the official launch event for this celebratory publication. This special event is free and open to the public, but registration is recommended. The evening will begin in the museum’s Arthur M. Wilcox Auditorium with a presentation followed by a brief Q&A segment. Afterward, a light reception will be held in the main lobby with books available for purchase. Mr. Borick and other contributors will be available during the event to sign books. The book is available for purchase at The Charleston Museum store, Heyward-Washington House, and online for $34.99. For more information and to register, call 843.722.2996 ext. 235 or visit https://bit.ly/3B5R6sd.
Art in the Barn at Middleton Place
October 14 | 6 – 9 p.m.
The Stableyards’ annual fundraising event, Art in the Barn, returns to Middleton Place this year. Guests may join this special evening under the stars with a barbecue, live music, drinks, a silent auction, and an art sale. The historic breeds at Middleton Place are an essential part of the Foundation’s educational mission, and the animals are indicative of livestock found in the Lowcountry in the 18th and 19th centuries. The money raised from the event will go towards completing the upgrade of the paddocks for the animals. Each ticket includes dinner from the restaurant’s smoker trailer and two drink tickets. The bar will take cash and card. A vegetarian dinner option is also available. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/3d9JoW2.
Community Day at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum with the Historic Charleston Foundation
October 15 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Historic Charleston Foundation is excited to announce Community Day at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum. This family-friendly day features free admission to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum and the Flight textile installation and art exhibit by Mary Edna Fraser. Join the Historic Charleston Foundation for a day of education and community activities that will include indigo dyeing, live storytelling, live baby animals, ice cream-making demonstrations, scavenger hunts, live music, and lunch. This event will be free and open to the public, rain or shine. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/CommunityDayARH.
Book Talk at Middleton Place: Gullah Spirituals by Eric Crawford
October 16 | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Please join Middleton Place Foundation for “Gullah Spirituals: The Sound of Freedom and Protest in the South Carolina Sea Islands” book talk and signing reception with author Dr. Eric Crawford. During this event, guests will learn about Dr. Crawford’s groundbreaking research and ongoing preservation efforts of Gullah Geechee spirituals. This event is free and open to the public. Advance reservations are required and seating is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/3Dj9HUJ.
Charleston Tourism Forum at the Camden Room with the Historic Charleston Foundation
October 18 | 6 p.m.
Historic Charleston Foundation is proud to host a community tourism forum with the City of Charleston and Explore Charleston on Tuesday, October 18th in the Camden Room at the Visitor’s Center. The forum will provide a “state of the union” on tourism with updates from the city’s Office of Livability and Tourism Management and Explore Charleston. This community forum is free and open to the public. The forum will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/TourismOct22.
Revealing the True Legal System of Jim Crow | Buxton Books and the Charleston Library Society Present Margaret Burnham
October 18| 6 – 7 p.m.
The Charleston Library Society and Buxton Books invite guests to join Margaret Burnham, a civil rights lawyer, in a discussion about her new book “By Hands Now Known.” Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for guests. To purchase tickets please visit https://bit.ly/3qtio6Y.
Candlelight Tours of the Aiken-Rhett House Museum with the Historic Charleston Foundation
October 19, 20, 21, 22 |6 – 8 p.m.
Guests are invited to deviate from the normal offerings of the Aiken-Rhett House and step into the more dangerous and tragic sides of history and lived experiences in Charleston through this seasonal event. Weaving local stories and legends through each room of the historic house, museum curators will lead guests through a new route with new information for a truly unique experience to fit the autumn season. The house will be illuminated by candlelight only, so bring an extra lantern or flashlight if you feel so inclined. The museum is not handicap accessible or stroller friendly. This event is recommended for ages eight and above. Light refreshments will be included. For more information and tickets, please visit https://www.historiccharleston.org/.
Lite Lunch with Media Mogul, Zibby Owens at the Charleston Library Society
October 21 |12 – 1 p.m.
At this Lite Lunch, Zibby Owens, author, podcaster, publisher, CEO, and mother of four, will share the experience of her entrepreneur path, perseverance, talent, and trust that consumers of her creative end product will engage in the conversation. She will also reveal her road to success and her sacrifices to achieve her goals. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for guests. To purchase tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/3RsYjts.
Discovery Day: Pumpkin Party at The Charleston Museum
October 25 | 10 – 11 a.m.
At this event, little learners will paint mini pumpkins, make pumpkin sand art necklaces, practice motor skill weaving on a pumpkin mat, and go for a nature walk to celebrate the autumn season. Discovery Day is designed for young learners (ages two to five years old) to explore the museum, historic houses, and Dill Sanctuary with a parent or guardian. The program fee includes admission for one child and one adult. Reservations are required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information and to register, call 843.722.2996 ext. 236 or visit: https://bit.ly/3TYie53.
Travel Candle Making Workshop with Local Artist Daisy McClellan at The Charleston Museum
October 25 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Join local artist Daisy McClellan for a relaxing candle-making workshop developed for visitors and locals alike. In this class, guests will learn how to make soy candles from beginning to end. Lidded tin containers will be used to create the perfect “travel” candle to take on journeys. Guests will leave the class with two candles mixed with custom scent combinations using a variety of fragrance oils inspired by Charleston. These break-proof candles are great to throw in a bag to bring a little bit of Charleston wherever guests may go. Beginners are welcome and no experience is required. All materials and instructions are included in this workshop. Reservations are required. For more information and to register, call 843.722.2996 ext. 235 or visit https://bit.ly/3xbqTHR.
Dangerous Ground: Squatters, Statesmen, and the Antebellum Rupture of American Democracy at the Charleston Library Society
October 25 | 6 – 7 p.m.
The Charleston Library Society invites guests to engage with historian Dr. John Suval as he reveals how white squatters in the American West transformed from remote frontier scourges to central actors in the crisis engulfing the United States in the lead-up to the Civil War. In his new book, “Dangerous Ground: Squatters, Statesmen, and the Antebellum Rupture of American Democracy,” Suval shares the surprising story of squatters’ outsized (and overlooked) role in the conquests of Manifest Destiny and the sectional conflict over slavery, casting urgent new light on the perennial promises and vulnerabilities of American democracy. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for guests. For tickets and more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3eDTDSR.
Halloween Party: Trick or Treat at The Charleston Museum
October 28, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kick-off this year’s Halloween celebrations with The Charleston Museum by wearing costumes and trick or treating through the museum while learning about the spookiest and creepiest items in their collections. Haunted houses, crafts, and activities will all be enjoyed. Reservations are required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information and to register, call 843.722.2996 ext. 236 or visit https://bit.ly/3qqLqEp.
In Defense of Charleston: A Tour of Batteries Pringle and Tynes with Chief of Collections Jennifer McCormick at The Charleston Museum
November 12 |9:30 – 11 a.m.
In 1863, the Confederate earthworks, Batteries Pringle and Tynes, were constructed by enslaved people and soldiers to serve as part of General P.G.T. Beauregard’s “New Lines.” Hurriedly constructed, both served as part of the James Island defenses which protected Charleston from Federal attack via Morris and Folly Islands. Although well-armed, the small number of officers and enlisted men posted to these fortifications endured heat, supply shortages, and punishing artillery barrages in the summer of 1864, when the strategic defensive position became the target of Federal forces on the Stono River. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the batteries are protected within the confines of The Charleston Museum’s Dill Sanctuary and are regarded among the most well-preserved Confederate fortifications in the country. Join Chief of Collections Jennifer McCormick to explore these historically important landmarks and better understand their strategic importance in the Civil War. Please note that this is an “off-road” location with steep inclines and unprepared terrain. Walking shoes or boots are recommended. Reservations are required. For more information, please call 843.722.2996 ext. 235 or visit https://bit.ly/3TSNlzf.
Living History Days at Middleton Place
November 12, 13 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This popular annual event showcases the many different skills that were practiced by both enslaved and free people throughout the Lowcountry’s long rich history. Interpreters and volunteers will demonstrate skills including carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, cooking, cane pressing, indigo dyeing, and candle making. In addition, historic practices of agriculture and animal husbandry will also be presented. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/3TY2kI5.
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