Despite the current coronavirus pandemic, residents can still celebrate the past and advocate for the future during this year’s Preservation Month (May).
In its long and storied history, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. As the nation's first community-based preservation organization, the Preservation Society has been through tough times before, too, and they say they are committed to carrying forward their mission and celebrating Preservation Month. Since the community can't go to them, the organization will be going virtual, offering a variety of online events, meetings, and lectures designed to educate and raise awareness about the important role of historic preservation and vigilant advocacy in Charleston.
Here’s a look at the upcoming virtual events (with descriptions from the Preservation Society):
May 1, 2020: PSC @ 100: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Kickstart Preservation Month with PSC Executive Director, Kristopher King, as he leads us through the history of the Preservation Society of Charleston, what issues faced Charleston in the 1920s, and what compelled our founder, Susan Pringle Frost, to form the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings, now Preservation Society of Charleston. Learn how the grassroots historic preservation movement got started in Charleston and why our members drive our mission.
May 2, 2020: THE PSC SHOP MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY
All current PSC Members will receive a special promo code for a total of 20% off all purchases through our online store. This includes handcrafted products from our local makers such as Brackish, Smithey Ironware, J. Stark, and more! As always, purchases are tax-free. *not all items in the Shop will be available online
May 5, 2020: SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The PSC invites its members to a virtual Spring Membership Meeting to celebrate its Centennial anniversary. On May 5, 1920, a group of citizens gathered under the leadership of Susan Pringle Frost to form the first community-based preservation organization in the nation. Join us to commemorate this historic moment and hear the latest updates from the Preservation Society of Charleston.
May 13, 2020: HISTORY OF THE KING STREET MASONIC TEMPLE
The old Masonic Temple building at the intersection of King Street and Wentworth Street has quite the storied past. Join PSC Executive Director, Kristopher King, as he discusses the building's distinctive architectural features, explains how the building has changed over time to accommodate new uses, and shows us the exciting potential for adaptive reuse moving forward.
May 22, 2020: LECTURE: THE CAROLOPOLIS AWARD
The Carolopolis plaques on buildings around town distinguish the very best of preservation in Charleston. Join PSC Advocacy staff for a look back at the history of the Carolopolis Award and answers to frequently asked questions.
May 29, 2020: LIVE ADVOCACY TOWN HALL
For those who want to know more about the Preservation Society's role in public meetings and our work to influence major projects in Charleston, tune in for a live Town Hall with our advocacy team. Have questions of your own? Submit them to our Advocacy team during the month of May by emailing advocacy@preservationsociety.org – we might just feature your question during this live town hall event!
PRESERVATION MONTH EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Throughout the month of May, tune in to the PSC's email communications and social media platforms to learn more about Charleston's history, architecture, and preservation legacy.
The Preservation Society has developed a series of weekly quick reads on a number of historic preservation topics. We will discuss the design principles of urbanist and architect, Christian Sottile, highlight important city-wide advocacy updates and provide new and engaging content for all!
Founded in 1920 by Susan Pringle Frost, the Preservation Society of Charleston is the oldest grassroots preservation organization in America. The Society serves as a strong advocacy leader for citizens concerned about preserving Charleston's distinctive character, quality of life, and diverse neighborhoods. For more information on the Preservation Society of Charleston, please visit preservationsociety.org. Preservation Month 2020 is sponsored Raven Cliff, Artis Construction, Croghan's Jewel Box, Glenn Keyes Architects, and Wertimer + Cline Landscape Design.
More information and ticketing options: preservationsociety.org or 843.722.4630.
