Charleston Loan Exhibition

19 64 TH A NNUAL F ESTIVAL OF H OUSES & G ARDENS MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2011 For over sixty years, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) has worked to preserve the historical, architectural and cultural character of Charleston and its historic environs. One of the ways HCF pursues its mission is to enhance public awareness and appreciation for preservation through educational and enjoyable heritage tours. HCF’s Special Tours Program offers custom-designed private tours of Charleston and the Lowcountry for small groups of guests. Because of HCF’s leadership in the preservation and restoration of our historic port city, it has developed significant expertise and the relationships necessary to offer behind-the-scenes tours illuminating the culture and heritage of the historic port city. HCF can arrange visits to historic plantations, residences and gardens that would not otherwise be accessible to the public; provide expert speakers on history, decorative arts, culture and other topics of interest; conduct curatorial tours of the Nathaniel Russell and Aiken-Rhett Houses; arrange luncheons, dinners and receptions in privately owned historic houses; and offer visits to Lowcountry plantations. These exclusive tours are tailored to reflect the special interests and needs of a group, such as architecture, decorative arts, history or gardens. Recently, HCF has designed multi-day Special Tours for museum benefactors, patrons of the arts, college alumni groups, garden clubs and historical societies, with groups ranging in size from six to fifty. Enjoy the rare opportunity to experience the intimate charm found only beyond Charleston’s private garden gates and historic thresholds during Historic Charleston Foundation’s Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning heritage tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century. Tours and events vary daily to allow visitors to enjoy the diversity of this unique port city which traces its origins to 1670. Beautiful architecture and lush gardens are bountifully woven throughout the historic neighborhoods of Charleston. For details or tickets, call 843-722-3405 or visit our website at www.historiccharleston.org. S PECIAL T OURS P ROGRAM Church Street Doorway, Cherokee roses adorn the entrance to the Benjamin Phillip House, c. 1818. Among the icons of Charleston’s preserved heritage are decorative wrought iron gates, walled gardens and distinctive “single house” architecture featuring piazzas. South Battery Garden, Festival guests enjoy strolling through a garden on South Battery. Photography by Ron Rocz.