Program areas at The Preservation Society of Charleston
Advocacy - The Preservation Society (psc) works to protect Charleston's historic buildings, cultural resources and communities by promoting better development practices, flood mitigation, and tourism management. We support a more livable, sustainable future for Charleston through advocacy, education, and community engagement. The psc is in a unique position to analyze and explain The connections between planning and zoning decisions and The quality of life for people who live and work in Charleston. Through regular communication (both electronic and print) and an informative and versatile website, The psc alerts citizens to The issues, encouraging them to engage with their public officials, and to have a voice in The public process. Additional aspects of our advocacy work include The psc easement program, which protects significant historic properties in partnership with homeowners, The carolopolis awards, which is a time-honored celebration of exemplary Preservation efforts, and research initiatives to highlight Charleston's under-represented history, such as The Charleston justice journey.
Tours - The Society's fall tours and curated tour programs offer guided house tours, walking tours, and educational programs that focus on Charleston's unique history and architecture. The Society has refocused The program to ensure The long-term sustainability of The tours by mitigating The impacts on The buildings, neighborhoods, and residents. By reducing The size of The tours and improving The educational content, The Society demonstrates that quality over quantity is The best path forward for our residents and visitors.
Retail shop - The retail operation of The Society is comprised of a bricks-and-mortar shop and growing online presence and is staffed by a group of gifted employees. The shop features The work of local "makers" from feather brackish bowties to a line of locally crafted handbags. More than ever aligned with The Society's mission of advocating for what is truly authentic and real in Charleston, The retail operation both stabilizes The organization's cash flow and furthers its work, enrolling new members and educating The public about The Society's mission.