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We can hardly wait - soon the Fall Tours will begin! Charleston was founded in 1670, but it's not America’s oldest city - St Augustine, FL was founded by the Spanish in 1565. It does, however, have a long and storied past. Some of the finest examples of historic architecture in America were built here. Over the years, many priceless buildings were endangered but spared bombardment, fires, tornados, and a devastating earthquake. Even better, our forebears had the good sense to establish the country’s first Preservation Society and to lovingly restore its treasures so they can be enjoyed today. Step into History. Tours begin October 7. For a full listing, visit bit.ly/charlestonfalltours

   

Candelight Tours start next month.

Let’s talk lighting. Next month, we kick off our candlelight tours at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum. These tours offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience this house just as it would have been at nighttime prior to modern conveniences like gas and electrical lighting.

In this picture, HCF Director of Museums, Grahame Long, explains that nineteenth century homes were designed to maximize both natural light during the day and candlelight at night through the reflection provided by large mirrors, large windows and even the use of reflective gold leaf ornamentation. How many potential light sources can you spot in this photo?

-rhetthousemuseum

OPEN FOR ENTRIES SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 15, 2021

The 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art awards $10,000 to an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South. Presented annually, the 1858 Prize recognizes the highest level of artistic achievement in any media. The Gibbes encourages both emerging and nationally recognized artists of all backgrounds to apply and is committed to cultivating an award that is diverse and affirming.

In addition to the monetary award, the 2021 Prize Winner will be invited to present one artwork in the Museum’s galleries during 2022 (selected in collaboration with the Curatorial Department) as well as a Visiting Artist residency opportunity in 2022 or 2023.

Artists from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are eligible to apply.

Applications are accepted exclusively through Slideroom.

WORKS BY 1858 PRIZE FINALISTS (left to right): Dos Aquas by María Magdalena Campos Pons, Voices of Futures Past by Stephen L. Hayes, I Park Passage by Herb Parker, and Blue Distant (Four Vanishing Points) by Namwon Choi.

Happy National
Dog Day!

Morning History Walk https://www.historiccharleston.org/blog/event/morning-history-walk-071621/

Hawaii becomes 50th state The modern United States receives its crowning star when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting Hawaii into the Union as the 50th state.