A Glimpse into Charleston’s House Museums
Charleston’s historic house museums offer visitors a glimpse into Charleston’s past, a past filled with the wealth and sophistication of Charleston’s elite, who made their fortunes from plantation crops such as indigo, rice and cotton or in the mercantile trade. Each house speaks to a unique story of the owners, their families and the enslaved African Americans who lived and worked there.
The Thomas Elfe House is Charleston’s smallest house museum and is privately operated. Situated at 54 Church Street, the house is a two and a half story wooden single house that was constructed between 1760 and 1770. Elfe, a native of England, was one of the most prolific and talented cabinetmakers in Charleston during the colonial period and operated his business for thirty years on Broad Street. His furniture forms were based on Chippendale’s designs. A double chest was offered at 80 pounds which was then worth $955; indicating that he was well paid for his craft. The house is furnished with period antiques and an intimate garden lies directly behind it. Call 843-722-9162 for tour information.
The Heyward–Washington House is owned by the Charleston Museum and is located at 87 Church Street. This Georgian-style brick, double house was constructed in 1772 for Thomas Heyward, a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the son of a rice planter. When President George Washington visited Charleston in 1791 he stayed at this handsome house. The house features drawing and withdrawing rooms on the second floor and is furnished with an exquisite collection of Charleston-made furniture, paintings, porcelain and silver. The Holmes bookcase, constructed of mahogany, is arguably one of the handsomest pieces of furniture made in America. The kitchen house, c. 1740 speaks to the daily life of slaves who toiled on the property, while the garden features plant materials from the late 18th century. Call 843-722-0354 for tour information.
The Joseph Manigault House, also owned by the Charleston Museum, is located at 350 Meeting Street. The Manigault House was built in 1803 and was designed by Gabriel Manigault who also designed the South Carolina Society Hall and City Hall. The Manigaults were among the French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France. The symmetrical interiors boast ornamented mantles and architraves and an elegant staircase. Panels relating to the work yard interpret the life of the enslaved African Americans on the property. The garden temple is original and the garden was designed from an existing 1820 watercolor painted by a family member. Call 843-723-2926 for tour information.
The Nathaniel Russell House, constructed in 1808 and owned by Historic Charleston Foundation, is considered to be one of the finest neoclassical houses in the southeast. Nathaniel Russell moved to Charleston from Bristol, Rhode Island. He was a merchant who imported and exported many goods to the city and he was involved in the slave trade. Architecturally, the house boasts square, oval and rectangular shaped rooms and a free flying staircase that traverses from the first to the third floor. The house has been meticulously restored, and the painted finishes include grain painted doors, trompe l’oeil cornices in the stair hall and elaborately painted cornices in the drawing and withdrawing rooms. A life-size portrait painted by the English court painter, George Romney, of Charlestonian Mary Rutledge Smith graces the stair hall. Call 843-724-8481 for tour information.
Built in 1825 by Charles Edmondston and altered in 1838 by Charles Alston, the Edmondston-Alston House, 21 East Bay Street, is Charleston’s only house museum positioned on the High Battery. The house, a property of Middleton Place Foundation, was altered in 1838 in the popular Greek Revival style. The parapet with the family’s heraldry was added during this alteration. The house includes many family heirlooms, furniture, paintings, silver and porcelain that are placed as they were over 150 years ago. Memorable guests to the house included Generals Robert E. Lee and Pierre Beauregard. Call 843-722-7171 for tour information.
The Aiken-Rhett House, a property of Historic Charleston Foundation on 48 Elizabeth Street, was constructed in 1820 and altered in 1838 and 1858. It is the only house museum to offer an audio tour. Constructed as a double house it was transformed to a Greek Revival suburban villa by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken. The house is conserved and not restored. The original wallpapers and carpeting are on display, and it is furnished with Aiken family furniture and art. The art gallery was added in 1858 and houses art that was collected by the family when they traveled throughout Europe on a grand tour. The Kitchen house, slave quarters, carriage house, garden folly and privies exist today, and the audio tour gives a thorough interpretation of all the people who lived on the property. Call 843-723-1159 for tour information.
The Calhoun Mansion, 16 Meeting Street, is Charleston’s largest house measuring 24,000 square feet and is privately owned. It was constructed in 1876 by George Walton Williams, who accumulated his wealth by importing goods from around the world. On the eve of the Civil War he owned a bank and many other businesses. The Italianate style house features 35 rooms and fireplaces, a ballroom with a cupola, walnut and oak woodwork and Minton tiles. The house bears the name the Calhoun Mansion as the grandson of John C. Calhoun, Patrick Calhoun, married one of Williams’ daughters. The house is furnished with the current owner’s private collection of art, decorative arts and furniture. Call 843-722-8205 for tour information.
A visit to any or all of these living glimpses in Charleston’s past is a treat to all lovers of the history and beauty of our city.