General News

The Heyward-Washington House as a Boarding House, 1819-1861

The interpretation at the Heyward-Washington House has mainly focused on the ownership and occupation of the Milners, Heywards, Grimkés, and Fuselers. Because the earlier and later periods, some revealed only by archaeology, are less well-known, we were delighted to host an internship by Judith Arendall who is pursuing a graduate…

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General News

Saving the Heyward-Washington House

In the 1920s, the Heyward-Washington House was at risk. Though considered “a preservationist’s nightmare” it was actually a historic property that Charleston could ill afford to lose, particularly its Georgian-style interiors. The house was completed in 1772 for Thomas Heyward Jr. and his new wife Elizabeth Mathews Heyward. The Heywards…

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General News

A Rouletted Colonware Sherd from the Heyward-Washington House

Map of features in the Heyward-Washington yard, by Sarah Platt Much has been written about the archaeological excavations at the Heyward-Washington House, and the artifacts recovered from the digs. Elaine Herold’s excavations of the kitchen, privy, work yard, driveway, and main house cellar in the 1970s produced one of the…

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General News

Learning about the Enslaved at the Heyward-Washington House

87 Church Street has been home to many families, both free and enslaved. Today it is the location of the Heyward-Washington House. In 1772 construction was completed on a three story Georgian double house and 250 years later it is still there. This year we commemorate the history of the…

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General News

The Heyward-Washington House: 250 Years Old

The Charleston Museum will commemorate two major anniversaries over the next two years. January 12, 2023 will mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the museum that would ultimately become The Charleston Museum. This year, we will observe 250 years since the completion of the Heyward-Washington House. Constructed in…

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