South Carolina's Statewide Historic Preservation Nonprofit Organization

Our Mission

Formed in 1990, Preservation South Carolina preserves and protects South Carolina's historic buildings and places, advocating for their productive use, and promoting the state's diverse cultural legacy.

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Current Projects & Initiatives

In order to meet our state's most pressing needs, we have used support from people like you to create programs that address the preservation of our historic rural churches, the revitalization of smaller community downtowns, and the saving of significant African American landmarks. Below are a few of our current statewide projects and initiatives.

Accepting Applications to the 2025 South Carolina Historic Preservation Awards

Sponsored by the SC Department of Archives & History, The Office of the Governor and Preservation South Carolina. DEADLINE is April 1, 2025.

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Union County

Dawkins House

Located at the end of N. Church Street in downtown Union is an unassuming building that does not outwardly show its history as the one-time state capital of SC during the Civil War. In November 2023, Preservation SC acquired the rights to the Dawkins House at a property tax sale.

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Berkeley County

Taveau Church

Built in 1835, and used as a place of worship for Black Methodists since 1847, Taveau is a remarkable rural Black church with rich history. In 2023, with the full support of the congregation, its minister, and the Taveau Legacy Committee, we purchased historic Taveau from the UMC Conference.

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Edgefield County

Edgefield Hotel

In 2017, an Edgefield citizen donated the town’s historic hotel to PSC. The original hotel, known as the "Planters Inn", was built in 1813 later burned and rebuilt in 1919 to what we see today. We are working with developers and the Town in bringing this building back to life.

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Breaking News

Exciting news for the Dawkins House! We are thrilled to announce that it will be the new home of the USC-Union Alumni Center. We look forward to sharing more updates as we progress, but for now, take a moment to appreciate the brand new sign dedicated to this joint project with USC-Union, Union County, and the City of Union.

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The Latest Headlines + Happenings

Preservation South Carolina E-Newsletter

Update on the Dawkins House Project

January 16, 2025

We are pleased to share an update on the Dawkins House project in Union. This month, we will commence the stabilization of the home, following a thorough examination of the structure's condition and receipt of a stabilization report from Bennett Preservation Engineering.

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Year-End Newsletter 2024

December 9, 2024

Featuring a few highlights from 2024 and a note from board chairman, John Hildreth.

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Taveau Church, Community Engagement

November 4, 2024

On October 19th, we hosted a Cordesville Community Tour and Input session, where residents received a tour and project update for potential uses of Taveau Church post-restoration. This project received funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with support from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Learn more

The restoration of Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church started in 2018 as a part of our Sacred Spaces Program, in partnership with property owners, Ed McAllister and Joe Carpenter, with the primary goal of painting the building and restoring original features such as stained-glass windows and shutters.

Mount Carmel Presbyterian features an impressive array of stained-glass windows, including two Gothic windows on the front elevation. When restoration began, these window sashes were almost entirely devoid of glass. The chancel area showcases three Eastlake style windows, each consisting of two sashes. Preservation SC engaged a specialized firm based in Greer, South Carolina to order and install the stained-glass windows requiring replacement.

The church's interior remains largely unchanged, with many original pews and its original color palette intact. The central stove connected to the ceiling was removed due to liability concerns. A vintage 1920s lighting fixture chosen by the owners was added in 2022 to honor their family.

Read about the past AND current efforts at Mount Carmel Presbyterian at the link in our bio ⬆️🔗

Since starting the emergency stabilization of the Dawkins House in February, we have made significant progress. Here’s an update on the work accomplished thus far!

Exterior bracing has been installed at the front porch and side annex wall, and the crawlspace has been reinforced with metal jack posts and bracing walls. Plywood sheets have been applied to areas with weak flooring in the interior. The installation of first-floor bracing walls is currently in progress.

Construction is expected to last approximately 120 days, with a projected completion date of May 31, 2025. The primary objective of this phase is to reinforce the structure from the foundation to the roof, ensuring the house's stability and preventing further deterioration or significant damage.

We appreciate the collaboration of Huss Construction on this project and the support of Bennett Preservation Engineering.

BEFORE & AFTER of St. George Rosenwald School in honor of Rosenwald School Day.

In 2023, South Carolina legislature formally established the Rosenwald School Day (February 28th), acknowledging the historical importance of the Rosenwald schools, which were constructed through the grant fund established by Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington. Between 1912 and 1926, this initiative resulted in the construction of 486 African American Rosenwald schools across South Carolina, ensuring that each county had at least one school. Over one-third of African American students in the South attended a Rosenwald school during the first half of the 20th century.

Preserving Rosenwald school buildings and sites is crucial, as they serve as invaluable cultural resources worthy of protection, restoration, and interpretation for their historical significance in South Carolina and future generations.

Yesterday, legislature recognized the efforts of the Rosenwald Schools Trail Study, facilitated by the Conservation Voters of South Carolina, the WeGOJA Foundation, and the Rosenwald Schools Trail Study Steering Committee. 📸 By Alan Nussbaum, M.D.

We are honored to share that Taveau Church is the recipient of a $200,000 grant from the Preserving Black Churches program of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“The Taveau Church project was selected as one of 30 places nationwide out of more than 622 applications, reinforcing both its historical importance and its promise as a new center of community for the future. We are proud to work with the Taveau Legacy Committee and other local, statewide, and regional individuals and organizations in preserving this place and its story,” said John Hildreth, Board Chair of Preservation South Carolina regarding the recent grant award.

This grant funding will support exterior restoration efforts to ensure the building can remain standing as a monument to the congregation’s history. We are grateful for the support of the Preserving Black Churches program and the opportunity to continue our work for the community.

#PBC2025 #PreservingBlackChurches #BlackHistory #PreservationMatters #SavingPlaces

We are grateful to announce that a generous Union local philanthropist, Mrs. Barbara Harter Rippy, has contributed $50,000 to Preservation South Carolina to support the restoration of the Judge Thomas N. Dawkins House, future home of the USC-Union Alumni House.

Mrs. Rippy has made significant contributions to various local and university initiatives. In addition to establishing four endowed scholarships for USC-Union students, she has provided funding for the USC-Union nursing program, bookstore, and courtyard renovations, and has been a steadfast supporter of the Bantam athletic program.

With profound gratitude, Preservation South Carolina will dedicate the front porch of the Dawkins House as the “Barbara Rippy Portico,” which will serve as the central gathering point for all visitors and staff at the USCU Alumni Center.

Don't miss the SC African American Heritage Conference, titled "Uplifting Voices", on February 22, 2025 in Columbia!

This conference brings together a diverse group of historians, preservation organizations, individuals, students, and scholars to examine the significance of African American history and its impact on our state and communities. Notably, Preservation South Carolina's board member, Cecil Williams, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the influence of student protests during the Civil Rights era.

Learn more and register at the link in our bio ⬆️

📸 Photo of Cecil Williams of Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum

We are pleased to announce our recent acquisition of the E.T. West House through our Revolving Fund, made possible by a substantial appropriation from the SC General Assembly and the support of our members.

Located in Darlington’s West Board Street Historic District, this house is one of numerous properties within the district designed and built by Lawrence Reese, a self-taught Black carpenter, architect, and entrepreneur. Reese’s homes are distinguished by their intricate woodwork and elaborate Gothic-style architectural elements, as seen in this circa 1890 Queen Anne Victorian residence. The property features five bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 12-14’ ceilings, eight ornate fireplaces, French doors, and two balconies, with stained glass windows throughout. This house is one of 14 buildings Reese designed and built in the district, earning the nickname Reese Row.

What’s next? We are working with experienced local builders to do immediate repairs and stabilization measures on the front balconies before locating a new owner to care for this historic property.

For more information about our Revolving Fund, or to contribute to our vital work around the state, visit our website at www.preservesc.org.

Preservation South Carolina honors the legacy and celebrates the life of Ruth Ann Butler, founder and director of the Greenville Cultural Exchange Center since 1985.

Ms. Butler's unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and tireless endeavors enabled her to develop an indispensable historical resource for the city and region. Holding a degree in history and social studies from Benedict College, Ms. Butler relinquished her teaching position to commit herself full-time to creating a cultural and historical center in Greenville, aimed at preserving the African American experience in the city. In recognition of her contributions, Ms. Butler received the South Carolina Preservation Stewardship Award in summer 2024.

GPR SURVEY AT TAVEAU

In conjunction with our long-term stewardship planning work for Taveau Church, we conducted preliminary site planning and a GPR survey to identify sensitive areas to avoid in future work, assess drainage patterns and roughly identify areas for ancillary activities.

We are grateful for the support provided by Luke Pecoraro, PhD RPA, Director of Archaeology and Collections with Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, who conducted this survey, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who provided funding for this work. Learn more about this project at the link in our bio ⬆️

📸 David George, Luke Pecoraro, and Fr. Tedesco discuss the GPR survey on the chapel grounds.

As the stewardship planning phase of our project at Taveau draws to a close, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the community for engaging with us in discussions aimed at identifying the best possible use of Taveau, with a focus on its future and sustainability. We are also deeply grateful for the support provided by The Asiko Group, who facilitated this phase, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who provided funding for this work. We look forward to providing an update on The Asiko Group's engagement work in the new year.

Learn more about the church, and this project, by visiting the link in our bio ⬆️

Since our purchase of Taveau Church in June 2023 from the United Methodist Conference, we have raised $600,000 in grant funding towards its emergency stabilization. Having completed that work, we are are now eager to engage community residents, in partnership with The Asiko Group, to determine the best use of Taveau, prioritizing its future planning and sustainability.

We hope you follow along!

We are pleased to share that the Town of Edgefield has received a grant from the Historic Preservation State Grant Fund for the Pottersville House!

This grant will support a conditions assessment of the structure and the creation of plans and specifications for its stabilization.

We remain dedicated to this historic property and its stabilization, and will continue to collaborate with the Town in implementing this project.

ABOUT POTTERSVILLE: This structure is the last structure remaining from what was once the town of Pottersville 208 years ago. It is believed to have originally been built for and owned by Abner Landrum. Abner and John Landrum are credited with introducing Edgefield Pottery to much of North America through their potteries located in Edgefield.

The long-term plan for the property, located one mile from the historic Town Square, is to launch a sustainable pottery heritage tourism site, featuring a Living History Museum, a potter-in-residence studio, and active use of the existing city-owned Groundhog Kiln.

Since the South Carolina legislature passed the Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act in 2013, we have seen over 2,200 buildings reap the benefits, $96M in tax credits and life brought back into abandoned historic buildings.

In July 2024, legislature passed both an expansion and extension of the Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act. The new law amends the Act by:

- Extending the credit through December 31, 2035 (it was previously set to expire on December 31, 2025)
- Increasing the income tax credit cap to $700,000 per building site (previously, the cap was $500,000 per building site)

This tax credit will continue to encourage development and investment in communities across the state.

On October 19th, we hosted a Cordesville Community Tour and Input session, where residents received a tour and project update for the potential uses of Taveau Church post-restoration. This conversation was facilitated by The Asiko Group and emphasized future planning and sustainability.

JOIN US at one of the next Community Open House events, which are offered on:
🗓️ Friday, November 8th, 10am - 12Noon
🗓️ Saturday, November 9th, 10am - 12Noon
LEARN MORE at the Community Engagement link 🔗 in our bio ⬆️

Are you wondering how Taveau Church can shape the Sacred Corridor?

Join us and learn about the restoration project taking place at Taveau Church, a beacon of history and tradition. The Asiko Group, in partnership with Preservation South Carolina, will facilitate the event.

🗓️ Oct 19, 2024 | 10:00 AM
📍 Cordesville First Baptist

REGISTER at the Community Engagement link in our bio ⬆️🔗
Project made possible by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

We are pleased to announce the commencement of Taveau Church's next significant phase: stewardship planning. The Asiko Group will facilitate this initiative, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and planning for the building's sustainable stewardship.

Engaging the community residents for the best use of Taveau Church is top priority for future planning and sustainability. Join us for a tour, project update and community conversation on how best to use the church. Conversation will be facilitated by The Asiko Group on October 19, 2024 to discuss ways the community can utilize the sacred site post restoration. Learn more at the Community Engagement link in our bio ⬆️🔗

This phase received funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with support from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

We are thinking of all those affected by Hurricane Helene, whose broad reach significantly impacted the entire Southeast. We have compiled a list of resources that might help those in need of assistance.

- The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Public Information Phone System is available 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-246-0133 for information about shelters, resources and other information.

- If you need help with damage clean up following Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386. Volunteers may be able to assist with:
• Mucking out
• Cleaning up trees
• Tarping roofs
• Clearing debris
(All services are free. Service is not guaranteed)

- Harvest Hope Emergency Food Pantry
Midlands: 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC | 803-254-4432
Upstate: 2818 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC |864-281-3995

- The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a public-private partnership between FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, is supporting response and recovery efforts of South Carolina’s arts & culture sector, and the public. Public Assistance is currently only available for Category A (debris removal) and Category B (emergency protective measures, including direct technical assistance) in the following counties: Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg counties. Learn more about @fema assistance at the link in our bio.

Please consider donating to the American Red Cross.

Did you know we have business memberships?!

Becoming a member of Preservation South Carolina is the best way of supporting our work. You’ll join with other companies and individuals who support Preservation SC’s important mission and understand the value that a rich past imparts to our present and future.

Together we can secure the future of our historic places, inspire a sense of community, and keep our history alive for future generations. Check out our business membership levels by visiting the link in our bio!

NEW BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT! Please join us in welcoming Josh Johnson of Pendleton to Preservation South Carolina.

Josh Johnson is curator at the Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina in Pendleton, where among other duties he is working to revive the State’s Century Farm Program. With extensive experience in archival research, oral history, public engagement, and exhibit design, he has been involved in a number of preservation projects in the Upstate. He is currently serving as research consultant for a Black history trail project for Clemson University and the cities of Clemson and Seneca, funded in part by a major grant from the Mellon Foundation. Welcome, Josh!

Our Annual Membership Meeting took place this past Friday, graciously hosted by Hunter Gatherer Brewery at the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar in Columbia!

We were pleased to be joined by the new owners of the Edgefield Hotel, B&B Real Estate Company, as well as various preservation professionals from across the state. We extend our gratitude to all attendees for making it a memorable event.

Special thanks to those who signed up for memberships or purchased the beautiful artwork of Charleston's Gaye Sanders Fisher. Your contributions and purchases will help us save our state’s incredible historic structures.

If you would like to become a member, or donate to our cause, please visit our website at the link in our bio ⬆️🔗

BIG NEWS: We are excited to announce that the Edgefield Hotel has been acquired by B&B Real Estate Company, a South Carolina-based developer with a track record in preservation and community development.

We remain committed to this historic property and its preservation and integration back into the community. In the coming months, we will be sharing more about its adaptive reuse, but for now, please join us in celebrating this milestone.

To learn more about the hotel and our efforts, visit the link in our bio 🔗⬆️

UPCOMING EVENT 📣

Join us at our annual meeting on September 13th at 4:30pm at the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar, now the home of the @huntergathererbrewery!

Get an exclusive look into our projects across the state, followed by a reception featuring a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hangar. Enjoy food, drinks, and learn about preservation in our state. This event is free to Preservation SC members (please RSVP) and $25 to nonmembers. Not sure if you are a member? Contact us at 803.729.7782.

More information can be found in the link in our bio🔗⬆️

The WeJOGA Foundation has launched an oral history project to document the experiences and memories of individuals associated with Taveau Church in Cordesville, South Carolina.

This initiative complements our comprehensive restoration efforts and promises to offer valuable insights into the history of this church.

We would like to thank the @wegojafoundation for this incredible project, and we look forward to learning more about family, faith, and fellowship in the Cordesville community.

For more information, contact the WeGOJA Foundation at info@WeGOJA.org or visit the link in our bio ⬆

Pottersville House Update! Last month our team performed an initial survey of the house, resulting in a preliminary report that contained a measured field plan of the house.

Pottersville, like many modest historic dwellings, has a complicated and interesting history of construction, changes, addition, and improvement in various ways since it was built. The house is located on 2 acres and is currently owned by Preservation South Carolina. Though it has suffered from 30 years of neglect, much of its historic fabric is intact and can be rehabilitated.

Learn more about Pottersville House at the link in our bio ⬆️🔗

Preservation News! 📣South Carolina legislature recently passed both an expansion and extension of the Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act, which has been instrumental in the revitalization of abandoned and neglected properties across the state. The new law amends the Act by:

1) Extending the credit through December 31, 2035 (it was previously set to expire on December 31, 2025)

2) Increasing the income tax credit cap to $700,000 per building site (previously, the cap was $500,000 per building site)

This tax credit will continue to encourage development and investment in communities across the state.
Learn more here at the link below in our bio ⬆️

Don’t miss out on the 3nd annual Preserving Historic Cemeteries Workshop, hosted by the SC Department of Archives and History. This workshop will cover best practices for cleaning grave markers, documentation techniques, and more.

DATE: September 12, 2024
REGISTER: https://form.jotform.com/241435686247968

Two photographs showcasing Taveau’s remarkable development over the past year. We extend our gratitude to the Taveau Legacy Committee and our project partners for their support, without which this work would not have been possible. Visit our website at www.preservesc.org for more information on this project.

We are honored to announce the recipients of this year's historic preservation awards!

Please join us, along with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, and the Office of the Governor in celebrating and thanking this year's recipients for their exceptional accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitation and interpretation of our state’s architectural and cultural heritage.

See FULL list of the recipients at the link in our bio ⬆️

The highly anticipated Charter Day photos have arrived! Preservation South Carolina, alongside the Taveau Legacy Committee, were recognized with the Whitelaw Founders Award in April for our joint efforts to preserve Taveau Church. We would like to express our appreciation to the Historic Charleston Foundation for recognizing us with this honor.

Photos courtesy of Historic Charleston Foundation 📸

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Why join?

Becoming a member of Preservation South Carolina is the best way of supporting our work. Membership represents an appreciation for South Carolina's rich architectural and cultural heritage and is a meaningful way to support of our preservation and advocacy efforts.

Together we can secure the future of our historic places, inspire a sense of community, and keep our history alive for future generations.

Our Mission

Current Projects & Initiatives

Accepting Applications to the 2025 South Carolina Historic Preservation Awards

Sponsored by the SC Department of Archives & History, The Office of the Governor and Preservation South Carolina. DEADLINE is April 1, 2025.

Taveau Church

LEARN MORE​

Breaking News

The Latest Headlines + Happenings

Preservation South Carolina E-Newsletter

Update on the Dawkins House Project

Year-End Newsletter 2024

Taveau Church, Community Engagement

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Follow us on Instagram

Why join?

Preservation with Purpose

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