Excavation of the workyard and kitchen cellar, 1970s The 1970s excavations of the Heyward-Washington House have yielded an archeological boon to the collections of The Charleston Museum. This trove of eighteenth and nineteenth century artifacts collected via Dr. Elaine Herold’s efforts include Native American pottery, varied samples of colono ware,…
Read MoreThe Heyward-Washington House, Abolition, & Image Creation The exhibition case featuring the Grimké Sisters in The Charleston Museum. In its 250 years standing on Church Street, one of the most impactful occupants of the Heyward-Washington House may have also been its youngest: Sarah Grimké (1792-1873). She and her sister, Angelina…
Read MoreThomas Heyward, Jr., 1746-1809 Many know Thomas Heyward, Jr. as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but less well-known is his service as a soldier during the American Revolutionary War. Heyward was deeply involved in the revolutionary movement in South Carolina, both politically and militarily, however. He was elected…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreIn 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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