Come experience the largest area of privately protected land on James Island, The Charleston Museum’s Dill Sanctuary! On October 7, the Museum invites the community to tour this precious landscape to learn more about the rich historic and natural features located within this 580-acre wildlife preserve. Museum staff will be on hand to discuss recent accomplishments at the Sanctuary including preservation of the Civil War batteries, archaeological research, as well as natural resource management. Attendees can take guided tours, hear special presentations on the history and ecology of the property, hike to the wildlife pond, and participate in educational children’s activities, all while enjoying the natural environment of this Lowcountry treasure.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. ***Suggested Donation $10***

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Youtube Channel

Explore rare bird mounts and skins from the late 19^th century in The Charleston Museum’s ornithology collection with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson. Maintaining these extinct bird specimens is vital to continued research and education. The Carolina parakeet was the only endemic North American parrot and was a common site in the southeast before disappearing from most of their native habitat in the early 20^th century. The ivory-billed woodpecker is the third largest woodpecker in the world with a mysterious story concerning its existence. Both of these magnificent birds remain as both beautiful yet somber and cautionary tales of what once was.

In conjunction with The Charleston Museum's 250th anniversary in 2023, the Museum will release a monthly video to highlight important objects in the collections. We invite you to check back monthly to explore each object with our curatorial staff.

Youtube Channel

Lecture

Emergence and Evolution of Carolina’s Colonial Cattle Economy with Dr. Elizabeth J. Reitz

Thursday, October 19 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Decades of archaeological research show that cattle were an important part of the early Lowcountry diet and the economy. Early Lowcountry cattle were small and remained so into the 1800s. Although their ancestry is far from resolved, genetic analysis suggests a diverse heritage. These four-legged colonists participated in substantial economic, environmental, and social changes. Dr. Elizabeth Reitz of the University of Georgia will summarize decades of research on the lowcountry cattle economy, using the Museum’s historical archaeology collections. Event Image Courtesy of the Georgetown County Library.

Registration is encouraged. This lecture is Free for Members and Free for the public. ***Suggested Donation $10***

Workshops

Screen Printing Clay Resist & Indigo Workshop with Local Artist Kristy Bishop

Saturday, October 21 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

In this workshop participants will learn how to combine screen printing using a clay paste and indigo. Charleston fiber artist Kristy Bishop will demo how to make the clay paste, pulling a print with a silk screen, and dipping dried resist prints into indigo. The rich shades of indigo blue contrast beautifully with the white patterns left behind by the clay. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own stencils as well as use pre-burned screens to print multiples on a variety of fabrics. Clay resist is a wonderful technique that can be applied to printing on clothing, artwork, tote bags, and household goods. Participants will walk away from this workshop with their own stencils, a variety of dyed prints on fabric, and a printed cotton bandana as well as personal items brought to the workshop.

All materials, instruction and admission to the Dill Sanctuary will be provided in this workshop.

Reservations required.

$120 Museum Members | $150 Non-Members

Bugs and Boos: Pinning and Preservation Workshop

Tuesday, October 24 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us to learn about the beauty of insects, scientific collections, and experience a hands-on demonstration from a real entomologist! Each participant will learn how to pin and preserve their very own Giant Coconut Cicada while learning about the world of collections! At the end of the workshop, each participant will take home their pinned insect along with detailed instructions on how to display and maintain their insect for decades to come. Included in workshop is a 5×7 shadow box to house and display your pinned insect, and complimentary beverages. This workshop is suitable for ages 16+, unless accompanied by a participating adult.

$120 Museum Members | $150 Non-Members

Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop

Saturday, October 28 | 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Join local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond for in-depth instruction on sweetgrass basketry which has been an integral part of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee community since the 17th century. Edwards-Hammond comes from a long line of basket makers and has passed down the tradition to her family and others in the community. She will share a brief history of the artisanal craft of basket making. Participants will then spend the remainder of the class making their own basket guided by Edwards-Hammond. Come learn about an extraordinary craft that has been a staple of culture, art, and history in Charleston for centuries. All materials and instruction will be provided.

Space is limited. Reservations required.

$75 Museum Members | $105 Non-Members

Tour

Lowcountry Ecology Tour with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson

Saturday, October 28 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Join Natural History Curator Matthew Gibson on a nature walk through The Charleston Museum’s Dill Sanctuary, where you will get an in-depth look at the ecological diversity of the Lowcountry. This tour will not only give you the chance to see nature close-up, but you might just see things you haven’t noticed before. Come learn about the significant differences between invasive and non-invasive species, negative impacts on endangered species, and the steps you can take to help conserve our environment. Bring your binoculars and discover birds that call the Dill Sanctuary home and why the Sanctuary is an important stop along migration routes.

Visitors are encouraged to submit your findings to citizen science projects such as eBird and iNaturalist.

Please note this is an “off-road” location with unprepared terrain. Walking shoes/boots are strongly recommended. This tour provides access to Battery Pringle.

Reservations required.

$25 Museum Members | $40 Non-Members

Children Events

Homeschool History Day: Bones, Dirt, and Pottery

Thursday, October 19 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Returning for a second year, become an archaeologist for the day! Examine potsherds, glassware, bone, and metal to unlock the secrets of Charleston’s past. Students will get to dig, screen, wash, and identify artifacts. Dress for mess! Homeschool History Day programs feature a field trip experience, a chance to go through the Museum, and an educational activity.

Reservations required. Two sessions offered: 10 – 11 AM and 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

$5 for Museum Member Students | $10 for Non-Member Students

Free for Museum Member Adults | $12 for Non-Member Adults

For more information: call 843-722-2996 ext. 236

Halloween Party: Trick or Treat at the Museum

Friday, October 27 | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Kick off your Halloween celebrations with the Charleston Museum! Wear your eerie-sistible costumes and visit the Education Classroom for crafts, activities, and spooky snacks! Then embark on a guided trick or treat trail in exclusive areas of the Museum.

Reservations required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children of all ages are welcome.

$10 Museum Members | $15 Non-Members

For more information: call 843-722-2996 ext. 236

Children Events

Museum Blog

The Remarkable Edgefield Pottery of

David Drake

The Charleston Museum is honored to own an important collection of pottery

created by famed Edgefield potter “Dave” or David Drake. Born into slavery

around 1801 in the Edgefield district of South Carolina and held in bondage by at least four men over his lifetime, Dave was a skilled potter capable of throwing large, well-formed vessels which were functional in the 19 th century, but are now prized as priceless cultural artifacts.

Dave’s first enslaver was Harvey Drake who operated a pottery with Abner Landrum near Edgefield. He was later transferred or sold within the Landrum family and was enslaved by Rev. John Landrum, and Franklin Landrum, before finally ending up with Lewis Miles who owned the “Stony Bluff” factory where Dave would go on to produce some of his most famous work in alkaline glazed stoneware pottery.

Current Exhibits

America’s First Museum: 250 Years of Collecting, Preserving and Educating, Part 2

Now On View

Historic Textiles Gallery

A Historical Timeline of America's First Museum: 1773 - 2023

Now On View

Lowcountry Image Gallery

Permanent Exhibits

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COVID-19 Resources

Coronavirus Resource Guide Preppers Guide

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