Charleston, Historic Charleston Foundation
Charleston, South Carolina

Since its earliest days, Historic Charleston Foundation has been a national
pacesetter in its efforts to preserve the historic buildings, neighborhoods
and landmarks that make Charleston a unique American city. Since its
founding, HCF has been a vocal advocate at city and county council meetings,
the Board of Architectural Review, and zoning hearings, helping to preserve
historic structures and plan wisely for Charleston's future.

The Foundation has a distinguished history of protecting buildings of
national importance, including the Nathaniel Russell House, Drayton Hall,
McLeod Plantation, William Gibbes House, Mulberry Plantation, Frank Lloyd
Wright's Auldbrass Plantation, and Aiken-Rhett House.

HCF continues to play a major role in shaping public policies including
local ordinances such as the 1973 City Preservation Plan, the 1975
Architectural Inventory, the 1978 Urban Height Ordinance, and the expansion
of the Old and Historic District from 144 acres to more than 1,000 acres.

Visitors from across the United States are invited to explore the interiors
and gardens of some of the finest homes in America during the 56th Annual
Festival of Houses and Gardens in Charleston, S.C., March 20 through April
19, 2003.

Sponsored by Historic Charleston Foundation, the Festival features tours of
approximately 150 historic private houses in 11 colonial and antebellum
neighborhoods, and strolls through distinctive private gardens during the
peak of the city's blooming season.

The Festival also features three oyster roasts at Drayton Hall Plantation, a
National Historic Landmark, c. 1738, and daily walking Tours with the
Experts through the Old and Historic District of the city.

Most events sell out before the tours begin, so early reservations are
strongly encouraged. Tickets are $45 and can be ordered beginning by calling
(843) 722-3405 or online at www.historiccharleston.org.

More information: www.historiccharleston.org