Drayton Hall Interiors - Fall 2009

vol. 27 no. 2

fall 2009

of

INTERIORS

MAKING THE STORY VISIBLE

by Craig Tuminaro, Director of Museum Interpretation History. Memory. Honor. Legacy. These are words we hear all the time, almost everyday. But how do we bring these words to life? How do we move beyond the words and put the ideas behind them into practice? How do we then make these concepts visible to our guests in a vivid and meaningful way?

For many years, we have recognized that the one place that is solely related to people of African descent is the African-American cemetery, known today as A Sacred Place.

Located just inside the front gate, the use and role of the cemetery were more fully illuminated by Richmond Bowens in the 1980s and 1990s.

The grandson of a former slave, Bowens was born and spent the first decades of his life here. Later, he became Drayton Hall’s gatekeeper, welcoming visitors to the place he had once known as home. By sharing stories from his youth and continued on page 4

Director’s Notes–George W. McDaniel, Ph. D.

MYSTERY SOLVED.

of

INTERIORS

The of Drayton Hall,Hall, a historic site of the Trust for Trust Themission mission of Drayton a historic siteNational of the National Historic Preservation, is to preserve interpret Drayton HallDrayton and its for Historic Preservation, is toand preserve and interpret environs, in order to educate the public and to inspire people to embrace Hall and its environs, in order to educate and inspire people to historic preservation.

embrace historic preservation.

Historic preservation is often referred to as a form of detective work— never was this more true than in the fieldwork that went into revealing the provenance of a mystery watercolor. Sent anonymously to Drayton Hall in September 2007 and purported to be dated 1765, the watercolor depicted previously unknown architectural features, which if accurate, could provide new insights into the original design of the main house and the division and use of the landscape. Articles in recent issues of Interiors describing archaeological excavations by our Director of Preservation Carter Hudgins have referred to the mystery image.

When the watercolor arrived, there was no note, only the envelope postmarked Winchester, VA, zip code 22602-6754. We were cautiously curious because the earliest known image of Drayton Hall is dated some eighty years later, circa 1845. Since I’d done similar sleuthing for the National Museum of American History, Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village, and other museums, I took up the challenge.

I contacted the post office in Winchester to ask if they could identify the location of the envelope’s 9-digit zip code, but they politely refused, citing privacy policies. I then followed the first rule of fieldwork: start with who you know. I called Elizabeth McClung, director of Belle Grove, the National Trust historic site near Winchester, and she advised me to contact Becky Ebert, county archivist, who “knows everybody.”

Last April I was in Virginia and drove over to Winchester to meet with Becky and her friends at the post office. Unfortunately, the rules for privacy protection prohibited them from telling us the location of the zip code. They asked us to write a letter, which they might or might not deliver. We did, but received no reply.

Anne Drayton Nelson, daughter of Charles Drayton, one of the last owners of Drayton Hall, was greatly intrigued by the mystery, and called me in June saying that a friend had gone online and found that the “6754” referred to Bedford Drive in Winchester.

I “Google-earthed” it and saw it was a short cul-de-sac in a suburban development.

With that information, Dawn Brogan, my executive assistant and fellow detective, went online to identify the names of each of the Bedford Drive residents.

The opportunity to visit came in late June. Becky and I introduced ourselves to a lady who we knew from our list was Mrs. Nancy Nettlerodt. While she didn’t recognize the picture, she was eager to help, and introduced us to her neighbors. None recognized the watercolor, but Blaine Dunn, a neighbor who’s interested in history, also offered to take us around. Still no luck.

Becky and I then went to the offices of the newspaper The Winchester Star, where we met with editors Adrian O’Connor and Frances Lowe. After extensive conversation and review of the materials, they volunteered to run a story the next week. I then left Winchester, disappointed in part because we hadn’t found the owner but satisfied that the fieldwork had been complete.

Reception at Becky Ebert’s home to celebrate our success.

continued on page 6

cover photo: Taking the form of an archway, the memorial’s design elements have symbolic meaning.

A series of interlocking circles and cross beams, elements which symbolize the chains of slavery, extend up each side. Those elements then terminate at the base of the semicircular portion of the arch to symbolize the end of a time of bondage, both of slavery and of life. In the last circle on each side sits a small bird or dove, an element explicitly suggested by Philip Simmons to symbolize freedom and the movement into the next life, which would also connect with the African folklore of flying back/returning to Africa. In the center of the curved arch are the words “Leave ‘em Rest.” At the top of the arch is a small cross.

DRAyTON HALL SITE COUNCIL Drayton Hall Site Council Anthony Wood, chairman

Elizabeth Alston, Don Balderson, Mary Ravenel Black, Heyward Elizabeth Alston, Don Balderson, Mary Ravenel Carter, Mimi Cathcart, Edward Crawford, Dr. Elise DavisBlack, Lonnie Bunch, Mimi Cathcart, Edward CrawCharles Drayton

ford, Dr. Elise Davis-McFarland, Jane deButts (emeriDrayton, Frank Drayton, Frances Edmunds (emeritus), Eric Emerson, Susan Carl Gable, Phil Gaines, Suzanne Pollak, ChadFriberg, Prosser, Rodger Stroup, Vanessa Stephen F. Gates, Helen T. Hill, Benjamin Lenhardt, Sandy Logan, Peter McGee (emeritus), Suzanne Pollak, Chad Prosser, Connie Wyrick (emeritus) ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR tus) , Charles (emeritus) , Chad Phil Gaines, Carle Drayton Gable, Helen T. Hill, Benjamin

George W. McDaniel

Executive Director George W. McDaniel

ADMINISTRATION Administration

Paula Marion, director of finance Dawn Brogan, Michelle Johanek, financial assistant

Dawn Brogan, executive assistant

PRESERVATION

Preservation Carter Hudgins, director of preservation

Joyce Keegan, JoycePack, Keegan, collections manager Emily Emily Pack, ashley river region coordinator John Kidder, EricNesmith, Becker, landscape & horticulture coordinator Luke Harold Nesmith, Johnson, facilities coordinator Raymond Raymond Karen Clarke,Nesmith, maintenance technician

Karen Clarke, maintenance technician Bill Dinius, maintenance assistant

MUSEUM INTERPRETATION Museum Interpretation

Craig Tuminaro, Craig Tuminaro, director of museum interpretation Rikki Davenport, Rikki Davenport, curator of education Bob Barker, Bob Barker, senior interpreter Shelia Harrell-Roye, Shelia Harrell-Roye, visitor services manager Kate Ruhf, Kate Ruhf, visitor services manager Joseph Mester, Joseph Mester, project : Denise Brown, assistant Booie Chappell, Amanda Clarke, Interpreters: Stephanie Bray, Denise Kathy Brown, Kelly Conry, Jill Foster, AmandaAbdon Franklin, Liz Goodloe, BooiePatricia Chappell, Amanda Clarke, Kelly Conry, Haney, Jack, Judy Johnson, Betsy McAmis, Diane Jill Foster, Amanda Franklin, Liz Goodloe, Kathy Miller, Leslie Newman, Peggy Reider, Sarah Stroud, Chris Haney, Patricia Jack, Judy Johnson, Betsy Kleinfelder, Betsy Surber, Alice Thompson, Phoebe Willis

McAmis, Diane Miller, Leslie Newman, Peggy Reider, Sarah Stroud, Chris Surber, Ali Taylor, Alice ThompMARKETING son,Ford, Phoebe Willis Vera Kristine Morris, communications Elizabeth Huseman, Kristine Morris, director of communications Carole Tinkey, Elizabeth Huseman, museum shop supervisor Debbi Zimmerman, DebbiBaker, Zimmerman, group tour coordinator Natalie Natalie Baker, marketing & events coordinator Leslie Lewis, Leslie Lewis, visitor services associate Sadie Cook, Sadie Cook, visitor services associate Alice Thompson, AliceClayton, Thompson, services associate Janie Charlottevisitor Collier, Cathy Conroy Janie Clayton, Charlotte Collier, Cathy Conroy

DEVELOPMENT Development

Jessica Kelley Garrett, Jessica Kelley Garrett, director of development Monte Parsons, Monte Parsons, director of individual giving Courtney Bates,

Courtney Bates, development coordinator

Volunteers VOLUNTEERS

JohnAnderson, Anderson, Margot Anderson, Lawrence Brogan, John Margot Anderson, Lawrence Brogan, Chris Chris Chappell, EdWally Delaney, Wally Manzullo, Jack, Franco ManChappell, Ed Delaney, Jack, Franco Ian Purches, Judi Purches, Stan younce, Diane Zender, Diane zullo, Ian Purches, Judy Purches, Stan Younce, Matt Zender, Jerry Zimmerman Zender, Matt Zender, Jerry Zimmerman

3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston SC 29414 Phone: 843-769-2600 Fax: 843-766-0878 www.draytonhall.org www.draytonhall.org| dhmail@draytonhall.org dhmail@draytonhall.org

hac iter ad astra : drayton hall ’ s next 35 years !

By Anthony C. Wood, Chair, Drayton Hall Site Council

J

une 2010 marks the 35th Anniversary of the signing of the agreement establishing Drayton Hall as an historic site. The accomplishments that have followed affirm the great vision of the Drayton Family and the National Trust.

They also serve as testimony to the passion and generosity of the countless individuals and organizations whose efforts have firmly established Drayton Hall as a world-class site. As questions are raised about the future of historic houses, it is the Drayton Family Motto, above in Latin, that best describes our path ahead: “This, the way to the stars.”

The achievements of these past 35 years provide a firm foundation for the future. In 1983 the National Trust’s unique preservation philosophy for Drayton Hall was reaffirmed. Preservation, not restoration, would forever guide the stewardship of Drayton Hall. The commitment to preserving the cultural landscape led to saving the historic view across the Ashley River and to Drayton Hall’s leadership in protecting the scenic Ashley River region. The site’s leadership in education and interpretation has created a nationally acclaimed visitor experience. Archaeological excavations and ongoing research continue to reveal truly amazing discoveries that re-shape our understanding of the site and its people.

Preservation of the house and historic landscape continues to be a constant that is key to our mission. While we have fulfilled that responsibility many times over during these past decades, it is an ongoing challenge that is embraced by Drayton Hall’s professional staff committed to their role as stewards, and made possible through the support of Friends and donors like you who believe, as we do, that Drayton Hall is worth saving for future generations.

What of Drayton Hall’s next 35 years? The clouds hanging

over all historic sites do cast their shadows on us. Drayton Hall has been blessed with an endowment from Miss Sally Reahard. Like others, we have learned one cannot rely too heavily on endowment income for operating support. As a result, we have adjusted our staffing and operations to more sustainable levels—and in the process have said painful goodbyes to members of the Drayton Hall team.

While visitation is still important to us, we also realize that over-reliance on income from visitation flies in the face of recognized national trends. Additionally, though constructed of brick, Drayton Hall is approaching 275 years of age and is fragile. Stewardship concerns encourage us to adopt a different economic model. Drayton Hall has become much more than a historic house museum. It is a cultural institution. And so, to our already committed and vibrant membership, we are adding a major donor program and launching additional development initiatives that will expand our reach to national and international levels.

Other changes are coming to Drayton Hall. The current Site Council, which now serves a purely advisory role, will be transformed into a formal, non-profit organization.

Through a legal agreement with the National Trust, who retains ownership, this new entity will assume management and fiduciary responsibility for Drayton Hall’s operation.

This change is part of the larger implementation of Trustwide policy.

This new governance structure creates opportunity.

Drayton Hall will now have the full power of a non-profit board behind it. Its fundraising ability will be enhanced.

Operationally, it will enjoy greater flexibility. The new continued on page 6

(photo left:) The Drayton grandchildren pass Drayton Hall’s keys to the new owners. James Biddle, then president of the National Trust, is shown right, applauding. (photo right:) Drayton Hall today.

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MAKING THE STORY VISIBLE c o n t i n ue d f ro m f ro n t

from generations of families who once lived here, he filled a significant void in the written history, and allowed us to make meaningful connections with the site.

Before his death, Richmond also gave us the philosophy that guides the treatment of the cemetery. “Leave ‘em rest,” he said, meaning: don’t create formal pathways, don’t add ornamental plants, don’t gussy it up. While we communicated that message in various ways, many visitors still left the cemetery disappointed, feeling that it was perhaps neglected, overlooked, or at worst, marginalized. Recognizing this seeming disparity between philosophy and practice, we began to think about the need for something more substantial and more honorific.

With that as our goal, we gathered a group of descendants—both white and black— as well as scholars and community members. Conversations centered around formative questions such as how we could stimulate a better sense of connectedness—of visitors to the cemetery, and of the cemetery to the larger site.

Early on, the Charleston blacksmith Philip Simmons was identified as a key figure. In addition to the national recognition he and his work had received—including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor the United States can bestow on a traditional artist—there were many connections between him and Drayton Hall including his friendship with Richmond Bowens. In the 1980s, he was hired to repair and restore portions of Drayton Hall’s historic iron railings.

An initial design meeting was held in January 2008 with Mr. Simmons and his cousin and protégé Joseph “Ronnie” Pringle. Despite his ill health, Mr. Simmons was able to share design ideas for the memorial and elements

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to include. After several months of review, the committee approved a design that fittingly incorporates the words left to us by Mr. Bowens as the central element of the memorial.

Placement of the memorial was an important consideration. In keeping with the tenets communicated through our Landscape Master Plan, which calls for taking a light hand, the committee suggested the memorial be placed along the treeline, over the pathway leading to the modern cemetery.

Once a site was selected, archaeology began to ensure the footings would not impact unknown sites.

Research Revelations While for many years it was suspected the cemetery had been used before the Civil War, records could only document its use as post-Civil War. However, a fresh look at a 1790s map showed the area designated as “BG Field.” (Fig. 1) A document from the mid-19th century had a textual description of the same fields, with the names of each fully spelled out. Sure enough, there in the text were the words: “burying ground.” Comparing the 1790s map to modern ones, we estimate that the field was roughly 10 acres in size. But did it mean that the cemetery extended throughout?

And could it also have extended Figure 1. beyond the boundaries as we knew them?

While investigating the footing sites, archaeologists made a startling discovery in the adjacent parking area: evidence of grave shafts.

(Fig. 2) Now we knew that the sacred space of the cemetery was not limited to the area surrounded by woods but extended beyond, closer to the main drive.

But exactly how far in each direction did the cemetery extend? Could we determine and identify the boundaries to ensure the space is treated as sacred, and accurately interpreted

Read more about Drayton Hall’s African-American cemetery at www.draytonhall.org, and visit our blog at http://draytonhall.wordpress.com for articles and images of the Richmond Bowens’ Tribute and a remembrance of Philip Simmons.

Figure 2. Research revealed the location of another five grave shafts outside the cemetery’s wooded area; we know now there are at least 38 individuals interred within, and likely many others.

for visitors? These are questions we are now investigating.

As a result of these finds, the parking area has been truncated and will soon be moved. Progress on the memorial is continuing; we hope to have it completed within the next year. Sadly, Mr. Simmons did not live long enough to see one of his last designs executed.

Interpretive materials will also be created to tell the fascinating history of the cemetery, and to make “visible” the stories of the people, known and unknown, named and unnamed, that contributed to the growth, development, and survival of Drayton Hall since its inception in 1738.

NEWSMAKERS Hunley Field Trip. Members of the education and marketing departments were given a private tour of the Confederate Submarine the HL Hunley at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center on the old Charleston Navy Base. Lost at sea for over a century, the Hunley was located in 1995 and raised in 2000. Scientists are at work to ensure her conservation and to piece together clues to her disappearance. www.hunley.org Preservation Wednesdays. A program designed to give members in the Friends of Drayton Hall a handson, behind-thescenes experience of our work in the Drayton Hall Preservation Department. Shown here: Friends & staff washing artifacts; everyone seemed to enjoy discovering what was hiding beneath 200 years of grime.

Philip Simmons 1912 – 2009 While the works of Charleston’s famed blacksmith are seen throughout downtown, few people know that Mr. Simmons was also a preservationist, lending his expertise and talent to the centuries-old ironwork of Drayton Hall. On your next visit, pause for a moment to consider the contributions of artisans like Mr. Simmons and those many blacksmiths, stone carvers, masons, and other craftsmen, named and unknown, whose work will remain preserved in perpetuity, at Drayton Hall and elsewhere.

Read more at www.philipsimmons.us and http://draytonhall.wordpress.com

Drayton Hall receives an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History Awards for “The Voices of Drayton Hall” DVD interactive landscape tour. Now in its 64th year, the award is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. L-r: David Donath, Chair of the AASLH Council; Drayton Hall’s Craig Tuminaro, director of museum interpretation, and Dr. George McDaniel, executive director; and Terry L. Davis, president and CEO of AASLH.

Brucemore Visits Drayton Hall – Staff and members of the Cedar Rapids, IA, historic site of the National Trust said they thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon at Drayton Hall.

Drayton Hall’s Colonial Carolina Summer Camp. Our professional educators outdid themselves in introducing children to the life of Carolina Colonists through daily activities like brick-, toy-, and music-making. There’s nothing like mud and plaster to get sevenand eight-year-olds’ attention!

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drayton hall ’ s next

35

years !

structure also sets the stage for advancing the long deferred dream of building an interpretive center. In keeping with Drayton Hall’s philosophy of treading lightly on the land, the center will play a diminutive role in the landscape yet dramatically enhance the visitor’s experience.

Yes, the future will bring change to Drayton Hall. Some things, however, will never change. Drayton Hall’s dedication to preservation; its commitment to excellence in stewardship, interpretation, education, and research; and its active defense of the larger cultural landscape, are values deeply embedded in our DNA. Like Drayton Hall itself, they are here to stay. They will guide us on our journey to the stars!

cont inued from p a g e 2

How was it used? by carter c. hudgins, ph.d., director of preservation During the middle of the 18th century, furniture ornamented with brass, tortoiseshell, and exotic wood inlays was of the highest fashion in Europe and especially London, England. Influenced by the late 17thcentury work of French cabinet maker André-Charles Boulle (1642 –1732), a group of five British cabinet makers began creating equally lavish pieces in London from the 1730s; recently, material evidence of their creations was identified above and below ground at Drayton Hall.

Drayton Hall’s own bureau bookcase, for instance, is a rare example of English 18th-century elite furniture—richly ornamented with tortoiseshell and wood inlay details (Fig.1). Additional examples of English elite furniture are beginning to surface through archaeological work. As shown in Fig. 2, fragments of brass furniture inlay were uncovered this year through excavations. While the fragments are heavily corroded and twisted from the destruction of the furniture, a close inspection reveals intricate designs. The presence of such artifacts links John Drayton to contemporary English fashions and emphasizes the efforts that he placed upon acquiring them for his home in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

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Anthony C. Wood is the Executive Director of the Ittleson Foundation. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation at Columbia University and the founder and chair of the New York Preservation Archive Project. Mr. Wood has served on numerous preservation boards; he is presently on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Drayton Hall Site Council, is Chairman Emeritus of the Historic Districts Council, and New York State Advisor Emeritus to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He is the author of “Preserving New York: Winning the Right to Protect a City’s Landmarks.”

MYSTERY SOLVED.

what is it?

Figure 1.

This Bureau Bookcase, a rare example of English elite furniture in the American colonies, is believed to have been purchased

by John Drayton, the original owner of Drayton Hall.

cont inued from p a g e 3

Figure 2. Brass furniture inlay from Drayton Hall archaeological excavations. While only a fragment, such artifacts provide invaluable information about 18th-century material culture, fashion, and consumption patterns. Actual size: 2”

The following week, Blaine Dunn called with great news: he’d found the owner! It was a neighbor, and the man wanted me to call him. I did so that night and had an informative and enjoyable conversation.

On Friday, Becky called to report that editor Adrian O’Connor also had great news! The owner had responded to the story in the newspaper and had acknowledged his ownership of the watercolor. So both fieldwork approaches—the neighborhood search and the newspaper story—had brought results.

In early August, Carter Hudgins, Anne Drayton Nelson, and I went back to Virginia to meet with Becky and the owner, Jim Lockard. He and his wife, Kathy, were most hospitable and were so pleased by our interest in his collection of ten 18th-century watercolors, of which this was but one. Together we examined the original watercolor and sought to resolve a number of questions: Is it authentic to c. 1765? Are there watermarks or other telltale evidence to support that date?

Does the clarity of the original enable historians to discern more clearly clues about the 18th-century site plan and architecture of Drayton Hall? Was, for example, the colonnade a walkway or simply a colonnaded wall or screen, which is what archaeological evidence to date is suggesting. Jim Lockard is keenly interested in securing the conservation of his watercolor and has offered to make it available to Drayton Hall for research and educational use.

We concluded the day with a wonderful reception at Becky Ebert’s home to thank the Lockards and all of those in Winchester who contributed to the success of this remarkable historical detective work. That work is continuing as I write, and more discoveries will be reported soon.

For more of the ‘ Watercolor Mystery’ story & additional images, please visit our blog at http://draytonhall.wordpress.com & read an excellent article by Robert Behre in the Post & Courier at http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/sep/07/drayton-hall-painting-a-little-less-mysterious/

PRESERVATION PAYS Picnics at Drayton Hall by monte parsons director of individual giving

John Drayton’s Garden House is once again being used to entertain guests of Drayton Hall. The quiet space looking out on the Ashley River with its gentle tidal flow expands the story of this historic site. Although guests of the Drayton family in the 18th century may have experienced a slightly more formal setting, our picnics offer an intimate atmosphere where our members are given an opportunity to spend time with our senior staff so that they may answer questions and expound on the most recent news relating to our education programs, the latest archaeology finds, or an update on the sleuthing of the mysterious 1765 watercolor.

Also, everyone is reminded as they enjoy the unobstructed view of the marsh that because of their generosity, our viewshed is protected in perpetuity.

Pictured at a recent Drayton

Hall picnic, counter-clockwise from

left: Steve Gates, Charlotte Caldwell, As the new year approaches, we will Carter Hudgins; Kate Nevin, continue to host small gatherings just George McDaniel, & like the thank-you receptions we held in Suzanne Pollak.

June and October for those who have recently renewed or joined. Members in other parts of the state and beyond have offered to host receptions where our staff will tell the story of Drayton Hall, so we will be on the road!

We invite all of our members to come to Drayton Hall and enjoy a cool fall day with a picnic and a walk along the river, or to sit quietly on a bench on our marsh walk. In a world filled with hustle and bustle, let the beauty and solitude of Drayton Hall and its environs soothe and strengthen your spirit as it has for many generations.

CORRECTION: THE SPRING-SUMMER 2009 ARTICLE ON TAMARA HARRISON

Monthly Giving by jessica garrett, director of development

Drayton Hall is pleased to present a new way to show your support for Drayton Hall: monthly giving. This is a great new option to consider because it • makes it easier to continue supporting Drayton Hall; • helps takes pressure off your pocketbook; • allows Drayton Hall to save money on the paper, printing, and postage associated with annual renewal notices and campaigns; and • ensures a steady stream of support for this special site all year long.

Perhaps most importantly, because this program allows Drayton Hall to cut costs, we are able to direct even more of your gift toward Drayton Hall’s most critical needs.

How does it work?

Instead of making one annual payment by check or credit card when your renewal letter comes in the mail, you select an amount that you’d like to contribute each month, along with a debit or credit card that you’d like to charge your gift to. Once you join, your gift is automatically charged to your card and reliably sent to Drayton Hall each month for as long as you’d like.

How much should I pledge?

Monthly giving options start at $5 a month. Just imagine: if you typically make a $45 gift and you decide to join the program with $5 monthly contributions, you will actually increase your total donation by $15 in a way that is much easier on your budget. That extra $15 could fund education programs for two worthy students. If you choose the $10 option, you would actually increase your annual gift by $75; those additional dollars could fund four hours of work at the house by a preservation craftsman.

(“CONTINUING A FAMILY TRADITION AT DRAYTON HALL”) INCORRECTLY STATED THE LOCATION OF THE THISTLE HILL MANSION AS DALLAS, TEXAS. THISTLE HILL IS LOCATED IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE ERROR.

In Memoriam - Mary Ann Clegg Smith 1934 – 2008.

In addition to her lifelong dedication to historic preservation, Dr. Smith taught History of Architecture and Preservation in the School of Architecture at Syracuse University and was on the board of the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board and Chairman of the Fayetteville (NY) Historic Preservation Commission. We are honored that Dr. Smith chose Drayton Hall as a recipient of a generous bequest. Her son David W. Smith told us that “Drayton Hall had a special place in my Mother’s heart. She also was most impressed with the preservation approach you have used over the years, and she used its example extensively in her teaching of preservation… she knew you would put her bequest to good use. Keep up the good work!”

When can I join?

Today! Just give our membership office a call at 843-769-2612. We’d be happy to answer your questions, take your information over the phone, or send you an enrollment form. You will also be able to select this option the next time your membership is up for renewal.

“We were pleased to be the first to sign up for monthly giving and have found that there’s no easier or convenient way to support Drayton Hall,” said George and Mary Sue McDaniel.

“You just fold it into your other monthly online payments, and you organize your budget accordingly.”

IRA Gift Program Extended through 12/31/09 This special program, which allows individuals who are 70 1/2 and older to make charitable gifts directly to Drayton Hall from traditional, rollover, and Roth IRAs with special tax incentives, has been extended through December 31st. To learn more, please call Jessica Garrett at 843-769-2601.

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UPCOMING EVENTS at DRAYTON HALL

2009 Archaeological Institute Starts October 27th The ten-day program runs Tuesdays through Saturdays, October 27th through November 7th, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Participants may register for two days or all ten, but since space is limited, early registration is encouraged.

Discounted rates are available for members: Please contact archaeologist Sarah Stroud for information on the schedule and registration fees. (843) 769-2637 or sarah_stroud@draytonhall.org.

I Dig Drayton Hall

October 30th through November 20th 2 pm to 3:30pm Join us each Friday for a behind-thescenes exploration of Drayton Hall’s newest archaeological discoveries. A Members Only event. To reserve, call (843) 769-2612.

Annual Spirituals Concerts at Drayton Hall December 5th and 6th

Features Ann Caldwell & The Magnolia Singers and begins with a reception and informal house tours. Saturday & Sunday, December 5th and 6th at 5:30pm; Sunday matinee at 3:00pm. Reservations required. Tickets: $35 for adults; $30 for Friends of Drayton Hall. (843)769-2605

Visit www.draytonhall.org/news/event_calendar/ for more information on these & other upcoming promotions and programs.