Edisto Realty News
The Edisto Museum and Edisto Island Historic Society celebrated their 20th Birthday
Sep 9th, 2007 Everyone gathered under the great live oaks and three pristine white tents at the museum to share birthday cake, champagne, and friendship.
The event gave members and friends of the Society the chance to look back at the challenges of starting and running this facility as a new, major traveling exhibit “Tabby: the Architecture of the Lowcountry” was opened to the public at the museum.
It also allowed the Society to introduce their new Director, Gretchen Smith. Gretchen, an island resident, takes over from Dr. Karen Nickless who has moved to a new position.
The society began in 1986. Its first curator was Sheila Beardsley, who later became curator emeritus. At first a totally volunteer organization once the museum opened it became necessary to hire part time staff. Over the years the collection has grown and the Society expanded its agenda.
Today the society organizes and runs the “Edisto and Beyond” tour of historic homes which is one of the island’s major events. Held each year in the fall, private owners open historic plantation homes unavailable to the public at any other time of year to benefit the society. On the same date the Edisto Art Guild holds its annual sale at Trinity Episcopal Church
Each summer the society holds “A Taste of Edisto” at Prospect Hill Plantation, another island event highlight. Featuring artisans, great food from local restaurants, and this year fireworks. It is a traditional low country party.
The Museum is a must see stop on Edisto. Collections include china and silver from Bleak Hall and other plantations, tools harkening back to the island’s sea island cotton heritage, historic photos, and a gift shop featuring items related to our local heritage.
The Museum can be reached through its web site www.edistomuseum.org and there are links to it on this website under “Island Resources” “Things to do”, “History” and “Shopping – Books”. Edisto Realty is a long time supporter of the Society and its efforts to preserve the island's heritage.
