School Programs
Education Programs in Downtown Charleston
Drayton Hall guides take students on an exploration of historic Charleston. Four different walks are offered, and as always, we are able to customize our
programs to meet your needs. Walks are recommended for students in third grade and above.
Charleston and the American Revolution
Students visit Charleston sites important during the American Revolution and hear about key battles, including the Battle of Sullivan's Island and the Siege of Charleston. Throughout the tour they are introduced to South Carolina Revolutionary leaders William Henry Drayton, William Moultrie, and Col. Isaac Hayne, among others. Stopping at several colonial buildings, they learn about the lives of soldiers and civilians in and around Charleston. This walking tour enables students to understand the important role of Charleston during the American Revolution and learn about the American Revolution where events actually took place.
Charleston and the American Civil War
Students are introduced to key events that took place in Charleston, including the firing on Fort Sumter and the fall of the city to the Union Army. They also learn about life in the city under constant bombardment and the changes enslaved people faced. Students gain an understanding of Charleston's critical role in the war during stops at sites that include a view of Fort Sumter, war memorials, and historic buildings.
Charleston's African-American History
By examining Charleston's architecture and landscapes, students appreciate the critical roles that African Americans played in the building of the city, ranging from the wealth their labor produced to the decorative architectural details wrought by their skilled craftsmanship. They learn about the differences in the lives of enslaved people on plantations to those enslaved in the city. Additionally, students learn about Charleston's population of free people of color, many of whom were successful business people. Students conclude the tour with a discussion about African influences on Lowcountry culture and Charleston during the Civil Rights Movement.
Charleston Neighborhoods: History and Preservation
By exploring three neighborhoods in Charleston, outside the normal tourist areas, this program gives students the opportunity to walk through time. Students identify architectural styles from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries and see how adaptive reuse can save historic structures. Throughout the tour route they discuss how changes in architecture are connected to the wider context of economic, social, and cultural factors. This walk also introduces students to Charleston's efforts to preserve its history and the challenges in doing so.
