Drayton Hall Stephen J. Wood Conservation Lab – A Virtual Tour

Join Staff Archaeologist, Nicole Houck, on October 6, 2022 at 5pm for a virtual tour of the  NEW Stephen J. Wood Conservation Lab where we will be discussing the recent archaeological excavations taking place at Drayton Hall and upcoming volunteer opportunities in Charleston, SC.

An introduction about Stephen J. Wood and the Wood Conservation Lab from Drayton Hall President and CEO, Carter C. Hudgins:

In August of 1980, budding preservationist Stephen J. Wood was dismantling scaffolding erected on the north side of Drayton Hall when it gave way and tragically claimed his life.  Today, evidence of Wood’s many contributions is still visible on Drayton Hall’s chimney caps, the riverfront stairs, exterior stonework, and wood framing. What is more, Wood’s legacy as well as those of his parents are reflected in the work of 14 Wood Family Fellows who began their careers as rising scholars at Drayton Hall and went on to make important contributions in the fields of history, historic preservation, anthropology, the decorative arts, and architectural history.

I write to you not just as the President and CEO of Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, but as the 2006 beneficiary of the Wood Family Fellowship program.  Established by Trustee Anthony C. Wood in 2005, the fellowship has truly revolutionized our stewardship of Drayton Hall and fostered the careers of its recipients.  Now, we seek to inspire a larger audience of preservationists and indeed all visitors to Drayton through the creation of the Stephen J. Wood Conservation Laboratory.  Envisioned to open in the fall of 2022 in the Sally Reahard Visitor Center, the Wood Conservation Laboratory will be a public workspace where guest can interact with curators and experience moments of discovery as archaeological artifacts and architectural fragments are recovered from the field and safeguarded for future generations.

I invite you to join me in honoring Stephen J. Wood’s life and legacy by making a gift to the Drayton Hall Fund today. Your contribution will help create the Stephen J. Wood Conservation Laboratory. With this interactive, hands-on workspace, you can give Drayton Hall visitors a chance to be a part of preservation as it happens. Whether scrubbing excavated finds or watching the careful conservation of architectural fragments, visitors will connect directly with Drayton Hall staff members and collections as they develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared American past.

We appreciate your consideration and look forward to seeing you in the Stephen J. Wood Conservation Laboratory at Drayton Hall!

GIVE TO THE WOOD CONSERVATION LAB

REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL TOUR