Nathanial Russell House and Garden, 1808, the home one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in the U.S. The garden is a series of outdoor rooms from the front garden to the bricked garden hallway to the large back room with an arbor and bench. Courtesy the Historic Charleston Foundation

Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF), a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve and protect the integrity of Charleston’s architectural, historical, and cultural heritage,  welcomes nearly 15,000 visitors and residents alike during its annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, now in its 64th year. The Festival during March and April, includes a series of award-winning heritage tours providing guests an exclusive opportunity to go inside nearly 150 of Charleston’s finest historic private houses and gardens, churches, and other significant buildings, some dating to the 18th century.

The Festival of Houses and Gardens supports our important preservation initiatives which continue to revitalize the Charleston you see today,” said Kitty Robinson, executive director, Historic Charleston Foundation. “The Festival offers wonderful opportunities to learn about Charleston’s history and cultural heritage.”

55 Church Street with Cherokee roses, Courtesy Historic Charleston Foundation

“We’re thrilled to support Historic Charleston Foundation for being such an effective advocate for everyone–native and tourist alike–who loves Charleston’s unique aesthetic heritage, and who wants to ensure that it will be preserved for generations to come,” said brothers Matt and Ted Lee, writers for Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, GQ, The New York Times, and wine columnists for Martha Stewart Living.

The Festival of Houses and Gardens features seven to 10 properties each day in one of 11 Charleston neighborhoods, dating from the American colonial period through the antebellum era to the early 20th century. The Festival of Houses and Gardens is organized by Historic Charleston Foundation; proceeds support its mission to preserve Charleston’s architecture, history, and culture. The Festival of Houses and Gardens is made possible with the help of more than 600 dedicated volunteers. To learn more about volunteer roles and training visit www.historiccharleston.org or call 843-723-8292.