African-American: Current Projects
Taveau Methodist, Berkeley County
The best of preservation tells a greater story. Taveau is preservation at its best.
In the pristine beauty of rural Berkeley County sits Taveau, a landmark of national significance. While built as a Presbyterian church, upon the 1847 death of its founder it quickly became associated with Black Methodists. It remained an active place of worship until the early 1970s. Within walking distance of Taveau is Mepkin Abbey, the burial place of founding father and slave trader Henry Laurens, and Strawberry Chapel, an Anglican church built ca. 1725.
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Mepkin Abbey, the vestry of Strawberry Chapel, and Preservation South Carolina, all wish to help the Black community in the restoration of Taveau and the telling of its history.
David Drake's Pottersville
Few people in South Carolina know that one of the world's most famous potters, David Drake, created his masterpieces in the now extant town of Pottersville, near modern Edgefield. His work is beautiful and his story stunning: Here is an enslaved Black man who inscribed a line or two on many of his pots, and signed his name, "Dave."
The house (left) which dates to ca. 1820, is the last remaining building in Pottersville, a community that originated in the Edgefield District around the stoneware factory of Abner Landrum. Pottersville workers produced strong stoneware vessels with a unique alkaline glaze that Landrum is thought to have introduced to the state. Drake, likely enslaved by Mr. Landrum, worked on/near this land. We are working with Edgefield leaders to repurpose this home and land to honor Mr. Drake's life.
Completed Projects (partial list)
The Francis Jones House
Daufuskie Island
The home of one the island's long serving and beloved schoolteachers is now preserved thanks to our direct involvement.
Laurelwood Plantation
Richland County
We have preserved both the historic planation home and its associated slave cabin.
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In front of both landmarks, and on the same historic land, we have also helped preserve Good Hope Baptist Church (see below).
Good Hope Church
Richland County
As a non-profit organization, our mission is not to make the most profit but to find a higher and greater purpose for the properties that are entrusted to our care.
We sold Good Hope for a fraction of its market value to a Black congregation in need of a church home. Some of their ancestors had worshipped in its gallery.
The Rose Hotel
York
During Reconstruction, York County became a hotbed of gang and Ku Klux Klan activity. Wishing to restore order, President Grant sent federal troops to the region, some of whom stayed at the Rose Hotel.
Penn Center
St. Helena Island
Founded in 1862 as a school for freed slaves, Penn School established a commitment to Black education, community welfare, and cultural heritage that has remained strong for over 150 years. Penn School functioned as an educational institution, health clinic, farm bureau, catalyst for community action, and a repository for preserving St. Helena Island’s unique Gullah heritage and written history.
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We have contributed our expertise toward the preservation of Penn Center, helped negotiate agreements, and maintain historic easements on several of its properties.
By PSC Board Member Dr. Louis Venters