Archive for October 2011

October 17, 2011 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141

Washington, D.C.—The National Trust for Historic Preservation will present its Preservation Honor Award for the restoration of the Seashore Farmers Lodge in Charleston, S.C. The project is one of 23 award winners to be honored by the National Trust during its 2011 National Preservation Conference next week in Buffalo, NY.

In the years after the Civil War, the Seashore Farmers' Lodge served as the community center of the South Carolina Low Country community of Sol Legare. The wooden, two-story structure served as school, church, meeting place and emotional center for this thriving African American community. By the mid 2000s, it had a gaping hole in the center of the roof.

Thanks to a true community effort, the Lodge has been restored and is once again central to the community, serving as a cultural center and museum, telling the story of African American soldiers who fought in the nearby Civil War and the vibrant black community that sprung up in their wake.

“While each is unique, this year’s outstanding award winners all reflect the importance of protecting what is special and irreplaceable,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Whether it’s the restoration of a brewery in Baltimore or the redevelopment of a classic roadside motor court in Tucson, this year’s award winners demonstrate how preservation is bolstering local economies and creating jobs in communities across the country.”

The award will be presented to the Seashore Farmers’ Lodge 767 at the National Preservation Awards ceremony in Buffalo, New York, on Thursday, October 20, at 5:30 PM EST. Co-recipients are: Backman's Seafood; The Coastal Community Foundation of Charleston; Community of Sol Legare, South Carolina; Concerned Citizens of Sol Legare Foundation; Construction Consultants LLC; The Corinne Company; J&G Tours; Moutz Architects; Rosen and Associates, Engineers; Town of James Island, South Carolina, Office of the Mayor, and Trademark Properties.

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear online at www.PreservationNation.org/awards.

To download high resolution images of this year’s National Preservation Award winners, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.

For more information on the Seashore Farmers' Lodge, please contact: 

Related Content on Lowcountry Africana:

Article: History Comes Full Circle: Community Comes Together to Preserve Seashore Farmers' Lodge No. 767 Learn about the history of the Seashore Farmer's Lodge and the central role it played in the Sol Legare community.

Video: Restoration of Seashore Farmers' Lodge (make sure your sound is on!):

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