Historic Markers

Since 1959, the Preservation Society’s Historic Markers Program has offered the general public opportunity to learn about Charleston’s significant buildings, structures, and objects, as well as outstanding events and people involved in local, state, and/or national history.

Application Form

Historic Markers Program Overview

The Historic Markers program is one of the PSC’s longest-standing initiatives that has evolved and grown since its inception in the 1950s. Some of our markers are even historic themselves by federal standards (50 years old or older)! Educating the community about Charleston’s history has always been at the core of our work, but now more than ever, our focus is telling the stories of the people behind the buildings and their important contributions.

The PSC’s Historic Markers program is one of the tools in our toolkit for contributing to a fuller narrative of Charleston’s history. Below is a new searchable database of the nearly 150 markers that have been erected across Charleston since the program’s inception. We invite you to explore this resource and share your ideas for new marker locations throughout the Lowcountry!

Continue reading below the map for information on the Historic Marker application process and eligibility criteria.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • Markers must be associated with at least one of the following:
    • A historic place that is at least 50 years old
    • Significant events that occurred at least 50 years ago
    • Significant persons who died at least 50 years ago
    • Broad patterns of local, state, and/or national history
  • The property in question must retain a high degree of historic integrity
  • The Historic Marker application form must be submitted with the property owner’s signature

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Complete the application form and submit via email to Preservation Coordinator Laurel Fay at lfay@preservationsociety.org, or by mail/in-person to the Preservation Society of Charleston, 147 King Street Charleston, SC 29401.
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide research and documentation on the history of the property. See a list of recommended resources attached to the application form. If no historical information is available, the applicant may contract a research consultant to compile property research. PSC Staff can provide contact information for potential consultants upon request.
  • Upon approval of the application, the applicant may independently draft and submit a draft text for PSC Staff review, or contract a consultant to draft the text. Consultant fees vary and are paid in addition to the marker price.
  • The marker text should be 200-300 words and follow the suggested format attached.
  • PSC Staff will edit the proposed text collaboratively with the applicant and owner to organizational standards.
  • The PSC will order the marker with dimensions customized to fit the space of the desired exterior location (legible from the public right-of-way) and schedule installation.
  • The price of an Historic Marker is $2,000, which is paid in two installments: half upon commission and half prior to installation.
Download Application Form

The Preservation Society invites you to apply for an historic marker for your property.  Working with Preservation Society staff, you will assist with the compilation of historic research and draft of the marker text. We encourage local residents to participate in this preservation program that provides continuous education of Charleston’s history and architecture.

For more information on the Historic Markers Program, please contact Laurel Fay, Preservation Coordinator, at 843.722.4630 ext. 27 or email lfay@preservationsociety.org