Children's Discovery Tours

Event Details

The Children’s Discovery Tour will offer hands-on activities to further Historic Charleston Foundation’s mission to educate the public about Charleston’s history. By using sensory and hands-on activities, this focused tour will make the history of 18th and 19th century Charleston, the Nathaniel Russell and Aiken-Rhett House Museums come alive for our younger visitors. A costumed interpreter will lead children on a tour of the house followed by an hour of historic play and crafts in the garden. The tours and crafts will focus on a specific era in Charleston's history either with themes relating to the American Revolution, Antebellum period, or Civil War.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2-3:30 p.m.
Children ages 5-12 are $8, adult chaperones are $5, free for members of Friends and Family
Purchase advance tickets online, reservations required
Limit 15 per group (including adult chaperones)

Revolutionary Charleston
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
July 2, July 25, August 13

What was it like to live in Charleston during the American Revolution? Attendees will write with quill pens and make a Patriot uniform vest or British “redcoat” to take home.

Carolina Day
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
June 27, July 28

Celebrate Carolina Day at the Nathaniel Russell House Museum! Learn about this special annual South Carolina holiday, the history of the state’s iconic Palmetto tree, and decorate a state flag.

Enlist in the Union or Confederate Army
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
June 30, July 23, August 15

Explore what it was like to be a soldier in the Civil War and practice marching drills. Hear real life stories from the diary of a Confederate soldier and design and make a miniature battle flag out of fabric to take home.

Plantation Crops: “Carolina Gold” and More
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
June 9, July 11, July 30

Cotton, indigo, and rice were important cash crops in the Lowcountry of Charleston. Learn about how they were grown and harvested while exploring how these crops impacted local families like the Aikens as well as the enslaved Africans who lived and worked in the area. Attendees will design their own cotton fabric using materials that would have been accessible in the 19th century and make a rice bowl to take home.

Tea Party with the Russells
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
July 9, August 1

Children can bring their favorite American Girl doll or any favorite toy and learn about 19th century party etiquette and enjoy tea and treats. Attendees will make and decorate their own miniature teapot to take home.

Pirate and Merchant Day
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
June 11, July 14, August 8

Yo ho yo ho, a pirate’s life for me! Learn about life on the high seas as either a merchant or pirate in Colonial Charleston. Explore the life of merchant Nathaniel Russell, sign up to be on his crew, and hear some legends about pirates. Attendees will make their own pirate flag and hat to take home.

Children in Antebellum Charleston
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
June 23, July 18, August 6

Learn about what life was like as a child living on a plantation or in the city during the 19th century. Attendees will make a marble set like children would have used during this time and make a handkerchief doll to take home.

Gullah Culture
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
June 20, July 16, August 4

Hear some Gullah legends and stories, like the mystery of the color “haint blue,” while learning to say a few words in the Gullah language! Attendees will make pottery and work with sweet grass in the garden.

Scavenger Hunt by Design
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
June 25, July 21, August 11

During a tour and scavenger hunt in the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, attendees will keep an eye out for special pieces of furniture and decorations as they learn to decipher key elements of the Federal style. After the tour, guests will be led in a painting tutorial and “design” a Federal period house just like the Nathaniel Russell House Museum.

To purchase tickets, please visit the website provided.