History Comes Alive At This Former Revolutionary Prison-Turned-Museum In South Carolina
AnneMarie
Author
History is full of fascinating stories, facts, and lessons that, when taken to heart and applied well, the world becomes a better place for everyone and past mistakes can be avoided. South Carolina holds a unique place in history along with the other 12 original colonies of the United States, like a historical treasure chest. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we always viewed history this way? Yet, so often it’s seen as boring and a drudgery. What if it was packaged differently, in a way that held the attention of the learner? For the parents and educators reading this who are on the lookout for resources and tools to help with this, let’s take a quick look at a place you’ll want to consider adding to your history activities or field trips bucket list — none other than a unique museum, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston, which offers fascinating opportunities that are hands-on, engaging, and even a fun way to delve into history.
Seasonal Programs
On the Fourth of July, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon holds an annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Offered between November 1 through December 23, Colonial Christmas provides a winter wonderland of history experience where participants learn about holiday traditions in colonial America, see the Provost Dungeon, and then "deck the Great Hall" as they make their own pomanders.
General Programs
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The George Washington Scavenger Hunt provides students with a guided tour of all three floors of The Old Exchange followed by the opportunity to explore local sites associated with President George Washington, including a visit to the Great Hall where Washington was once entertained and a picture scavenger hunt through Charleston's historic district using a detailed map provided.
The Pirate Scavenger Hunt focuses on pirate history, beginning with the tour of all three floors of the Exchange followed by an adventure into the city with a map to find locations tied to Charleston’s pirate history.
The Road to Civil War features a tour of the building with a focus on events like the Nullification Crisis, the domestic slave trade, and South Carolina’s secession from the Union.
Outreach
Specialty Programs Requests & Museum Combination Programs
Also offered by Charleston's Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are Museum Combination Programs. The Redcoats and Rebellion program is presented as if students were still in the American Revolution. They get to see the Provost Dungeon where Patriot soldiers joined others in a British prison and visit the Heyward-Washington House and Powder Magazine to learn about other aspects of the British occupation of Charleston.
Customized multi-site tours are also offered in partnership with other area historic sites, including the Old Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, and the Heyward-Washington House. Let the museum know your ideas if you would like to request a customized multi-site tour!
For additional details including ages each program accommodates and South Carolina Social Studies Academic Standards that certain programs may include, visit the Charleston Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon website. Check out this unique “birdhouse” Airbnb that’s just steps from the ocean if you’d like to stay overnight after visiting the dungeon:
Stay Overnight In This Breathtaking Bungalow Just Steps From The Ocean In South Carolina
What’s the most engaging, fun history experience you’ve had? Do you have a favorite historical museum in South Carolina?
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