Attraction Guide: Aiken-Rhett House Museum, Charleston, United States

Aiken-Rhett House Museum Guide

Aiken-Rhett House Museum: A Glimpse into Charleston's Antebellum Past Guide

The Aiken-Rhett House Museum offers a unique and powerful glimpse into the lives of a wealthy Charleston family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on their property. Unlike many historic house museums, the Aiken-Rhett House has been preserved in a state of "arrested decay," offering visitors an authentic and unvarnished look at the past. It's a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Charleston's history. Built in 1820 and expanded by Governor William Aiken Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s, the Aiken-Rhett House is a testament to the wealth and power of Charleston's elite during the antebellum period. The house remained in the Aiken and Rhett families until 1975, when it was acquired by the Charleston Museum. The museum made the decision to preserve the house as it was found, rather than restoring it to its former glory, providing a more honest and revealing portrayal of the past. Visitors to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum can take a self-guided tour of the house and its outbuildings, including the original kitchen, slave quarters, and stable yard. The museum provides audio guides that offer insights into the lives of the Aiken and Rhett families, as well as the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property. The museum also hosts special events and programs throughout the year. The experience is both educational and thought-provoking, offering a deeper understanding of Charleston's complex history.