Advocacy

(See our Projects page for more information)
(See - The Community Restoration and Revitalization Act: Eight Proposed Amendments to the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit)

A core tenant of the Palmetto Trust’s mission is to advocate passionately and professionally on the behalf of small S.C. towns and the preservation of their architectural heritage.

The Trust stays abreast of the sites and properties in need of preserving, like those listed as South Carolina’s Most Endangered Properties, and advocates on behalf of groups facing controversial preservation issues often providing statewide support and resources to halt development and preserve significant historic architecture.

Education

The Palmetto Trust provides communities and preservation groups regular assistance through workshops on the historical and cultural context of our state's architectural heritage, technical assistance and resources for tax credits, easements and National Register nominations, as well as field schools and historic tours.
Annually, the Trust partners with SC Archives & History to present the Landmark and Preservation Conference, which features informative training sessions, nationally recognized preservationists and a Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony recognizing best practices and practitioners in South Carolina historic preservation.

Networking

Developing a network of Preservation Partners from around the state enables The Trust to work with commissions, societies, communities, contractors, preservationists and owners of historic homes in all regions of South Carolina. See Preservation Partners.

Special membership offers for preservation professionals - including real estate agents, architects, horticulturalists and house movers - connects individuals and businesses to ensure that skillful, proper preservation techniques are employed. See Find a Contractor.

Field Schools

Modeled after schools organized by the National Trust, Palmetto Trust field schools provide hands-on experience in proper preservation techniques including plaster repair, nail removal, brick making, window repair and demolition.

Public Policy:

In 1998, The Palmetto Trust under then-director Steve McCrae began lobbying for income tax credits for historic rehabilitation efforts. Bill 3163, an amendment to legislation set in 1976, was adopted in 2003, ensuring individuals who took on the rehabilitation of South Carolina property deemed historic (and rehabilitated it under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation) would receive tax credits for their projects.

In 2006, The Palmetto Trust organized a coalition of preservation organizations, representing the different regions of the state, to develop and provide a unified plan for legislative action. The Trust continues to support legislative priorities that enhance historic preservation throughout the state, strengthen our economy, reinforce our shared heritage, and expand opportunities for tourism and education.  The partners in this coalition include:

• Clemson and the College of Charleston M.S. Program in Historic Preservation,
• Drayton Hall,
• Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society,
• Historic Aiken Foundation,
• Historic Beaufort Foundation,
• Historic Brattonsville,
• Historic Charleston Foundation,
• Historic Columbia Foundation,
• Municipal Association of SC/ South Carolina Main Street,
• National Park Service,
• National Trust for Historic Preservation,
• Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation,
• Preservation Society of Charleston,
• Preservation Trust of Spartanburg, 
• SC African American Heritage Commission,
• South Carolina National Heritage Corridor,
• Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival,
• University of South Carolina Program in Public History  

>> Endangered Properties in S.C.