Ready to Roll! A Historic Textiles Collection Special Event

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In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation, The Charleston Museum is pleased to present its newest exhibition, Ringleaders of Rebellion, now on display in the Museum’s Historic Textiles Gallery. One of the many unique items currently on display in Ringleaders is a 14-foot-long silk sash, likely worn by Miss Harriott Pinckney (1784-1824), Thomas Pinckney’s daughter, on the occasion of President George Washington’s southern tour in 1791. Washington stopped at Harriott Pinckney Horry’s home, Hampton Plantation, for breakfast on the morning of May 1st, 235 years ago.

On May 1st, join Curator of Historic Textiles Virginia Theerman and Curatorial Assistant Kerry Toggweiler in the Historic Textiles Gallery for a chance to view this silk sash up close as they carefully unroll the delicate textile and reroll it for display.

Painted with Washington’s miniature portrait in the center, the sash has been on display showcasing the dove of peace that is depicted at one end, with the presidential eagle at the other. The sash is nearly 14 feet long, and must be displayed carefully to preserve the painted surface, as well as the delicate silk. Conservation, funded by donations raised by the Eliza Lucas Pinckney chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, has preserved this sash for the next 250 years of American history.

It is now time for the sash to be remounted to showcase the eagle for the second half of our Ringleaders of Rebellion exhibition. We hope you’ll join us in the gallery for this changeover, and to learn more about this unique object of early American material culture!

Reservations preferred. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis. FREE for Members and FREE with admission.

Register online or call 843-722-2996 ext. 235