Emeline’s Archive celebrates the Charleston Renaissance, a time in history beginning in 1920 through World War II that fostered the city’s cultural renewal. This resurgence of booming creativity from artists, writers, architects, and historical preservationists depicted life in Charleston and the Lowcountry. These artists and writers championed preservation of the city’s historic buildings, as well as in recognizing African Americans in the arts. During this time, The Preservation Society of Charleston and the Poetry Society of South Carolina were formed, as well as our favorite art institution, the Gibbes Museum of Art.
In the curated collection you will find art, books, and inspired imagery from:
- Elizabeth O’Neill Verner
- Alice Ravenel Huger Smith
- Alfred Hutty
- Anna Heyward Taylor
- William Posey Silva
- Carew Rice
- Billie Sumner
- Helen von Kolnitz Hyer
- Julia Peterkin
- Josephine Pinckney
- DuBose Heyward
- John Bennet
Discover a World of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a short three blocks from Emeline, will give you an in-depth look into this pivotal time in Chalreston’s history. The Preservation Society of Charleston, a beloved non-profit, the first grassroots preservation organization in the nation, and great champion of our local makers community is also well worth a visit, just steps away from The Gibbes. Not to be missed is the International African American Museum, home to stories of resistance and achievement from the many locally, nationally, and internationally influential African Americans in South Carolina’s history—and so much more.
Emeline has always held the arts in high esteem. So much so, we have established an artist-in-residency program to provide our guests with a personal connection to our vibrant local art scene.
