The word most heard here is tradition. Nowhere is this more evident than at the College of Charleston.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the oldest educational institution south of Virginia, and the 13th oldest in the United States. During the colonial period, wealthy families sent their sons abroad for higher education. By the mid-18th century, many leading citizens supported the idea of establishing an institution of higher learning within the colony.
The campus, located in the heart of the historic district, is a collection of traditional college buildings and also incredible historic homes, repurposed. Built in 1890 by a prominent Charleston merchant, the Sottile House is a Victorian mansion located near the center of campus and is noted for its stained-glass windows, carved oak doors, mosaics, chandeliers and delicate woodwork. Today, it houses the College’s Division of Institutional Advancement.
Dinner were these amazing tacos at the Charleston Brewery, out on their very welcoming patio.
Our history with Charleston (briefly) dates back to 2010 when we came here the first time. Charleston is the Sister City to Spoleto, Italy, where we lived for an entire year that Fall. In order to be more involved in our Italian 'hometown' we came to volunteer for the annual Spoleto Festival USA. This exceptional 17 day event is one of America's major performing arts festivals. It was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to establish a counterpart to the existing Festival dei Due Mondi (The Festival of Two Worlds) in Spoleto, which began in 1953.
When we learned about tonight's session talk, Welcome to the Festival's 40th featuring the General Director, Nigel Redden, we knew we wanted to be there to learn more. The talk shared a great deal of historical information and answered the question, "How did a multi-genre performing arts festival from Spoleto, Italy take root in Charleston, South Carolina in 1977, and how has it adapted over the past four decades?" The answers were interesting and entertaining.
Mr. Redden discussed, with Edward Hart, chair of the music department at the College of Charleston as moderator, the various elements of the Festival that have been integral to its success and longevity. We walked away very impressed. It's going to be exceptional!
We had great storms today with thunder and lightening. We won't complain when the day ends with a rainbow! Day #3... a success.
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2 comments:
Well what wonderful pictures of our beautiful city! Looks like an amazing day for you both!
Fav pics of the day -- Sottile House, Spoleto Fence and the rainbow (just because we see so few of them in CA).
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