History Comes Alive At This Former Revolutionary Prison-Turned-Museum In South Carolina

History is full of fascinating stories, facts, and lessons that, when taken to heart and applied well, the world becomes a better place for everyone and past mistakes can be avoided. South Carolina holds a unique place in history along with the other 12 original colonies of the United States, like a historical treasure chest. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we always viewed history this way? Yet, so often it’s seen as boring and a drudgery. What if it was packaged differently, in a way that held the attention of the learner? For the parents and educators reading this who are on the lookout for resources and tools to help with this, let’s take a quick look at a place you’ll want to consider adding to your history activities or field trips bucket list — none other than a unique museum, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston, which offers fascinating opportunities that are hands-on, engaging, and even a fun way to delve into history.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, located on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston, was built in 1771 as a commercial exchange and custom house and has been an important national landmark for almost 250 years.

It's a top-rated history museum attraction on TripAdvisor, where you can book the Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Night-Time Walking Tour with Entry to Provost Dungeon. But that's just one of many opportunities to learn some fascinating history at this unique museum. Let's explore 13 other engaging experiences to enjoy here.

Seasonal Programs

Seasonal programs are offered during out-of-school periods, such as Christmas break or summer vacation, ideal for summer camp groups or other organizations looking for seasonal historic fun!

On the Fourth of July, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon holds an annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Offered between November 1 through December 23, Colonial Christmas provides a winter wonderland of history experience where participants learn about holiday traditions in colonial America, see the Provost Dungeon, and then "deck the Great Hall" as they make their own pomanders.

During Making of a Pirate, students embark on a pirate-focused history tour through all three floors of The Old Exchange. They get to make their own treasure maps and pirate dolls and hear stories about infamous pirates like Blackbeard and the "Gentleman Pirate," Stede Bonnet.

General Programs

The basic Tour of the Exchange is a popular experience taking guests through all three floors of the Exchange, including the Provost Dungeon, as they learn about the American Revolution, pirate history, colonial "Charles Town," and the slave trade.

Scavenger Hunts

The George Washington Scavenger Hunt provides students with a guided tour of all three floors of The Old Exchange followed by the opportunity to explore local sites associated with President George Washington, including a visit to the Great Hall where Washington was once entertained and a picture scavenger hunt through Charleston's historic district using a detailed map provided.

The Pirate Scavenger Hunt focuses on pirate history, beginning with the tour of all three floors of the Exchange followed by an adventure into the city with a map to find locations tied to Charleston’s pirate history.

The Enslavement and Reconstruction program teaches the history of the Old Exchange and its relation to African-American history in Charleston, focusing on the early struggles of the African-American population of Charleston from enslavement to the Reconstruction era. Also covered is the history of the transatlantic and domestic slave trade in America, as well as important Charleston African-American figures such as Denmark Vesey and Dr. Benjamin

Boseman.

The Road to Civil War features a tour of the building with a focus on events like the Nullification Crisis, the domestic slave trade, and South Carolina’s secession from the Union.

Outreach

For those who are unable to come to Charleston or prefer that the history be brought to their location, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston offers outreach programs, including a Virtual Tour of the Exchange. This program includes all the information covered on the regular in-person Tour of the Exchange, but other topics can be covered upon request.

One of the most engaging programs offered by the Exchange and Provost Dungeon is the Interview with a Pirate or Patriot, another outreach program option. Your group will talk with a costumed docent, asking ten provided questions centered around either pirate history or colonial and Revolutionary War history. Themed items related to the chosen focus will also be displayed by the docent.

Specialty Programs Requests & Museum Combination Programs

If there's a historical theme not covered by a current program offered by the museum, you can make a special request for a customized specialty tour focused on the historical theme of your choice. Common topics include the Civil War, African American history, and architecture.

Also offered by Charleston's Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are Museum Combination Programs. The Redcoats and Rebellion program is presented as if students were still in the American Revolution. They get to see the Provost Dungeon where Patriot soldiers joined others in a British prison and visit the Heyward-Washington House and Powder Magazine to learn about other aspects of the British occupation of Charleston.

Customized multi-site tours are also offered in partnership with other area historic sites, including the Old Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, and the Heyward-Washington House. Let the museum know your ideas if you would like to request a customized multi-site tour!

For additional details including ages each program accommodates and South Carolina Social Studies Academic Standards that certain programs may include, visit the Charleston Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon website. Check out this unique "birdhouse" Airbnb that's just steps from the ocean if you'd like to stay overnight after visiting the dungeon:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/birdhouse-bungalow-steps-from-ocean-sc/

What's the most engaging, fun history experience you've had? Do you have a favorite historical museum in South Carolina?