Brookgreen Receives State Award for History

MURRELLS INLET, SC – April 11, 2011 –  On April 1, The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with the S.C. Department of Archives and History and the Governor’s Office awarded the 2011 Heritage Tourism Award to Brookgreen Gardens in recognition its historic interpretation of the Lowcountry Trail and the Oaks Plantation History and Nature Trail. The award was presented in a ceremony at the State House by Governor Haley to Bob Jewell, President and CEO of Brookgreen.

“The Lowcountry Trail and The Oaks Plantation History and Nature Trail are an essential part of our mission to interpret the culture and history of the Lowcountry,” said Jewell. “We are deeply honored to receive this award that recognizes our efforts to reveal and engage our visitors in the rich history of the land at Brookgreen Gardens.” 

Archeological digs began at the two sites in 1992 and unearthed nearly 50,000 artifacts. Interpretive signs, paths, walkways and an elevated boardwalk enable visitors to experience the sites and adjoining rice fields while learning about the history and culture of the area. Last year, more than 51,000 visitors from across the country and around the world toured the sites.

Brookgreen Gardens was selected for the award by a panel of preservation professionals with the intent of recognizing outstanding examples of stewardship of the state’s historic resources and the significant contribution that historic preservation makes to the landscape and culture of the state.  Criteria include: degree of difficulty of the project, obstacles that were overcome, impact in the community or state and best practices in the implementation of preservation technique.

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and non-profit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and is open to the public daily. For more information, consult our web site at www.brookgreen.org or call 800-849-1931.