Friends of Drayton Hall who contribute $2,500 or more annually are automatically included in the Society of 1738, which is stewarded with special programs throughout the year.

The Society of 1738 is Drayton Hall Preservation Trust’s premier donor group, honoring those who demonstrate outstanding leadership in support of Drayton Hall’s mission and vision. Annual support by these Friends helps to build and sustain new facilities, advance preservation and conservation initiatives, fund archaeological research, facilitate the acquisition, conservation, and and interpretation of collections, enhance interpretive and educational programs, maintain the historic landscape and natural environment, support operations, and provide thousands of visitors the unique opportunity to explore an American icon.

Members of the Society of 1738  enjoy the following benefits:

First priority access to Drayton Hall Travel Program with CEO, Carter Hudgins, Ph.D.

Invitation to Annual Society of 1738 Celebration

Guest invitations to exhibit previews and opening receptions

Dual membership to be given as gift

Behind the scenes tour with guests hosted by curatorial staff and/or CEO of Drayton Hall

Discounts on facilities rentals

TUSCAN $2,500   |   DORIC $5,000   |   IONIC $10,000   |   CORINTHIAN $25,000

John Drayton (d. 1779) was the first owner, builder, and architect of Drayton Hall.

Charlotta Drayton (1884–1969), John Drayton's great niece and sixth-generation Drayton owner of Drayton Hall, is remembered as an early preservationist of Drayton Hall.

The Legacy Societies of Drayton Hall follow their leadership in the building and preservation of Drayton Hall as an American icon.

The John Drayton Society

The John Drayton Society are Friends of Drayton Hall who consistently support Drayton Hall Preservation Trust through financial leadership by making a gift for five consecutive years; making a recurring monthly gift to Drayton Hall Preservation Trust; or making a multi-year pledge to Drayton Hall.

The John Drayton Society at Drayton Hall seeks to foster donor loyalty, increase our number of supporters and grow financial support by providing funds for on-going conservation, research and interpretation that positions Drayton Hall as a national model for historic house preservation.

The Charlotta D. Drayton Legacy Society

Friends who have provided future support to Drayton Hall Preservation Trust through their estate and/or life income plans.

Because of the forethought of these outstanding individuals, each year estate and/or life income gifts add significantly to the financial stability and health of Drayton Hall. There is a wide range of options which make it much easier to fit philanthropy into your budget and long-term plans. Life insurance, bequests, annuities, trusts, retirement plan assets, securities gifts of property – the list is long and offers flexibility for you and insurance for Drayton Hall’s future.  Benefits of membership include invitations to special events and seminars as well as annual recognition in the Annual Report. If you would like to speak with someone at Drayton Hall regarding your plans, or how you might become a member of the Charlotta D. Drayton Legacy Society, please contact us by email at development@draytonhall.org.

The Palladian Circle is a dynamic group of emerging contributors who support the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust through social and educational events. As future leaders of Drayton Hall, Palladian Circle members promote the historic preservation of the estate and grounds and the preservation and interpretation of its extensive collections.

The Palladian Circle offers a series of networking events throughout the year, both on-site at Drayton Hall and conveniently located in downtown Charleston.

Annual support for the Palladian Circle, which helps defray the costs associated with these special programs, is $30. A membership level or giving society must be selected to be a member of Palladian Circle.

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