Honoring Kelly Bulak’s Legacy Through Preservation

Drayton Hall is honored to help celebrate the life and legacy of Kelly Bulak, a beloved member of the Clemson Master of Science in Historic Preservation Class of 2022.

Kelly Bulak on The Portico at Drayton Hall

In the fall of 2021, Kelly’s classmates, friends, and colleagues lost her to cancer. She was a remarkable person whose passion for historic preservation—and her genuine care for the people and communities connected to it—left a lasting impression on those who knew her and on preservationists across the country.

Drayton Hall held a special place in Kelly’s heart. She cared deeply about the preservation of this extraordinary National Historic Landmark and worked hard to support its continued stewardship.

In Kelly’s memory, her Clemson Historic Preservation classmates and friends are raising funds to support Drayton Hall’s Great Hall Ceiling Restoration and Naming Campaign. The goal is to raise enough funds to purchase a plaster decorative element that will be inscribed and installed in Kelly’s memory as part of the restoration of Drayton Hall’s iconic Great Hall ceiling.

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps honor Kelly’s passion for preservation and ensures that her connection to Drayton Hall becomes part of the site’s story for generations to come.

Drayton Hall has established a dedicated donation page for Kelly’s memorial fund. We invite you to make a contribution in Kelly’s memory and help preserve a piece of the place she cared so deeply about.

Donate to Kelly’s Memorial Fund

Donations will be accepted through October 15, 2026. If the initial fundraising goal is exceeded, additional funds will be directed toward another decorative element at a higher level within the Great Hall Ceiling Naming Campaign.

To learn more about the Great Hall Ceiling Restoration and Naming Campaign, visit Drayton Hall’s website and discover how you can help preserve this remarkable space for future generations.

Through this effort, Kelly’s friends and classmates hope to honor not only a remarkable friend, but also a preservationist whose passion, generosity, and commitment to historic places continue to inspire others.

Join us in remembering Kelly and celebrating the preservation legacy she cared so deeply about.

Donate to Kelly’s Memorial Fund at Drayton Hall

Read More about the Great Hall Ceiling