“Charleston’s Museum Mile”
March 4th, 2008: Today we had the privilege of having one of our own to share with us how Charleston’s Museum Mile, launched on March 1, was conceived and created. John Brumgardt shared with us the innovative and unique concept that uses a mile of Meeting Street from Ann Street southward to connect museums, historic sites, historic places of worship, and other points of interest.
The Charleston’s Museum Mile project unifies historic sites and properties as well as links uptown neighborhoods and the Battery. The objective was a positive change in a perception by offering a unique opportunity within convenient walking distance, public transportation, public parking, and lodging for a guest to comfortably relax and enjoy Charleston 365 days a year.
The Mile was conceived in 2004 during the strategic planning session of the Charleston Museum’s Board. Its focus was to get the cooperation of different points of interest that were independent, but allied to add value to the typical visitor who spends 3.5 days in Charleston.
This project was made possible by $100,000 grant from the County of Charleston and charter sponsorships from the Bank of South Carolina, the Mills House, and Sticky Fingers. Having generous donors who are committed to the welfare of this area was crucial to the project’s success
The goal of the project was to address a decline in visitors, but do it in a strategic, economical, and ecological way. After the presentation, it was clear to all that the Charleston Museum Mile was a superb way to address this need. It represents a great step forward in enhancing Charleston’s visitor perception and allowing visitors to get more value for the time they spend in our fair city. The visitors benefit greatly from a simplified, focused access to historic Charleston. They can take as little or as much time as they choose to explore the sites that appeal most to them within the Charleston Museum Mile.
To enable easy access and navigation the visitor can start at any part of the Mile and visit sites in any order. They can enjoy the Mile by foot, use public transportation, or park at public parking lots. CARTA bus passes include DASH trolleys and allow the visitors to get on and off as often as needed.
Our hats are off to John Brumgardt who had an instrumental role in helping unify the museum and historic site experience to make it more valuable not only to those who come from out of town, but also those of us who enjoy our own heritage and never forget how great it is to live in Charleston. Again congratulations on the implementation of a great concept.
If you would like information on the Charleston Museum Mile and discover how you and your guest can enjoy the experience go to www.CharlestonMuseumMile.org.
Reported by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee