BookTalk- American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House is happy to announce a BookTalk with Virginia Christian Beach, author of “American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place.”

When Charles Duell inherited Middleton Place in 1969, he was 31 years old. A graduate of Yale, he had begun a career in finance on Wall Street. But the circumstances of his sudden inheritance compelled him to leave New York City and move his family to South Carolina. The former rice plantation was languishing and Duell’s challenge was to figure out how to preserve three centuries of history contained in the houses and lands of his forebears – including America’s oldest landscaped gardens – while at the same time making them sustainable, relevant, and accessible for future generations. Under his leadership, the historic site has become a hub of research, education, and authentic interpretation and a destination for truth-seeking and reconciliation. “American Landmark” brilliantly chronicles the evolution of the man, the place, and the vital mission of the Foundation Duell created. It weaves together myriad biographical stories, introducing us to an array of protagonists – both White and Black – who have been associated with Middleton Place for the last three centuries.

The challenges of Charles Duell and Middleton Place reflect those being faced by Woodlawn and former plantations all over the country. Join us on June 2nd at 6 PM for a lecture from the author and a candid discussion about historic interpretation.

Book sales and signing will be available after the Talk.

Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be provided.

We currently require masks for all indoor events.

Admission is by donation. Your donation will be used to support Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey’s interpretation and education programs.