" . . . I believe he is a Novice in Arithmetic & Geography but he ought not to remain in Ignorance any longer. His friends are desirous of his receiving the general education of a Gentleman . . . "

--Henry Laurens, Exchange and Custom House Commissioner and Patriot, to his son John Laurens in 1774
(Laurens Papers)

We heartily agree with Mr. Laurens' belief in the importance of a well-rounded education. To that end, The Old Exchange has developed a selection of diverse educational programs to highlight and reinforce various aspects of 17th and 18th century Colonial history, Revolutionary War history, the history of the United States Constitution, and for fun, a bit of Charles Town pirate history.

Thousands of students from around the area visit the Old Exchange each year as part of their core curriculum. What better way to reinforce history learned in the classroom than to visit the Old Exchange and be actively engaged in learning during one of our Educational Programs. A variety of educational programs are available that correlates with South Carolina State academic standards. Please make your reservations as early as possible. You may call or write us for more information at:

THE OLD EXCHANGE AND PROVOST DUNGEON
Attention: Teresa Tabor
Education Department
122 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 727-2165 or 1-888-763-0448

MAKE RESERVATIONS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

To view Educational Program descriptions, just click on or scroll down to view each one:
Tour of the Old Exchange (Grades 1-12)
Dungeon Tour (All Ages)
Making of a Pirate (Grades K-2)
Pirate Scavenger Hunt (Grades 1-8)
Colonial Lifestyles (Grades 1-8)
George Washington Scavenger Hunt (Grades 7-12)
Ghosts of the Old Exchange (Grades 1-12)
Colonial Christmas (Grades 1-12)

Waterfront Park, behind the Old Exchange Building, is an ideal location for picnic lunches during nice weather.

Each of our Educational Programs
includes a tour of the Provost Dungeon.

All Educational Programs require
a minimum of 10 students.


TOUR OF THE OLD EXCHANGE (Grades 1-12)
The tour highlights events in both Charles Town’s and the building’s history, and includes a spine-tingling visit to the Provost Dungeon where life-like animatronic figures recount tales of piracy and patriotism. Upon request, tours can emphasize any number of subjects including Pirates, Palladian architecture, George Washington’s visit or the Revolutionary War. Each program is geared to the age and special needs of your group.
Approximately one hour. Cost per student is $3.50.


DUNGEON TOUR Only (All Ages)
A 20-minute tour of the historic Provost Dungeon. Perfect for groups who only have a short amount of time, but want to experience some of the history and flavor of the Old Exchange.
Approximately 20 minutes. Cost per student (& per adult) is $3.00.



MAKING OF A PIRATE (Grades K-2)
Stundents hear stories of pirates of long ago while touring the building. Through hands-on activities students will create their own pirate image. This program also includes a tour of the Provost Dungeon.
Approximately 90 minutes. Cost per student $6.00.

PIRATE SCAVENGER HUNT (Grades 1-8)
Students discover Charleston’s pirate history by searching for clues in the nearby historic district. Small groups "navigate" the streets and alleyways by using a detailed map and set of instructions. Returning to the Exchange, participants receive a special pirate souvenir.
Approximately 90 minutes. Cost per student is $6.00.

COLONIAL LIFESTYLES (Grades 1-8)
Students learn about the lives of children during colonial times by sitting in a colonial classroom, inspecting colonial tools and crafts, and playing with colonial toys. They also learn about manners, family life and entertainment.
Approximately 90 minutes. Cost per student is $6.00

GEORGE WASHINGTON SCAVENGER HUNT (Grades 7-12)
Students follow in the footsteps of our first President, seeing the same sites he visited during his week-long stay in 1791. A detailed map and set of instructions guide them through the historic district and return them to the Exchange for a special presidential prize.
Approximately 90 minutes. Cost per student is $6.00.
Programs Tailored For Holidays  


COLONIAL CHRISTMAS (Grades 1-12)
Students step back in time to celebrate a Charleston Colonial Christmas. Students learn of holiday traditions and create a pomander, a traditional colonial decoration.
Approximately 90 minutes. Cost per student is $6.00.


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© 2001-2008 The Old Exchange -- All rights reserved.
122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 727-2165 or 1-888-763-0448



Historic images courtesy of Old Exchange Archives, SC Historical Society, Library of Congress,
Images of American Political History, and University of California-Riverside. All rights reserved.