Thursday, February 19, 2026, reception 6:00 - 6:30 p.m., lecture 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Harlan will discuss his recent book Porgy’s Ghost, a biography of Dorothy Heyward, revealing how history dismissed her contribution to the world classic Porgy and Bess, and his continuing research for a work in progress, involving George Gershwin’s visits to Charleston, the “Porgy House” on Folly Beach, and other incidents regarding the collaboration between the Gershwins and the Heywards.

A native of Charleston, Harlan Greene has served as archivist and assistant director of the SCHS, director of the NC Preservation Consortium, founder of the CCPL archives, and archivist at the College of Charleston’s Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. He is now scholar emeritus of Addlestone Library’s Special Collections, chairs the city’s Commission on History and serves on the College’s Council on Community Engagement regarding the possible development of the Coming Street burial site. He is the author of novels, essays, biographies and historical narratives such as an LGBTQ history of Charleston. After speaking briefly about site specific research done for various works, including his most recent publication, a biography of Dorothy Heyward and her contribution to the opera Porgy and Bess, he looks forward to answering any questions you might have regarding various aspects of researching the city.   

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a tour of the American College of the Building Arts. Learn how our students become skilled artisans and gain a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Classical Architecture & Design, Plaster, Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing.

Space is limited, please register in advance.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, reception 6:00 - 6:30 p.m., lecture 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Rapid development across South Carolina has transformed our region’s natural landscapes with new homes and unprecedented demolition of old buildings, threatening the region's cultural heritage and straining our landfills. Dr. Alan Todd, founder and executive director of Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project, will discuss the nonprofit’s efforts to keep our region’s historic building materials out of the landfill to be reused for the wellbeing of our local communities. 

Dr. Alan Todd earned his PhD from Duke University and is professor at Coastal Carolina University. Witnessing the unnecessary demolition of so many structures due to the region’s rapid development, Dr Todd established the Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project, a nonprofit specializing in deconstruction and material reuse. As an archaeologist and historian, his life’s work comes together in this project, saving old-growth lumber from the landfills, archiving the histories of family homes, and reviving traditional building crafts.

Saturday, March 28, 2026, 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a tour of the American College of the Building Arts. Learn how our students become skilled artisans and gain a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Classical Architecture & Design, Plaster, Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing.

Space is limited, please register in advance.

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a tour of the American College of the Building Arts. Learn how our students become skilled artisans and gain a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Classical Architecture & Design, Plaster, Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing.

Space is limited, please register in advance.

Friday, May 15, 2026, 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Please join The American College of Building Arts in Celebration of the Craftsmanship of the Graduating Class of 2026 with light bites and libations!