The expanded permanent gallery opens October 24 and highlights the Reconstruction era, Charleston Renaissance, and the Civil Rights Movement
Age: 58
Lives: On James Island with his wife, Susan
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Delaware, master’s in history from the University of Alabama
Favorite artifact: Revolutionary War cartridge box that was reportedly recovered from the Battles of Lexington and Concord
As director of The Charleston Museum, the oldest institution of its kind in the US, Carl Borick has been instrumental in the collection and preservation of countless artifacts. A CPA by trade, Borick earned his master’s in history before coming to the museum as an administrative officer in 1996 and working his way up to director in 2013.
Now, Borick is overseeing a massive expansion to the permanent galleries, set to open later this month. “Beyond the Ashes: The Lowcountry’s New Beginnings” will tell the city’s story from the Civil War to the present for the first time, highlighting the Reconstruction era, Charleston Renaissance, and Civil Rights Movement, as well as influential events such as the 1886 earthquake and Mother Emanuel AME massacre. Here, Borick offers a sneak peek.
CM: How long has “Beyond the Ashes” been in the works?
CB: This newest expansion was in our 2019 strategic plan, but the pandemic threw us off. Planning our 250th anniversary last year also put us back. For years, the permanent exhibition just ran up to the Civil War, and we’d have guests asking, “What happened after that?” Once this new exhibit is in place, we’ll have a complete cultural history of the Lowcountry, from Native Americans to the modern day.
CM: What are some noteworthy items?
CB: Prominently displayed will be a pew that comes from The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island. It was originally built and used by enslaved people, who were later able to claim the church as their own after Union soldiers arrived on the island. And, in the Hurricane Hugo area, we have an alarm clock from a former staff member that stopped the moment the water hit her nightstand, as well as canned water sent by the Anheuser-Busch brewing company in response to the disaster.
CM: How do you address darker moments in the city’s past?
CB: Charleston’s history is filled with great events and really ugly ones. Another prominent artifact is a red shirt belonging to a member of a Reconstruction-era terrorist group. Historic textiles curator Virginia Theerman has been really open about the meaning of this garment, which was worn by a white supremacist during a massacre of Black people in Hamburg.
CM: How will the museum celebrate?
CB: We’ll have an event on October 24 that’s open to the public via reservation. We’ll have a few remarks with a prosecco toast, and then people will be able to go up and see the new exhibit. Author and activist Millicent Brown will also be doing a lecture the week before.
