Week of June 15
The International African American Museum weathers a financial crisis, a 1776 battle painting returns to the Nathaniel Russell House, and the SEWE gallery at Charleston Place closes its doors.
The week's most consequential local story was the International African American Museum's announcement that it will remain open despite furloughing staff and leadership for six months beginning in July — a sign of serious financial strain at one of Charleston's most significant cultural institutions. Elsewhere, a historic painting of the 1776 Battle of Sullivan's Island came home to the Nathaniel Russell House ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary, and the SEWE wildlife art gallery quietly closed at Charleston Place as renovations continue.
If you haven't been to the Nathaniel Russell House since the painting arrived, now is the time. The IAAM remains open through the summer — go before the reduced staffing changes the experience. And on Johns Island, Wild Olive continues to draw national attention; the Post & Courier reminded readers this week exactly why Southern Living named it restaurant of the year.