The Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies presented the 2023 Alexander S. Salley Professional Service Award to George McDaniel.
The award honored McDaniel for his distinguished lifetime service and for his book, Drayton Hall Stories: A Place and Its People, published by Charleston’s Evening Post Books.
Bestowed For Exemplary Work
The award is not presented annually or to more than one person each year. Awards Committee Chair, J.R. Fennell of the Lexington County Museum, said: “George McDaniel is indeed a worthy recipient.”
A native of Atlanta, McDaniel was a Smithsonian Institution Fellow
He became executive director of Drayton Hall in 1989. He was recognized throughout the years for his leadership in historic preservation, history education, and environmental conservation. McDaniel ended his career there with a $20 million endowment.
About Drayton Hall Stories – The First of Its Kind in the Nation
His book is devoted both to the site’s recent history and to the future of historic preservation and sites. It stands as a credit to the range of people who have lived, worked, and supported Drayton Hall throughout the years.
Fascinating Revelations from Behind the Scenes
The book reveals never-before-shared family moments and major decisions in preservation and site stewardship. Interviewees describe the site’s pioneering efforts to transform a former plantation into a site for understanding and racial conciliation.
About the CSCLHS – Established in 1964
Members include historical societies, commissions, foundations, preservation groups, museums, archives, individuals, and patriotic organizations.
Their work may encompass the preservation and study of historical documents, sites, buildings, and artifacts through the exchange of information and cooperative activities.
The Confederation is governed by an executive council made up of statewide officers and regional representatives from ten districts across the state.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – George W. McDaniel, Ph.D., is President of McDaniel Consulting, LLC, a strategy firm that helps organizations use history to build bridges within itself and to its broader constituents.
“Building Bridges through History”
The company’s tagline is grounded in McDaniel’s personal beliefs and his professional experience. Services address site management, preservation, education, board development, fundraising, community outreach, and more.
Rather than using history to divide us, McDaniel helps organizations use history, especially local history, to enhance cross-cultural understanding and to support local museums, preservation, and education.
Turning Beliefs into Actions
Dr. McDaniel led volunteer efforts with Emanuel AME Church and historical organizations in Charleston to use historic preservation to enhance racial reconciliation and healing.
McDaniel is the Executive Director Emeritus of Drayton Hall, a historic site in Charleston, SC, owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He retired from Drayton Hall in 2015 after 25 years of distinguished service.
A frequent writer, speaker, and facilitator, reach him at gmcdaniel4444@gmail.com or through his website www.mcdanielconsulting.net.
All images courtesy of the author unless otherwise noted.
McDaniel Consulting LLC is a strategy firm that helps organizations use history to build bridges within itself and its broader constituents. 
