With me in front of the McDaniel Education Center: Carter Morris, Rebecca Campbell, descendant of Drayton Hall's African American community, Hampton Morris, vice chairman of the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, my wife Mary Sue Nunn McDaniel. Seated is Alison Rea, a Drayton family descendant
The Opening of the Sally Reahard Visitor Center at Drayton Hall
April 28, 2018
“What is it like to have a building named after you? How does it make you feel?” These are questions that I’m often asked since it was announced that Drayton Hall would be building an education center as part of its new visitor center complex, and would be naming it after me.
“Grateful” is always the first word that comes to mind, because of Esther Beaumont, a longtime friend and supporter of Drayton Hall, who stepped up when Drayton Hall needed a leadership gift. It was her generosity that made the McDaniel Education Center possible. All of us connected with Drayton Hall, past and present, have her to thank for the difference this new building will make to future generations of visitors.
It will come as no surprise that I was also very honored when I heard the news, but even more than that, I was excited and optimistic about what the building itself would mean to the future of Drayton Hall. A dedicated structure such as this will now make it possible for Drayton Hall to not only conduct its student and adult education classes in a spacious, protected, and permanent area, but to at last be able to realize its potential as a center for community gatherings and special events of all kinds–rather than relying on tents or the vagaries of weather. One of my proudest accomplishments was producing local and national educational programs with descendants of the Drayton and Bowens families to promote cross-racial understanding and healing. The McDaniel Education Center will continue such programs and will also host workshops and conferences on history, historic preservation, architecture, decorative arts, and gardens.
I would also like to thank Carter C. Hudgins, President and CEO of the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, for his remarks at the opening ceremony:
Central to Drayton Hall’s 40+ years as a historic site are the 26 years of leadership provided by former Executive Director George W. McDaniel. George continues to be an inspiration at Drayton Hall, and his leadership and perseverance ushered in the site’s modern age with successes in interpretive programming and regional conservation to name just a few. [His] legacy will continue to shine in our new Education Center named in [his] honor.
Below, a few images from the public and private events to celebrate the opening:
My wife Mary Sue and I in front of the George W. McDaniel Education Center at the Sally Reahard Visitor Center at Drayton Hall.
Gathered with the Drayton Family, including 94-year-old, 7th-generation Charles H. Drayton III, and Anne Drayton Nelson to my right, 8th-generation descendant and Charles’ daughter.
With friends and associates at the Visitor Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Rebecca Campbell, a descendant of the Bowens family, is to my right.
With my son Jamie McDaniel at the McDaniel Education Center.
With Pam Brown, my wonderful executive assistant for many years,
With Charleston Mayor Tecklenberg at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The opening gala. To my left is Esther Beaumont–her generous support made the McDaniel Education Center possible.
With L-R: Allison Rhea, Drayton family descendant, Rebecca Campbell, Bowens family descendant, and my wife Mary Sue.
With my wife Mary Sue and Charles H. Drayton III, seventh-generation descendant of the Drayton family.
The entrance to the Sally Reahard Visitor Center at Drayton Hall.
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. The company’s tag line, “Building Bridges through History,” is grounded in McDaniel’s personal beliefs and his experience in site management, preservation, education, board development, fundraising, and community outreach. Rather than using history to divide us, he strives to help organizations use history, especially local history, to enhance cross-cultural understanding and to support local museums, preservation, and education. Dr. McDaniel recently led volunteer efforts with Emanuel AME Church and historical organizations in Charleston to use historic preservation to enhance racial reconciliation and healing. McDaniel is also 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.
Header Image: In front of the McDaniel Education Center with L-R: Carter Morris, Rebecca Campbell, descendant of Drayton Hall’s African American community, Hampton Morris, vice chairman of the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, and my wife Mary Sue Nunn McDaniel. Seated is Alison Rea, a Drayton family descendant.
