For those visitors who are interested in postal history, Charleston boasts three exhibits that add a frequently unexplored view to the study of life in the South.
One of the most interesting is the Confederate Stamp exhibit located in the Old Exchange Building at the end of Broad Street. Working with the Confederate Stamp Alliance, local postal historian Joseph T. Holleman was instrumental in putting together this permanent exhibit. Holleman's interest in postal history dates back to the mid-1940s when he began collecting stamps.
"Stamp collectors generally run out of stamps to collect by the time they're 30 or 40 years old," said the avid philatelist. "So they often become interested in more complex features of stamp collecting, and one of those features is postal history."
Philately involves the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps, while postal history is the study of how mail has been handled and delivered throughout history. As with Holleman, a passion for one frequently leads to an interest in the other.
Holleman is currently in the process of gathering additional postal history materials to add to the exhibit, including some of the few pieces in existence relating directly to the CSA Submarine H. L. Hunley. The Confederate Period (1861-1865) is considered by many historians as a limited but defining period in our country's history.
Adjacent to the Confederate Stamp Alliance's exhibit in the Old Exchange Building is a second postal history exhibit: "The Post Office in the Exchange." Dated to the 1880s, this original post office "screen-line" came from the old Young's Island Post Office, which operated from 1888 to 1984. It illustrates how the Exchange could have appeared when the post office was located there from 1815 to 1896.
Finally, a postal museum is housed in the U.S. post office, located at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets.
Holleman believes the study of postal history enriches our knowledge of the nation's past. As a volunteer for the South Carolina Historical Society, he is frequently charged with the task of pouring through cases of old documents that may be relevant to the history of South Carolina. In addition to recovering items such as birth and death certificates, plantation records, and important legal documents, Holleman pays particular attention to old mail. He has discovered letters written by almost every president, every Civil War general, as well as a variety of other notable historic figures. These documents are meticulously indexed and later made available to other South Carolina historians for study. Take it from postal historian Joseph Holleman. It's addictive... and well worth exploring.
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Bringing some of the finest artists in their fields together under one roof, the Martin Gallery is a soaring space filled with the exquisite color and texture of oils, acrylics, bronzes, marbles, terra-cottas and richly hued glass. The eclectic art is representative of more than thirty nationally and internationally renowned artists. Located at 18 Broad Street on the corner of State Street in the Grand Salon of the historic People’s Building.
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For those visitors who are interested in postal history, Charleston boasts three exhibits that add a frequently unexplored view to the study of life in the South.
Finally, a postal museum is housed in the U.S. post office, located at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets.
Luxury real estate sales on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and the surrounding Charleston area. A leader in luxury real estate sales and vacation rentals for almost three decades. Seasonal vacation rentals or year-round luxury properties for South Carolina coastal living. Highly personalized service, a true commitment to patient, comprehensive representation is our priority.
Bringing some of the finest artists in their fields together under one roof, the Martin Gallery is a soaring space filled with the exquisite color and texture of oils, acrylics, bronzes, marbles, terra-cottas and richly hued glass. The eclectic art is representative of more than thirty nationally and internationally renowned artists. Located at 18 Broad Street on the corner of State Street in the Grand Salon of the historic People’s Building. 
A refined French café and bar offering the best in classic Brasserie cuisine. Culinary team creations pay homage to classic brasserie cuisine that inspired vehemently loyal Parisians. Indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a predominantly French wine list blended with a selection of our steward's favorites. Open late. Upstairs offers catering for your meeting or party. Don't miss 39 Rue de Jean Sunday Brunch.
