The Preservation Society of Charleston’s annual Elizabeth Kirkland Cahill Distinguished Lecture features Anne “Dede” Neal Petri, the 24th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, on “Lessons from George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Stewarding Historic Places in a Time of Civic Crisis”: the importance of storytelling, how historic interpretation has evolved and why it matters today. A moderated discussion with PSC President and CEO Brian Turner follows, and registrants may submit questions in advance.

Thursday, December 3, 2026: doors 5:15 p.m., lecture 6 p.m. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting Street, Charleston. Free and open to the public; registration required.

Details and registration: preservationsociety.org