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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Charleston History. Jewish Soul.
Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the U.S. until the 1820s — even surpassing New York.
Experience iconic landmarks and hidden gems on a private tour that weaves Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston.
We will explore a fascinating stretch of Charleston’s historic core, visiting homes once owned by Jewish merchants, including a steamship magnate and a successful clothier, as well as the site of America’s first Jewish-owned pharmacy. You’ll also see the Hebrew Orphan Society building and stroll past the colorful facades of Rainbow Row.
As we walk, we’ll reflect on the vital role of African Americans in Charleston’s Jewish story and the complex legacy of Jewish involvement in both the city’s slave economy and the Civil War.
This is more than a history tour—it’s a meaningful exploration of Jewish identity, community, and continuity in Charleston, led with insight, care, and a storyteller’s heart.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please meet your guide at the benches under the trees on the North side of the building (left side if you are facing it from the street).
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
See the Farmers & Exchange Bank Building, Charleston best example of Moorish Revival architecture, built by prominent Sephardic Jewish Charlestonian David Lopez
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Learn about Dock Street Theater, once owned by Milton Pearlstine, and pass by the Sasportas Tenements, once owned by prominent French-Jewish privateer and Revolutionary War soldier Abraham Sasportas
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Hear the story of Francis Salvador, the first Jewish person to die in the American Revolution (also known as the "Paul Revere of the South")
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
See Dr. Jacob de la Motta's former pharmacy, which became the first Jewish-owned pharmacy in the U.S, as well as the Hebrew Orphan Society, the oldest incorporated Jewish charity in the U.S.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Hear the stories of business magnate and Confederate Moses Cohen Mordecai, as well as pass the home of Isaac Harby, one of the leaders of the American Reform Judaism movement
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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