Charleston Jewish Heritage History Walking Tour

We will set off on foot to explore a fascinating stretch of Charleston’s historic core, highlighting both well-known landmarks and lesser-known places tied to Jewish life—from homes once owned by Jewish merchants, including a steamship magnate and a successful clothier, to the site of America’s first Jewish-owned pharmacy. You’ll also see the Hebrew Orphan Society building, the oldest Jewish charitable organization in the country, and, if time permits, 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.

Meeting Point

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

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).

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

East Bay Street

E Bay St, Charleston, SC, USA

See the Farmers & Exchange Bank Building, Charleston best example of Moorish Revival architecture, built by prominent Sephardic Jewish Charlestonian David Lopez

Pass by without stopping

Queen Street

Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

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

Pass by without stopping

Washington Square

80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

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")

Pass by without stopping

Broad Street

Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

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.

Pass by without stopping

Meeting Street

Meeting St, Charleston, SC, USA

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

Pass by without stopping