J. GRAHAM LONG
“Ruins and Resilience:
Destruction and Preservation in Charlston’s

Past” MONDAY, Oct 19, 2026

For Charleston, South Carolina, history is, in many ways, one of loss. Although its buildings, neighborhoods, objects, and even people have each been severely affected by numerous calamities, the community withholds a persistent determination to preserve what remains.

This presentation traces how destruction has repeatedly reshaped the city’s physical and emotional landscape and highlights its ongoing preservation efforts.

J. Grahame Long is the Chief Curator for the Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation directing the research, interpretation, collections acquisition, and management for the Foundation’s nine historic properties in New Kent County and the Virginia Tidewater. Previously, he served Colonial Williamsburg as Executive Director of Collections & Deputy Chief Curator, was Director of Museums for Historic Charleston Foundation and Chief Curator for the Charleston Museum. Maintaining his South Carolina ties, Grahame still volunteers for the archives and special collections at The Citadel, and remains an active member of The German Friendly Society and The Washington Light Infantry. His books include Dueling in Charleston: Violence Refined in the Holy City (2012); Stolen Charleston: The Spoils of War (2014); and Lost Charleston (2019). Please join us in welcoming Graham to Alexandria!

2026

Sat. Sept 12 — Stephanie Green, Book Talk, American Crown

Mon. Sept 28 — Patty Sheetz, Walking Tour, How the Potomac River Shaped Alexandria

Mon. Oct 19 — J. Grahame Long, Ruins and Resilience: Destruction and Preservation in Charleston’s Past

Mon. Nov 16 — Martha McDowell, All the Presidents’ Gardens

2027

Mon. Jan 18 — Newbold Richardson, Samplers and Embroideries in Women’s Education, 1700- 1850: From Fine Art To Craft

Mon. Feb 15 — Randall McLean, The Potomack Company Auctions: Extra-ordinary Objects Associated with Alexandria

Mon. Mar 15 — Jeffrey Ricketts, The Antiques and Architecture of Brick Meeting House, Maryland: 1700-1870

Mon. Apr 19 — Benjamin Prosky, Investing in the Future: Dick Jenrette's Stewardship and Style

Mon. May 17 — Brock Jobe, A Tale of Four Cities: Furniture-Making in Paris, London, Dresden, and Boston in the Mid-18th Century

The Alexandria Association offers enriching opportunities beyond its monthly programs. Study tours abroad included Georgian houses in Ireland and Scotland as well as U.S. homes and gardens in Philadelphia, Norfolk and Annapolis. Stay tuned for information about future trips.