Is the performance suitable for children?

Yes, the performance is family-friendly and provides an educational experience suitable for all ages.

Are tickets required to attend?

Yes, advance booking through the Drayton Hall website or partners is required to secure a spot.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Drayton Hall offers wheelchair-accessible paths and seating areas to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted; however, water bottles are allowed to stay hydrated.

What happens if it rains on the day of the event?

In case of inclement weather, the performance may be rescheduled or moved indoors if possible; check for updates before your visit.

How can I learn more about the history of the spirituals performed?

Drayton Hall provides educational materials and guided tours that offer deeper insights into the cultural context of the spirituals.

African American Spirituals with Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers

Experience a unique and deeply moving outdoor adventure with the African American Spirituals performance presented by Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers at Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. This attraction offers visitors an unforgettable cultural journey through powerful songs deeply rooted in African American history and heritage. Set against the stunning backdrop of one of Charleston, South Carolina’s most historic properties, the event is an inspiring celebration of music, history, and resilience that brings to life the voices and stories of enslaved people through spirituals. The soulful harmonies of Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers touch the heart, offering visitors a rare opportunity to connect with America’s cultural past in an intimate and outdoor setting. The event is suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors seeking to enrich their knowledge of American history with a touching artistic expression in the fresh air. This private experience at Drayton Hall enriches your visit, combining beautiful natural surroundings with meaningful storytelling through music.

About Drayton Hall Preservation Trust

Drayton Hall Preservation Trust stewards Drayton Hall, a nationally significant historic property located on the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina. The Trust preserves America’s earliest unrestored Palladian house—often described as the nation's oldest preserved plantation house—and interprets its architectural, cultural, and archaeological stories for the public.

Programming includes daily and seasonal guided tours such as the one-hour Signature Experience Tour that visits the cellar, main, and second floors and features the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery and the Lenhardt Courtyard Garden. Educator-led Student House Tours provide 45–60 minute curriculum-based experiences exploring African American history, architectural preservation, and onsite archaeology. Evening offerings range from Candlelight Tours that illuminate 18th-century spaces to special events like Drayton Hall at Night with live lawn music and archaeological presentations. Seasonal and community events include the popular Annual Deck the Hall Oyster Roast, holiday concerts such as African American Spirituals with Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers, and hands-on workshops like the Wreath Building Workshop led by local florist Lela Solomon. The Trust also collaborates with nearby institutions to offer combination itineraries—for example, joint tours and package days with Middleton Place and Charleston Strolls walking tours—giving visitors economical ways to experience Lowcountry gardens, houses, and historic streets. Interpreters and guides emphasize preservation, authenticity, and historical context. Many ticketed experiences have limited capacity, so visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure a place.

Public programming supports conservation of the house, landscape, and archaeological collections through admission and membership, and community engagement efforts nationwide.