About Us
Brookgreen Gardens is a national historic landmark in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry that exceptionally blends four mission areas in botanical gardens, art, history, and the environment.
Brookgreen is recognized as one of the great public gardens in America and the nation’s first sculpture garden, founded in 1931 by Archer Huntington and renowned sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Brookgreen is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The property spans over 9,000 acres preserved as a wildlife sanctuary with 250 acres in public use including an accredited arboretum. The Garden collects, exhibits, and preserves over 2,000 species of native plants and dynamic landscapes and is a leader in display gardens and conservation programs. Brookgreen’s orchid collection on view in the Purdy Center includes more than 800 orchids from around the world.
Brookgreen is home to the largest collection of American figurative sculpture with more than 3,000 works by 450 artists. In addition to outdoor display, Brookgreen features changing exhibitions, indoor galleries and a visible storage research center. Contemporary artists throughout the country serve as instructors and artists in residence at the Center for American Sculpture located at the Simpson Art Center, which includes a sculpture conservation laboratory and studio.
Brookgreen maintains an archive, collections, and exhibits about Lowcountry history and history of the property, including that of the Gullah Geechee people. Programs about regional history include the history of the property, including the residents of the four rice plantations once located on the property and the Huntingtons as founders of the organization. Brookgreen also conserves heritage breeds, telling the story of the property’s agrarian past.
Brookgreen’s Lowcountry Zoo features native species in natural habitats including American Alligator, American River Otter and two walkthrough aviaries. The Campbell Nature Center includes daily animal programs and interactive family programs. Brookgreen provides education and leads conservation initiatives related to the non-releasable animals who serve as ambassadors for their species and connect visitors with the natural world.
Brookgreen is preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2031 with new strategic and master plans to welcome visitors from around the world and advance its mission.
Position summary
The Vice President for Art and History and Curator of Collections plays a central role in advancing the mission of Brookgreen Gardens and the success of the Center for American Sculpture, including collections, education and conservation. As the senior executive responsible for leadership of the art and history department and the stewardship and curation of the sculpture and history collections, this position is an elected officer of the Corporation, providing advice and leadership on matters affecting Brookgreen Gardens, interacts with the Board of Trustees, and shares responsibility for the success of the institution.
