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| The 2025 Historic Hotels of America Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award recognizes the extensive accomplishments of Richard Widman, founder of Charming Inns® in Charleston, South Carolina. The Historic Hotels of America Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award recognizes individuals or families dedicated to the preservation of legendary historic hotels, honoring their commitment to ensuring future generations can experience the hotel’s history and stories. Presented annually, this prestigious award celebrates the passion and stewardship of leaders who have preserved their hotel’s architectural integrity, historical significance, and ambiance. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels in the United States. The 2025 Historic Hotels of America Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award will be presented to Richard Widman at the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala during the 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Conference at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle on October 30, 2025, in front of an audience of owners, general managers, and other senior decision makers representing many of the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world. The Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence honor historic preservation and timeless hospitality at historic hotels in various categories each year. Charming Inns® began as a labor of love with a simple mission: to help guests create lasting memories through personalized service and the preservation of each property’s unique story. Today, the family-owned and operated company remains true to its core values of Family, Service, History, and Comfort, providing guests with authentic experiences in four historic boutique hotels and a celebrated restaurant.
From John Rutledge House Inn® (1763), once home to a signer of the U.S. Constitution, to the Wentworth Mansion® (1886), a Gilded Age treasure lovingly preserved, each property embodies Charleston’s rich heritage while offering modern comfort. Kings Courtyard Inn (1853), one of the city’s most historic buildings on iconic King Street, charms guests with its 1853 architecture and peaceful interior courtyards, while Fulton Lane Inn (1889), tucked away just steps from Charleston’s famed shopping district, offers an intimate retreat that blends Southern warmth with timeless style. Many team members who began their careers as bellmen and concierges have since grown into leadership roles, a testament to the company’s culture of care and continuity. Charming Inns® is also deeply committed to the Charleston community, contributing annually to organizations such as United Way, fostering local partnerships, and encouraging employee engagement. With hospitality that feels like family and properties that reflect Charleston’s past, Charming Inns® continues to honor its legacy while shaping the future of historic hospitality. Many organizations, including Historic Hotels of America, have benefited from Richard Widman’s passion for historic preservation, tourism in Charleston, and as a leader of important hospitality organizations. Richard Widman served on the Historic Hotels of America Advisory Board from its founding in 1989 until 2009 and as its chairman during 1994-1995. From 2016 to the present, he has served both on the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) International Board of Directors and on its Executive Board. Locally, Richard Widman serves on the advisory board for the College of Charleston’s Hotel, Tourism Management and Hospitality Program. He is Chair Emeritus of Charleston Wine + Food, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to celebrate the diverse food and beverage community of the greater Charleston area on a national stage. He previously served as its chairman from 2008-2010. “Historic Hotels of America is pleased to recognize Richard Widman for his passion and dedication since 1982 to the historic preservation and stewardship of iconic historic hotels in Charleston,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Through his company, Charming Inns®, John Rutledge House Inn®, and Kings Courtyard Inn were both founding charter members of Historic Hotels of America in 1989. Wentworth Mansion® has been a member since 2003, and Fulton Lane Inn has been a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2022. His family’s stewardship, dedication of time and resources to continually preserve and enhance these important historic hotels is noteworthy.” “On behalf of our entire team—led by the next generation, my daughter Michelle Woodhull—we are truly honored to receive this prestigious recognition for our four Historic Hotels of America properties,” said Rick Widman. My wife, Linn, and I are proud to attend the 2025 Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala, and we look forward to celebrating this achievement with our peers and sharing a few words at the event.” Tickets for the 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Gala are available. The much-anticipated event will take place at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (1924) in Seattle, Washington, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 7 p.m., to close out the 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Conference. To learn more and register for the 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Conference, with the option to purchase a Gala-Only ticket, Click here. Download: Release PDF || Word Document About
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Previous Release: Speakers Announced for 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Conference, Oct. 28-31 (09/16/25) |
