DeReef Court and Park collection

DeReef Court was named for Joseph (1802-1876) and Richard Edward DeReef (1798-1876), two successful free men of color in 19th-century Charleston. The brothers obtained their wealth through the purchase of real estate and establishing a lumber factory. Refusing to allow Charleston tax collectors to describe their status as "free mulattoes," the brothers claimed their mother's (Nancy DeReef), Native American ancestry. The DeReef brothers challenged and won their case in the Court of Common Pleas (1823). Richard DeReef was appointed to Charleston City Council in 1868. The brothers were founding members of the Brown Fellowship Society, a benevolent society for free men of color.

DeReef Court is located between Jasper and Smith Streets and DeReef Park is bordered by Morris Street in Charleston, South Carolina. From 1854 to the 1960s, DeReef Court and Park held a vibrant African-American residential and business community. During the 20th century, the Court and Park's neighbors included the former Brooks Motel, Shiloh AME Church, and the Cannon Street YMCA (which remains in existence). The neighborhood fell into decline during the latter 20th century.

Presently DeReef Park represents the last green space situated in an largely urban residential area. The former United Missionary Chapel, located at 9 DeReef Court, has been identified as an historic "praise house" church, (traditionally non-denominational African-American congregations that were typically located in rural locations). The small wood frame building is a notable example of early 20th-century African-American vernacular architecture in Charleston, SC. In the past, the Chapel was utilized as a church and meeting hall by various groups.

With the City of Charleston's approval, initial redevelopment of DeReef Court and Park occurred in 2002 with the Smith-Morris Neighborhood Planned Unit Development. "In 2011, a contingent of residents petitioned Charleston City Council to intervene in land development formally known as "Morris Square," and force the developers to meet with the group regarding their concerns." The challenge to "Save DeReef Court" from the construction of forty-one (41) condominium units was challenged by numerous individuals, the Cannonborough/Elliotborough and Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Associations and organizations including the Preservation Society of Charleston.

Mary S. Miller, a former librarian, community activist and resident of the Radcliffeborough community. She is a member of the non-profit Charleston, SC organization, "Friends of DeReef Park." The citizen-led group is "dedicated to limiting further residential and commercial development with the objective of preserving green space and a mission of fostering the development and creation of an American heritage park site, including historical Native American, African American and Jewish social, cultural and economic institution." The group seeks to achieve their objective by "fundraising monies to purchase part or all of DeReef Court (Morris Square, Phase II) from the developer, and educating the public on the history of the site."