Eliza Lucas Pinckney (aka Peggy Pickett) helps Beaufort History Museum camp kids ti-dying tee shirs in real indigo dye.

Mr.  Jay Holloway taught little campers the ins and outs of nautical knot tying at summer camps offered at the Museum.

Beaufort, S.C. – July 6, 2015 – The Beaufort History Museum will offer four summer camp sessions which will be free for children of all ages and open to the public. The camps will be held at the Museum, which is located in The Arsenal at 713 Craven Street in the downtown historic district. The sessions will be:

Tuesday, July 7 – 11:15-12:45: Camp Dig It with Dwayne Pickett, for kids of all ages and guardians/parents in the courtyard of the BHM – an archeology program where kids will learn and discover like an archeologist in their own ‘discovery box’.

Tuesday, July 14 – 10:00-11:30: Eliza Lucas Pinckney and Indigo with Peggy Pickett, for kids of all ages and guardians/parents, courtyard of the BHM – a program that teaches the life and legacy of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a young girl credited for first growing indigo in the U.S. Campers will be given a tee shirt and will “tie dye” to learn about the dying process and its importance in society in pre revolutionary America.

Camp Dig It Archaeology Program: What’s beneath your feet? History!

Tuesday July 21 – 10-11:30: ‘Tied up in Knots” with Jay Holloway, sponsored by OCS Garage Doors & Hurricane Protection. For kids of all ages and their parents/guardians in the BHM courtyard. Kids will learn how to tie a number of important knots that are used aboard local commercial fishing boats, sailboats and other vessels while learning the importance of the maritime economy in the Lowcountry

Saturday, July 25 – Parris Island Living History: a living history display of marines during World War I will be free and open to the public.

Now the messy fun time – shirts in water first, then to the dye, and finally…the shirt design!

The Beaufort History Museum has evolved to focus specifically on the deep and rich history of the Beaufort District, which originally included Jasper County as well. It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16^th Century until modern times. Through community engagement, children’s programs, educational opportunities and social events the Museum provides many services to visitors and local residents.

The language of the fan, a humorous look at Victorian communications between ladies and gentlemen, is also presented by Kim Poovey.

The fan placed near the heart: “You have won my love.” Resting the fan on the heart. “My love for you is breaking my heart.”

Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: “Yes.”

Letting the dan rest on the left cheek: "No"

Fanning slowly: “I am married.” Fanning quickly. “I am engaged.”

Touching the finger to the tip of the fan: “I wish to speak with you.”

Putting the fan handle to the lips: “Kiss me.” Resting the fan on her lips: “I don’t trust you.”

Drawing the fan across the cheek: “I love you.”

The following text is excerpted from the Beaufort Gazette article:

Eras of fashion Exhibit showcases clothes from Victorian, Edwardian periods

 By ERIN SHAW • eshaw@islandpacket.com • 843-706-8143

Author and history re-enactor Kim Poovey will demonstrate the female dressing rituals of the Victorian age at a tea party at the Dataw Island Club Carolina Room. The event is a fundraiser to benefit the Beaufort History Museum and raise awareness for its spring exhibit, titled “What They Wore: Fashion and Finery of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras.”

Kim Poovey, center, the curator of the “What They Wore: Fashion and Finery of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras” exhibit, talks to Cindy, left, and Bess Valieant about the clothes during the opening day of the exhibit at the Beaufort History Museum on Sunday afternoon in Beaufort.

The clothes on display are an array of undergarments, sleepwear and outerwear, including opulent silk dresses, linen nightgowns and beaded shawls. There’s a Victorian gentleman’s frock coat, a collapsible top hat and a lace wedding gown and veil so petite a child could wear it.

Some of the pieces are from the museum’s collection that don’t normally get displayed because of a lack of exhibition space, said Carol Lauvray with the Beaufort History Museum. Others are on loan from the private collections of Beaufort residents Kim Poovey and Stuart Heath.

Poovey, an author, history re-enactor and the exhibit curator, was dressed Sunday in a late 1870s dinner bodice in lily green, replete with ruching and tassels.

She speaks with reverence about the clothes and the period and believes she was born in the wrong era.

“At 35 I discovered who I was. I was a Victorian,” she said.

The clothing tells us much about that time in history, one being that a lady “could be beautiful without showing as much skin as possible,” Poovey said. “What women wear as a skirt today I consider a belt.”

Bess Valieant of Anniston, Ala., who was visiting the exhibit with her daughter-in-law Cindy of Beaufort, said she loved the fact that Victorian women dressed so flamboyantly.

Valieant added that she loves to sew and could appreciate the effort it took to make such detailed dresses with layers of fabric and copious buttons and lace.

Bristow, the mourner, said that the exhibit was special because it appealed to every woman’s desire to be a belle.

“Seeing these clothes up close makes you wonder,” she said. “We all want to be little girls dressed up.”

The following text is excerpted from the Beaufort Gazette article:

AT THE BEAUFORT HISTORY MUSEUM
Eras of fashion
Exhibit showcases clothes from Victorian, Edwardian periods

 By ERIN SHAW • eshaw@islandpacket.com • 843-706-8143

Members of the Beaufort Symphony Youth Orchestra played in the Arsenal Courtyard at the opening of “Fashion & Finery of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras”, the Museum’s Spring Exhibit.

MUSEUM FUNDRAISER

Author and history re-enactor Kim Poovey will demonstrate the female dressing rituals of the Victorian age at a tea party at the Dataw Island Club Carolina Room. The event is a fundraiser to benefit the Beaufort History Museum and raise awareness for its spring exhibit, titled “What They Wore: Fashion and Finery of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras.”

The tea party is planned for 2 p.m. May 12. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for a live music and cash bar reception followed by seating for the tea and performance. Tickets are $30 for Beaufort History Museum members and $35 for non-members. A table of 10 may be purchased for $300. For tickets, call Katherine at 843-277-1443.

Details: www.beauforthistory museum.com

Kim Poovey, center, the curator of the “What They Wore: Fashion and Finery of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras” exhibit, talks to Cindy, left, and Bess Valieant about the clothes during the opening day of the exhibit at the Beaufort History Museum on Sunday afternoon in Beaufort.

The clothes on display are an array of undergarments, sleepwear and outerwear, including opulent silk dresses, linen nightgowns and beaded shawls. There’s a Victorian gentleman’s frock coat, a collapsible top hat and a lace wedding gown and veil so petite a child could wear it.

Some of the pieces are from the museum’s collection that don’t normally get displayed because of a lack of exhibition space, said Carol Lauvray with the Beaufort History Museum. Others are on loan from the private collections of Beaufort residents Kim Poovey and Stuart Heath.

Poovey, an author, history re-enactor and the exhibit curator, was dressed Sunday in a late 1870s dinner bodice in lily green, replete with ruching and tassels.

She speaks with reverence about the clothes and the period and believes she was born in the wrong era.

“At 35 I discovered who I was. I was a Victorian,” she said.

The clothing tells us much about that time in history, one being that a lady “could be beautiful without showing as much skin as possible,” Poovey said. “What women wear as a skirt today I consider a belt.”

Bess Valieant of Anniston, Ala., who was visiting the exhibit with her daughter-in-law Cindy of Beaufort, said she loved the fact that Victorian women dressed so flamboyantly.

Valieant added that she loves to sew and could appreciate the effort it took to make such detailed dresses with layers of fabric and copious buttons and lace.

Bristow, the mourner, said that the exhibit was special because it appealed to every woman’s desire to be a belle.

“Seeing these clothes up close makes you wonder,” she said. “We all want to be little girls dressed up.”

Beaufort, SC – April 13, 2015 – A Victorian gentleman’s frock coat, a collapsible top hat and an elegant Edwardian tennis outfit. An opulent jet-beaded mantel and fine bespoke jewelry. An exquisite lace wedding gown and veil, a sumptuous multicolored silk dress and a romantic handkerchief linen nightgown. These are just a few of the fascinating items of Victorian and Edwardian era clothing, jewelry and accessories that comprise the Spring Exhibit at the Beaufort History Museum (BHM).

The exhibit will run from May 3 – 31 in the Museum’s Exhibit Hall on the second floor of The Arsenal, located at 713 Craven St. in Beaufort’s historic district. The public is invited to attend two exciting events that will be held to launch the Spring Exhibit and to help raise funds to support future efforts.

On Sunday, May 3 from 1 – 4 PM the Museum will welcome visitors to the Spring Exhibit opening with a reception in The Arsenal’s courtyard featuring refreshments, live music, and strolling greeters in period costume. A Victorian Tea Party titled “The Intimate Secrets of a Victorian Woman”, featuring acclaimed re-enactor Kim Poovey displaying the corsets to crinolines dressing rituals of the Victorian period, will take place Tuesday, May 12 from 2-4 PM at Dataw Island Club. Information on both events is posted at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com

In addition to the many fine artifacts in the Museum’s collection, local residents have loaned an interesting array of period clothing and accessories to the Spring Exhibit. “We are so grateful to Kim Poovey and Stuart Heath, both of whom have extensive collections. Stuart’s cherished family heirloom clothing and a very special locket are amazingly well preserved and fabulous representations of the Victorian and Edwardian periods,” said BHM President Anna Schaffer.

“With her extensive knowledge of this segment of American history, Kim has been invaluable in cataloguing and identifying the significance of the featured pieces, and she has contributed many beautiful treasures from her private collection. “

The Beaufort History Museum has evolved to focus specifically on the deep and rich history of the Beaufort District, which originally included Jasper County as well. It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16^th Century until modern times. Through community engagement, children’s programs, educational opportunities and social events the Museum provides many services to visitors and local residents. To contact the Museum call 843.379.3079 or info@beauforthistorymuseum.com.

The Carolina Room at Dataw Island Club was a perfect setting for the Tea

Tuesday, May 12, 2015  The Intimate Secrets of a Victorian Woman. Celebrated author and historic reenactor Kim Poovey opens a door to an opulent past as she recreates the “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian age at a lavish Tea Party at Dataw Island. To purchase tickets
$ 30 – Members;  $35 Non-Members.  TICKETS WILL NOT  BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. LAST DAY FOR RESERVATIONS IS MAY 6th, SO GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY.

 

You are invited to a delicious Tea Party and Performance! Celebrated author and beguiling historic reenactor Kim Poovey will present the enchanting “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian Age

Beautifully attired guests at the Victorian Tea

on Tuesday, May 12th at Dataw Island Club.

You are invited to a delicious Tea Party and Performance! Celebrated author and beguiling historic reenactor Kim Poovey will present the enchanting “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian Age Beautifully attired guests at the Victorian Tea on Tuesday, May 12th at Dataw Island Club Kim Poovey demonstrates the proper use of a corset, with style, during her crowd-pleasing performance at the Victorian Tea Fundraiser. Celebrated author and beguiling historic reenator Kim Poovey will open a door to the opulent past, as she recreates the enchanting “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian age, at a lavish and delicious Tea Party.   The event, a fundraiser to benefit the Beaufort History Museum, is planned for 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12, at the Dataw Island Club Carolina Room.  Doors will open at 1:30 PM for a live music and cash bar reception followed by seating for the Tea and Performance at 2:00 PM. TICKETS WILL NOT  BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. LAST DAY FOR RESERVATIONS IS MAY 6th, SO GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY.

Beguiling re-enactress Kim Poovey prepares for her role as a Victorian woman about to reveal “intimate secrets” of a lady’s dressing ritual at the Victorian Tea Spring Fundraiser

Beaufort History Museum Presents Tea Party and Performance

Celebrated author and beguiling historic reenator Kim Poovey will open a door to the opulent past, as she recreates the enchanting “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian age, at a lavish and delicious Tea Party. The event, a fundraiser to benefit the Beaufort History Museum, is planned for 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12, at the Dataw Island Club Carolina Room.

Doors will open at 1:30 PM for a live music and cash bar reception followed by seating for the Tea and Performance at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $30 for BHM members and $35 for non-members. A table of 10 may be purchased for $300. For tickets call Katherine at 843-277-1443. For more information visit www.beauforthistorymusem.com .

“We anticipate that the Victorian Tea Party will be a really special afternoon, helping us to support the Museum and to raise awareness for our upcoming Spring Exhibit, “ said Katherine Lang, past President and member of the Board of Directors. “Kim Poovey is very talented, the menu for the Tea is delicious and the setting at Dataw is spectacular so we expect a successful event. “

Lang said the Museum’s Spring Exhibit, titled “What they wore. Fashion and Finery of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras”, will run May 3-31. It will offer a fascinating presentation of period dress including undergarments, clothing, hats, jewelry and accessories. The Museum is located in The Arsenal at 713 Craven St in Beaufort’s historic district.

The Beaufort History Museum has evolved to focus specifically on the history of the Beaufort District. It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16^th Century until modern times. The BHM hours of operation are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Saturday and Noon – 5 PM on Sunday.

Training to Begin April 9

Beaufort, SC – March 16, 2015 – The Beaufort History Museum (BHM) is recruiting a spring class of volunteer Docents to lead tours and serve as community liaisons.   BHM President Anna Schaffer announced the dates for the new class sessions, explaining that the growth of history tourism and interest in the Beaufort area has resulted in a dramatic increase in visitors to the Museum.

“Our move back to The Arsenal last fall, coupled with a growing interest in the history of our area, has fueled an influx of visitors to the museum.  We now have a pressing need to increase the number of Docents to provide tours”, Schaffer said. “The training curriculum will cover all aspects of history relating to Beaufort. Our educators will provide Docents with knowledge of the museum’s collections, history and mission, so that they will be fully capable of welcoming visitors and leading tours.”

Once Docents have completed the training process, they will be asked to serve approximately four, three-hour shifts per month and will commit to a one-year period of service to the museum. Docent training classes will be conducted on April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10 am – Noon.

All sessions will be held at The Beaufort History Museum, which is on the second floor of The Arsenal at 713 Craven Street in Beaufort’s historic district. For more information on the Docent program, or other volunteer opportunities with the museum, contact Lorrie Burleyknoles at docent@beaufortschistorymuseum.com

The Beaufort History Museum has evolved to focus specifically on the deep and rich history of the Beaufort District, which originally included Jasper County as well.It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16th Century until modern times. Through community engagement, children’s programs, educational opportunities and social events the Museum provides many services to visitors and local residents. To contact the Museum call 843.379.3079 or info@beauforthistorymuseum.com.

2015 Exhibits and New Board Members Announced

The historic Arsenal, which was constructed in 1798, is located on Craven Street in downtown Beaufort. It is home to the Beaufort History Museum. Additional photos available upon request.

Beaufort, SC – February 18, 2015 – The Beaufort History Museum held it’s annual meeting on Monday, February 9, at the museum’s main hall.  More than fifty museum members and guests attended.

President Anna Schaffer reported that 2014 was an historic year for the museum, which saw a move back to the Arsenal boost public interest in its exhibits and fuel a dramatic increase in visitors.  She predicted that the coming year would be even more dynamic, with several exhibits and a variety of events planned.

“The past year was very busy for us and due to the hard work of our Board, Docents and volunteers we were able to successfully move from our former site in City Hall to The Arsenal”, Schaffer said.  “This required a significant amount of coordination and labor, but once we completed our transition everything moved forward in an extremely positive way.  Now we are preparing for some very informative and interesting exhibits and a major spring fundraiser.”

The upcoming exhibit openings and events include:

• May 3 – Textile Exhibit: A presentation of period dress including undergarments, clothing, hats, jewelry and accessories.
• May 12 – Spring Fundraiser:  Revealed! The Intimate Secrets of a Victorian   Woman. Celebrated author and historic reenactor Kim Poovey opens a door to an opulent past as she recreates the “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian age at a lavish Tea Party at Dataw Island.
• October 1–31 – Hoodoo – That Old Black Magic still lives in Beaufort County.  Brought by the slaves from West Africa to plantations of the Lowcountry, this blending of Christianity, herb medicine and the supernatural makes for spellbinding stories of Boo Hags, Conjure Women and Witch Doctors.  The Hoodoo Exhibit is an imaginative creation by artists Bernice and Andy Tate.
• November 1- January 2016 – Our Yard Farm Home:  Photographs and memories of 20th Century St. Helena Island by Sonny and Elizabeth Later Bishop.

Among the other business conducted at the annual meeting, four members were named to the Board of Directors.  Donnie Beer, Lorrie Burleyknoles, Carol Lauvray and Carla Marsh were elected to serve three-year terms.

Mayor Billy Keyserling spoke briefly at the meeting.  He stressed the importance of the museum’s mission, which is to tell the story of Beaufort’s history to visitors as well as local residents.  He also had encouraging words about the organization’s success in the past year.

Kim Poovey, dressed in Victorian garb, presented an entertaining performance showcasing “the language of the fan”, explaining the many ways that a Victorian lady communicated with prospective suitors simply by how she held her fan. Following the meeting many of the members and guests left the Arsenal and walked the short distance to the Beaufort Inn to extend the convivial spirit of the event and to enjoy a delicious prearranged dinner.

 The Beaufort History Museum has evolved to focus specifically on the history of the Beaufort District.     It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16^th Century until modern times.

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. The BHM hours of operation are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday–Saturday and Noon – 5 PM on Sunday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. A donation of $5.00 per visitor ($4.00 for Seniors) is required.  Children and active military are admitted free of charge.  The organization maintains a website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com.

Beaufort, SC – February 18, 2015 – The Beaufort History Museum held it’s annual meeting on Monday, February 9, at the museum’s main hall.  More than fifty museum members and guests attended.

President Anna Schaffer reported that 2014 was an historic year for the museum, which saw a move back to the Arsenal boost public interest in its exhibits and fuel a dramatic increase in visitors.  She predicted that the coming year would be even more dynamic, with several exhibits and a variety of events planned.

“The past year was very busy for us and due to the hard work of our Board, Docents and volunteers we were able to successfully move from our former site in City Hall to The Arsenal”, Schaffer said.  “This required a significant amount of coordination and labor, but once we completed our transition everything moved forward in an extremely positive way.  Now we are preparing for some very informative and interesting exhibits and a major spring fundraiser.”

The upcoming exhibit openings and events include:

• May 3 – Textile Exhibit: A presentation of period dress including undergarments, clothing, hats, jewelry and accessories.
• May 12 – Spring Fundraiser:  Revealed! The Intimate Secrets of a Victorian   Woman. Celebrated author and historic reenactor Kim Poovey opens a door to an opulent past as she recreates the “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian age at a lavish Tea Party at Dataw Island.
• October 1–31 – Hoodoo – That Old Black Magic still lives in Beaufort County.  Brought by the slaves from West Africa to plantations of the Lowcountry, this blending of Christianity, herb medicine and the supernatural makes for spellbinding stories of Boo Hags, Conjure Women and Witch Doctors.  The Hoodoo Exhibit is an imaginative creation by artists Bernice and Andy Tate.
• November 1- January 2016 – Our Yard Farm Home:  Photographs and memories of 20th Century St. Helena Island by Sonny and Elizabeth Later Bishop.

Among the other business conducted at the annual meeting, four members were named to the Board of Directors.  Donnie Beer, Lorrie Burleyknoles, Carol Lauvray and Carla Marsh were elected to serve three-year terms.

Mayor Billy Keyserling spoke briefly at the meeting.  He stressed the importance of the museum’s mission, which is to tell the story of Beaufort’s history to visitors as well as local residents.  He also had encouraging words about the organization’s success in the past year.

Kim Poovey, dressed in Victorian garb, presented an entertaining performance showcasing “the language of the fan”, explaining the many ways that a Victorian lady communicated with prospective suitors simply by how she held her fan. Following the meeting many of the members and guests left the Arsenal and walked the short distance to the Beaufort Inn to extend the convivial spirit of the event and to enjoy a delicious prearranged dinner.