Preserving local history initiative is strengthened

The Beaufort History Museum Board of Directors elected five new members at its April 9, 2021, meeting.

“Our ability to achieve the Museum’s mission of preserving local history has been strengthened by these additions to our existing strong Board”, said Steve Guida, the Museum’s President. “These highly accomplished individuals of varied backgrounds, bring a common love of Beaufort’s history and a desire to preserve it for the education and enjoyment of local residents and visitors,” said Guida.

The new members are (l. to r.):

Ginnie Kozak has been many things: historian, regional and transportation planner, management consultant, business professor, home renovator, writer, publisher, and swimmer. She has lived in Beaufort for almost 30 years.

James Kemper Millard is a retired senior corporate communications director and family farm manager, who also served as president of the Lexington (Ky.) History Museum and Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation.

John Warley is a local writer with six published books and the author of the Beaufort History Museum's Reconstruction narrative currently on display at the Old Firehouse, 706 Craven Street, as part of the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.

Ryan Copeland is a Beaufort native and the author of three nonfiction books about the area and its inhabitants. He currently serves as the media specialist at Battery Creek High School.

Also elected as an ex-officio member was Robb Wells (not pictured), president & CEO, Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention and Visitors Bureau. Wells is a 16-year veteran of destination marketing.

The Beaufort History Museum, which was founded in 1939, has evolved to focus specifically on the deep and rich 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 16th century until modern times. For information on all the Museum events, visit www.BeaufortHistoryMuseum.com, or follow the Museum’s Facebook page.