The Beaufort History Museum is mounting an exhibit about the first former slaves to be officially recognized as Union soldiers in the Civil War.  These soldiers were mustered in on the same day they were given their freedom, as part of a jubilee at the reading here of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.  Robert Smalls helped convince President Abraham Lincoln that they would be able troops, and there is evidence that the proclamation was hurried to accommodate their enlistment. In addition, the museum will help conduct a showing of the movie “Glory,” which closely follows the story of the 54th and 1st S.C. Volunteers.

OPENING GALA, EXHIBIT

Time and date: Opening Gala, September 5, 2013.

Exhibit open Tuesday through Thursday, 10-12 p.m., 2-4 p.m., September -December.

Location:  Beaufort History Museum at City Hall, 1911 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC  29902

Price:  $3 per person for exhibit; price for opening to be announced.

Contact  info:  Call Katherine Lang, Beaufort History Museum. 

“GLORY” SCREENING

Description:   Historian and 54th Massachusetts Regiment re-enactor Joseph McGill will introduce the movie, “Glory,” and discuss how closely it follows what we know about the 54th & the 1st SC Volunteers.

Time and Date:  7 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2013

Location:  City Council Chamber, Beaufort City Hall, Beaufort, SC  29902

Price:  To be determined

Contact info:  Katherine Lang, Beaufort History Museum.

1ST S.C. VOLUNTEERS ENCAMPMENT

Description:  Joseph McGill and between 5 and 10 other re-enactors will create an encampment as the 1st SC Volunteers

Time and date: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2013

Location:  Naval Hospital Park (near the Port Royal Farmers’ Market), off Ribaut Road, Port Royal, SC.