Acclaimed author Pat Conroy celebrated his 70^th birthday in rousing style with well-wishers coming from as far away as Pennsylvania and Sweden to join in the revelry. A festive birthday bash, hosted by the Beaufort History Museum on Halloween night in the courtyard of the historic Arsenal, attracted more than 350 guests who feasted on delectable Lowcountry fare, sipped wine, nibbled birthday cake, enjoyed live music and mixed and mingled in the beautifully decorated space.

The event was part of a three-day festival that featured panel discussions and book signings with Conroy and various authors and family members.

“We couldn’t have wished for a more perfect way to help Pat celebrate his birthday,” said museum board member Katherine Lang, who helped organize the event. “We were thrilled and honored to be able to participate in the three-day ‘Pat Conroy at 70 Festival’ with this party in his honor.”

The birthday boy clearly savored the chance to reunite with family, old friends, former students and colleagues as he welcomed them, posing for pictures, recalling the good times they had shared and meeting his many admirers.  His enthusiasm and warmth set the tone for a memorable evening.

Among the highlights of the party the birthday cake itself was a huge hit with partygoers, who were amazed that it was an exact replica of a shrimp boat, complete with Conroy’s birthdate and named “Miss Lila” after the character of his mother in his novel, The Prince of Tides. It sat on a tray surrounded by handcrafted white chocolate shrimp and oysters.  The cake, a creation of the Smith and Feil families of Charleston, was sponsored by Halo Restaurant (Charleston) and Spartina 449 of Daufuskie Island.

Another favorite was a quilt, created by Conroy’s sister, Kathy Harvey.  It was a birthday present commemorating milestones and memories of his first 70 years.

Rowland Washington, owner of Wings n’ Tings cooked up the Lowcountry dishes served at the party.  The band, Horizon, provided the smooth jazz music for the evening.

Among the notable friends, family and colleagues who attended were Sallie Robinson  (author of a Gullah cookbook); Mina Truong  (Conroy’s business partner and trainer); Jan Nordby Gretlund  (who came all the way from Sweden); Marly Roussoff and Michael Radulescu  (she is Conroy’s literary agent); Jonathan Haupt (director at USC Press); Scott Graber (classmate at The Citadel); Bernie Schein (novelist and Conroy’s best friend); actor Michael O’Keefe (who played Ben Meechum, a character based on Conroy, in the film The Great Santini) ; novelists Mark Powell and Valerie Sayers, and Story River Books authors Ellen Malphrus, John Warley,  John Lane, Mark Powell, Maggie Schein and Maggie’s husband and illustrator, Johnathan Hannah.

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 next series of Docent Training classes will be announced soon. To contact the Museum: call 843-379-3079, direct email to info@beaufortschistorymuseum.com or visitwww.beauforthistorymuseum.com.

 

The Beaufort History Museum (BHM) is recruiting the Fall 2015 class of volunteer docents to lead tours and serve as community liaisons. BHM Docent Educator Lorrie Burleyknoles announced the new class sessions.

“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,” she said. “Once docents have completed the training process, which consists of five classes, they will be asked to serve approximately four shifts per month and will commit to a one-year period of service to the museum.”

Docent Training schedule:

Wednesday, October14 – Information session – 9:00 AM to be followed immediately by Class One from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Class Two: Wednesday, October 21 – 9: AM – 11:30 AM
Class Three: Wednesday, October 28 – 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Class Four: Thursday, November 4 – 9:30 AM-11: 30 AM
Class Five: Thursday, November 12 – 9:30 AM -11:30 AM
Makeup Session: Wednesday, November 18 – 9:30 AM -11:30 AM

All sessions will be held at The Beaufort History Museum, which is located in 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. 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.

Celebration Planned for October 31

IF YOU GO

• Saturday, October 31

• 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

• The Beaufort History Museum in the Arsenal Courtyard

• 713 Craven Street

• Tickets are $30 /members; $35/non-members (space is limited)

• Purchase tickets at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com

• For information call: 843-379-3079

Pat Conroy is turning 70 and the Beaufort History Museum is preparing to celebrate the milestone with a festive birthday party on Saturday evening, October 31, beginning at 7:30PM in the courtyard at the Arsenal. The event will feature live music, a delicious lowcountry feast with beer and wine and, of course, birthday cake.

“Pat Conroy is a local literary treasure who has eloquently expressed his love for his hometown and the lowcountry in his critically acclaimed novels and memoirs,” said Katherine Lang, a Board member who was instrumental in bringing the party to the Museum. “Now we want to show him that we love him back!”

The event is open to the public but space is limited and those wishing to attend are advised to register early. Tickets, priced at $30 for Museum members and $35 for non-members, are on sale now at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com.

The Beaufort History Museum, located in The Arsenal at 713 Craven St., 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 next series of Docent Training classes will begin Wednesday, October 14. To contact the Museum: call 843.379.3079, direct email to info@beauforthistorymuseum.com.

Beaufort, SC – August 28, 2015 – The Beaufort History Museum is planning for a very busy fall season as it prepares to welcome a Spanish Count who is related to one of the area’s earliest settlers, open a stunning Hoodoo exhibit, host a 70 ^th birthday party for literary legend Pat Conroy and add four new directors to the BHM Board.  Here is how the events will unfold:

• September 11 – 1:00 PM – In cooperation with the Santa Elena Foundation the Museum will welcome Alvaro Armada, a Spanish Count and descendent of Pedro Menendez de Aviles, Santa Elena founder. A “meet and greet” will take place in the Museum hall on the second floor of the Arsenal. The public is invited.
• October 1 – 5:30 PM – Opening party with music and refreshments in the Museum courtyard to launch the Hoodoo Exhibit, “Doctuh Buzzard’s Hoodoo Awakening”.  Rumor has it that “Doctuh” Buzzard himself (a.k.a. Andy Tate) will make a live appearance.  Many Hoodoo items including Hoodoo Dolls, Chicken Foot Charms and a large array of Blue Root Elixir Bottles will be available for purchase. Tickets will go on sale September 15 on the Museum’s website. Prices are $5 for members and $10 for the general public.
• October 1 – 31 – The Hoodoo Exhibit, presented by the Beaufort History Museum and sponsored by The Beaufort Gazette and The Island Packet, is an imaginative creation by artists Bernice and Andy Tate. Brought by slaves from West Africa to South Carolina’s plantations, Hoodoo is a blending of Christianity, herb medicine and the supernatural, making for spellbinding stories of Boo Hags, Conjure Women and Root Doctors, who believe that they can use unseen forces of nature to manipulate people and objects throughout the world.  Fascinating artifacts and displays will bring the Hoodoo mystique to life and illuminate its profound influence in the everyday life and culture among the descendants of slaves in the Lowcountry.
• October 31 – Pat Conroy’s 70^th Birthday Party – 7:30 PM in the Arsenal courtyard.  The Museum is excited to host a party honoring a literary legend.  The event will feature live music, a delicious Lowcountry feast with beer and wine and of course, birthday cake.  Tickets are $30 for Museum members and $35 for non-members and will go on sale October 1 on the Museum’s website. “This will be an exciting time for the Museum,” said Carol Lauvray, Presiding BHM Board Officer.  “As we grow and strive to fulfill our mission, to tell the story of the Beaufort District in an engaging and educational manner, we know that the diverse talents of the individuals on our Board will be utilized to the fullest. We are fortunate to be adding four accomplished new members, bringing the total on our Board to 12.”

Recently elected to the BHM Board of Directors are:

• Norm Campbell is a retired Naval officer and aerospace industry engineer, who has lived all over the world and has cultivated his love of history over a lifetime. He also is a member of Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Friends of Hunting Island, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans.

• Steve Guida, a native of South Carolina, is a retired medical device industry executive who had a successful career in senior marketing and general management positions in various Fortune 500 and venture-backed companies. He is a Certified Tax Counselor and Site Coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program/Beaufort. He also is Treasurer of the nonprofit organization, the Friends of Fort Fremont.

• Mary Stuart Heath is a retired educator who taught for 30 years.  She is now an active volunteer and fundraiser for several Beaufort nonprofit organizations, including the Auldbrass 2015 Tour sponsored by the Beaufort County Open Land Trust; the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Valentine Ball; and Historic Beaufort Foundation. She also supports the Friends of Fort Fremont.

• Larry Koolkin has broad experience and success in applied information technology, finance, international business, and museums. He is Co-Chairman of the Building and Exhibits Committee at Santa Elena Foundation, where he is responsible for managing exhibition planning and development. He also is a Board Member of the Beaufort County Historic Preservation Review Board.

The Beaufort History Museum, located in The Arsenal at 713 Craven St., 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 next series of Docent Training classes will be announced soon. To contact the Museum: call 843.379.3079, direct email toinfo@beauforthistorymuseum.com or visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com.

Count Armada

Spanish Count Alvaro Armada, the current Adelantado of la Florida and direct descendant of Pedro Menendez de Aviles, will discuss his lineage and efforts to shine a historical spotlight on Santa Elena’s starring role in America’s founding from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Beaufort History Museum. The count also will be making an appearance at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Coastal Discovery Museum of Hilton Head Island.

The appearances are being organized by the Santa Elena Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Beaufort County, S.C. It seeks to expand the story of European colonization of North America through discovery, preservation and the promotion of Santa Elena, the first colonial capital in the present-day United States.

“This is only the second time in as many years that the count has visited Beaufort, and we’d like to share this opportunity with the public,” Santa Elena Foundation executive director Andy Beall said in news release. “It is a critical time for our foundation. We are working diligently to open the Santa elena History Center and prepare for the 450th anniversary in April 2016. We are grateful to the Beaufort History Museum and the Coast Discovery Center for hosting these two events as the Santa Elena excitement builds.”

At both events, visitors can meet the count and learn about Santa Elena, once the center of Spanish operations in the New World. At the event at the Beaufort History Museum, visitors can drop in any time between 1 and 2 p.m. to chat with the count and learn more about the center coming to Beaufort.

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.