Beaufort, SC – November 7, 2020 - Beaufort History Museum will welcome the 79th New York Highlander Regiment re-enactors to the Arsenal Courtyard for an encampment featuring live presentations of Civil War era camp life, educational discussions, drills, marching, a Bagpiper and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy. The event is planned for Saturday, November 7, 2020 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.

Included are discussions and live presentations on the importance of music and bugle calls during the war, the variety and use of weapons, how medical support was deployed in the field, the role of women, camp “dining” and cooking as well as other fascinating topics. Admission to the Courtyard is free (donations welcome). The Museum is also offering reduced entry fee to the Exhibit Halls in the Arsenal with Adult admission at $5.00, Seniors at $4.00 and free admission for active military and children under 12. Social distancing according to CDC guidelines will be followed.  Face masks will be required.

The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry, a Regiment of the New York State Militia, was originally organized as a social club in New York City in 1858. It was comprised primarily of emigrant Scots and Scottish-Americans. The militia was modeled after the famous Scottish regiment of the British Army, the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Scotland, but other than their name and tartan they had no official connection.

Their original duty was to parade, train as heavy artillery and provide a guard for the Prince of Wales when he visited the United States. But the 79th, without intention, set themselves up to take part in nearly every major engagement of the civil war and became one of the most known and traveled regiments in the Union Army.

Among their forays into battle in South Carolina, in December of 1861 the Highlanders were sent to the city of Beaufort to help occupy the town. At one point they set up camp near what is now the National Cemetery.

“There were seven Highlanders who lost their lives in battles near Beaufort,” said Kathy Mixon, BHM Board Vice President and Chairmen of the Encampment event. “One of the highlights of the day will be a Memorial Ceremony with a Bagpiper honoring the fallen Highlanders. We are looking forward to presenting the encampment to showcase these dedicated volunteers and re-enactors who carry on the tradition and history of the 79th Regiment in such a meaningful and authentic manner.”

“Our thanks go out especially to 79th Highlander Regiment leader Tom Vaselopulos. He has organized the volunteers who are traveling from many points in South Carolina and out of state,” she said. “He has created a dynamic and educational living history experience for people of all ages to enjoy.”

A full schedule with times for each of the activities and discussions will be posted on the Museum website at www.beauforthistorymusum.com. History buffs will also be able to source a brief history of the Highlanders, with more information about their military involvement in the Beaufort area, on the website.

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 16th Century until modern times. Docent classes are conducted on an ongoing basis.

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. Normal BHM hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Please visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.

Interested in becoming a member of the Beaufort History Museum?  Click here to learn about our membership levels, the benefits of each, and how to join.

For information on becoming a Docent or Volunteer Greeter contact the Museum at info@beauforthistorymuseum.com or call 843-379-3079.

From: Lillian Haist, President, Beaufort County Historical Society.

Members of the Beaufort County Historical Society and the community at large are invited to view the first of our 2020-21 “Historically Speaking” Lecture Series. Suzie Parker Devos will present the stories of 3 remarkable women—Susie King Taylor, Charlotte Forten and Laura Towne—who played important roles in Beaufort and the Sea Islands during the Reconstruction Era.

Click here to view the lecture on the Beaufort County Library’s You Tube Channel.

The program is co-sponsored by the County Library’s Beaufort District Collection with the support of South Carolina Humanities, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and culture of South Carolina.

The content of the lecture is copyrighted by Suzie Parker Devoe.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beaufort, SC – July 17, 2020 - Visitors to Beaufort History Museum are invited to explore the history of Fort Fremont, a fortification built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Saint Helena Island in 1898, by viewing a special exhibit that displays award-winning images and a modern instructional video featuring exclusive drone photography of the site.

The Exhibit was officially introduced to Beaufort History Museum Board Members and Friends of Fort Freemont at an open house on July 15. The images featured are loaned to the Museum by noted Savannah photographer Mike Tillison. BHM Board Member Jeff Kidd created the video, a preview of which may be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/Beaufort.History.Museum/videos/393167394933323/

Fort Fremont was constructed in response to the Spanish American War to defend the coaling station and dry dock at the Port Royal Naval Station located on Parris Island. It was one of six fortifications designated to protect the southeast coast during the war. It honors Major General John C. Fremont who was a Republican Presidential Candidate and Union Civil War General. The Fort was officially deactivated in 1912.

Those touring the Exhibits are asked to observe the commonly accepted CDC protocols for social distancing while at the Museum. The use of facemasks is required.

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 16th Century until modern times. Docent classes are conducted on an ongoing basis.

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. Normal BHM hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Please visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.

For information on becoming a Docent or Volunteer Greeter contact the Museum at info@beauforthistorymuseum.com or call 843-379-3079.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beaufort, SC – June 13, 2020 - South Carolina’s cultural institutions, like other public spaces and businesses, closed temporarily during the past few months while coping with Covid-19 restrictions. This has resulted in critical revenue losses while operating expenses continue. Beaufort History Museum will be receiving assistance to bridge the gap in lost funds and help it emerge from closure in a healthier financial position.

The Museum received a Bridge Grant from South Carolina Humanities www.schumanities.org. Funding for the Bridge Grants has been provided by The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan. The Museum, located in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street, was awarded $2,500 that will be allocated to offset lost revenue and pay for ongoing operating expenses.

“We closed our doors in mid-March in keeping with the Governor’s directives and according to CDC recommendations so that we could keep our staff, visitors and the collection safe,” said BHM Board President, Steve Guida. “We also had to cancel our largest fund-raising event, so we are facing a significant loss of income. The grant from South Carolina Humanities is timely assistance for which we are very thankful.” The Museum recently announced that it will be re-opening on Tuesday, June 16 and it is offering free admission through June 30.

Since its inception in 1939, Beaufort History Museum’s mission has been to educate the community and visitors about the district’s extraordinary 500-year history, which has shaped the evolution of America from it’s beginning. The organization offers docent–led and self guided tours of its valuable collection and exhibits.

The Museum’s Board of Directors is currently managing a multi-year initiative to expand and update exhibits, to display additional artifacts and provide a more interactive, engaging experience. Coming soon are a series of signs in the Arsenal Courtyard displaying the history of Beaufort Arsenal (1798) and Beaufort Volunteer Artillery (BVA), its first occupants. An in-depth exhibit describing how Port Royal Sound’s unique geography, climate and ecology have shaped Beaufort’s history since the 1500’s is slated to open this fall.

The Museum is an all-volunteer organization that depends on support from various local businesses, members and donors. It does not receive direct financial support from the city. Those wishing to donate may visit the website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com.

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. Normal BHM hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Please visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum. For information on becoming a Docent or Volunteer Greeter visit the website or call 843-379-3079.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beaufort, SC – June 4, 2020 - Beaufort History Museum, located in the historic Arsenal on Craven St., will re-open to the public on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Admission will be free for a two-week period following the opening. Docent-led and self-guided tours of the Exhibit Halls will be available.

In a preemptive measure to protect visitors, staff, volunteers and the collection from then evolving exposure to COVID-19, the Museum closed in mid-March and suspended all public programming. To date the Museum has not had any reported cases of infection on its premises.

Board of Directors President, Steve Guida, made the announcement of the opening. “We are looking forward to welcoming people back to the Museum and are pleased to offer free admission for a period of two weeks, from Tuesday, June 16 to Tuesday, June 30, “ he said. “This is a chance for our patrons to return and for those who have not yet experienced all we have to offer to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Visitors will be asked to observe the commonly accepted CDC protocols for social distancing while touring the Museum. The use of facemasks is required while visiting the Museum gallery.

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 16th Century until modern times. Docent classes are conducted on an ongoing basis.

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. Normal BHM hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Please visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.

For information on becoming a Docent or Volunteer Greeter contact the Museum at info@beauforthistorymuseum.com or call 843-379-3079.

View WTOC-TV's feature about the Beaufort History Museum's Civil War Encampment Event.

https://www.wtoc.com/2020/03/13/get-glimpse-into-history/

If you missed this year's annual meeting (or even if you were there), click here to  view Dr. Larry Rowland's keynote address on the Yemassee Indian Wars.

Our thanks to Jeff Kidd to shooting and preparing this video.

Beaufort, SC – February 24, 2020 - Beaufort History Museum will present its fifth annual Living History Encampment on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 9 AM – 5 PM in the Arsenal courtyard. Re-enactors coming to Beaufort from several states will portray Union troops from the Department of the South who were garrisoned in the Lowcountry and occupied the Beaufort Arsenal during the Civil War.

The re-enactors will set up camp in the walled Arsenal courtyard and provide a unique educational opportunity for visitors of all ages, who will be able to interact with the soldiers to learn firsthand how life was lived in Beaufort during the Civil War years. A Civil War era cannon will be on display in the Arsenal courtyard the day of the event.

The Museum is again partnering with the National Park Service (NPS) and its Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Visitors Center, located in the old Firehouse building on Craven Street across from the Arsenal, and with Beaufort County Library. The Museum’s highly acclaimed exhibit, Reconstruction Beaufort, is on display at NPS’ visitors center, which will be open the day of the Encampment.

Beaufort is the place where Reconstruction first began during the early years of the Civil War. The National Park Service plans special activities the day of the Encampment event for kids who want to earn their Junior Ranger badges and will have docents on hand at its visitors venter.

The Library, located at 311 Scott Street, will host two talks on Saturday, March 14 about Beaufort during the Civil War era. At 10 AM, NPS Ranger Christopher Barr will talk about the Reconstruction Era in Beaufort, and at 2 PM, storyteller Cora Newcomb, in period dress, will talk about “Women of Civil War Beaufort”. Both talks are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.

“Our annual Living History Encampment is one of the Museum’s most popular events and attracted more than 600 visitors in a single day last year”, said Carol Lauvray, BHM Board of Directors Member and Co-chair of the Encampment event committee. “We are very grateful to all of our partners, whose efforts and collaboration contribute to the Encampment’s success: encampment organizer Lou Evans and the other re-enactors; Scott Teodorski, Superintendent of the National Park Service’s Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, and Park Ranger Christopher Barr; and Grace Cordial of Beaufort County Library’s Beaufort District Collection.”

Admission is free to the Encampment in the Arsenal courtyard (donations to support the Museum are much appreciated). On the day of the Encampment event, admission to the Museum’s Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Arsenal will be specially priced at $6.00 per visitor ($5.00 for seniors). Museum members, children, and active military and their families are admitted to the Museum free of charge at all times. Admission is free to the National Park Service’s Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Visitors Center.

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 16th Century until modern times. Docent classes are conducted on an ongoing basis.

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. Normal BHM hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Please visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.

For information on becoming a Docent or Volunteer Greeter contact the Museum at info@beauforthistorymuseum.com or call 843-379-3079.

March 13, 2020.  The Beaufort History Museum plans to conduct its annual Civil War Encampment on Saturday, March 14. However, in light of ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 and for the safety of our visitors, precautions are in order.

We ask those planning to attend Saturday's event to refrain from coming if any of the following conditions apply:

     ♦  You are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection (shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, or fever).

     ♦  You have visited China, Italy, Iran, South Korea or any other U.S. city that has experienced an outbreak in the past 14 to 30 days.

     ♦  You have had contact with anyone who has been infected with COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19.

While at the event, please practice common-sense preventative measures, such as covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, avoiding shaking hands, and maintaining social distance from other visitors. This will not only prevent the spread of disease but give other visitors peace of mind. Also note that the virus poses a greater risk to the elderly; and those with respiratory disease, diabetes and other illnesses than to the general population. These people, or those in frequent contact with those who have these conditions should consider the risk before attending this or any other event where many people might gather.

Those who want to learn more about the virus and its risks to travelers to visit this Centers for Disease Control website page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavi…/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Beaufort History Museum Announces Lecture January 7, 2020

Beaufort International Film Festival Featured

Beaufort, SC – December 20, 2019 - Beaufort History Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort Branch Library, will present a lecture by Ron and Rebecca Tucker,  featuring the Beaufort International Film Festival. Titled “Beaufort Hugs and Southern Hospitality”, the talk is scheduled for 2 PM on Tuesday, January 7 at the Presbyterian Fellowship Hall located on North Street in downtown Beaufort.                

A donation of $5 is suggested and reservations are required.  To sign up visit the BHM website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com. Please print out the ticket and bring to the event.  Registration opens December 24, 2019.    (Lectures sell out.  Those with tickets will be admitted first.)  Funds collected will be used to support ongoing Museum programs and the renovation of the Exhibit Hall, which is currently underway.

Ron and Rebecca Tucker are the founders Beaufort Film Society (BFS) and the Beaufort International Film Festival.  Prior to the launching BFS they were producing partners with Sandbar Productions and Good-to-Go Video.  Specializing in documentaries about the Marine Corps, they produced and distributed these programs around the world

The 14th-annual Beaufort International Film Festival will be held Feb. 18-23, 2020. The purpose of the festival is to recognize aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre to include independent film, music, animation, short and long features, documentaries, and screenwriting.

It is also an opportunity to showcase the beautiful "film-friendly" region of Beaufort and the Carolina Sea Islands. Beaufort has served as the backdrop for more than 20 major motion pictures, including Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, and many more.

Beaufort History Museum, located in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street, 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 Museum’s hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday.