Beaufort History Museum Lecture Scheduled for Thursday November 8...

TOMBEE REVISITED –MANAGING ENSLAVED LABOR ON A SEA ISLAND COTTON PLANTATION

            Beaufort, SC – October 30, 2018 - Noted authority Theodore Rosengarten will present a lecture titled “Tombee Revisited – Managing Enslaved Labor on a Sea Island Cotton Plantation,” at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 8, at the Beaufort Branch Library, located at 311 Scott Street.  This is the second lecture in the Beaufort History Museum/Beaufort County Library 2018 Fall Local History Series.

            Admission to the lecture is free.  A donation of $5 is suggested and reservations are required.  To sign up CLICK HERE. Please print out the ticket and bring to the event.  Registration is currently open.    (Lectures sell out.  Those with tickets will be admitted first.)  Funds collected will be used to support ongoing Museum programs and the ongoing renovation of the Exhibit Hall currently underway. Phase I of the renovation was recently unveiled and planning for Phase II will begin in 2019

            Rosengarten received his A.B. from Amherst College and Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization from Harvard University. While his primary field of research and writing is African-American history, he has been a student of the Holocaust for more than 50 years and teaches courses on the subject at the College of Charleston and the Honors College at the University of South Carolina. He also directs workshops for middle and high school teachers and leads semi-annual study-abroad trips to Poland and Germany.

            The Beaufort County Library System is a free and accessible center of ideas, information, and resources that foster learning, community, and literacy. The Library provides open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs to inform, inspire, and empower people in their pursuit of lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and cultural understanding.

            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.   Information on other events, volunteer opportunities and membership may be found on the website.

Beaufort History Museum to Host Open House

New Exhibits Featured

                        Beaufort, SC – October 5, 2018 - Beaufort History Museum will open its doors and welcome the public free of charge to an open house on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00 AM – 4 PM.  The newly renovated Exhibit Hall, which is located in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street, will be on display and Docents will be on hand to welcome visitors and answer questions.  Guests will also learn about the Museum’s volunteer opportunities and have an opportunity to obtain a Museum membership.

            In addition, as part of the Museum’s partnership with the National Park Service, the Reconstruction Era National Monument Visitor’s Center, which is just across the street from the Arsenal, will also be open to welcome visitors that day.  BHM’s informative exhibit Reconstruction Beaufort: Islands of hope in a Sea of Distress, is currently loaned and on display at NPS’ Visitors Center.

            “We are very pleased to welcome local residents and visitors to tour the new exhibits. Telling the stories of our 500 - year history and the dramatic impact it has had on the development of this country is our most important mission,” said BHM Board President Carol Lauvray.

            “Through our partnership with the National Park Service people will also have a chance to learn more about Reconstruction and experience our heritage on many different levels.  We are excited to share our history in ways that everyone can enjoy.”  

            HW Exhibits, a Charleston-based design firm, working with members of the Museum’s Exhibit Committee, created the recently completed exhibits based on the Museum’s impressive collection of artifacts and images. BHM’s materials display the history of the Beaufort District in storyboards organized into separate subject areas such as First People, European Exploration, Rice and Cotton, the Civil War, 20^th Century Tourism and more.

            The principal Exhibit Hall will include three sections:

• Ecology – examining how Beaufort District’s history is tied to the region’s geography, climate, landscape and ecology
• Discovery and early settlement – exploring American Indian life ways through early exploration European settlement, the plantations era and the Civil War.
• Modernization and growth – focusing on 20^th century industries such as oystering phosphates, the military, truck farming and tourism.

      The recently redesigned exhibits comprise the first phase of a comprehensive two phase renovation of the Exhibit Hall.  Plans are underway for the second phase of the renovation, which will feature additional displays and integrated technological elements. The final phase of the renovation will be underway during 2019.

            Beaufort History Museum is located in the historic Arsenal at 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 beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.   

"Take it all in at the Beaufort History Museum.There’s no better place to start reliving this area’s rich history than inside the historic, yellow-tinted Arsenal. Its roots go all the way back to 1939. Today, the museum’s new exhibit highlights the ecology, discovery, early settlement, and modernization of the small town..."

Read the full story here!

Beaufort History Museum Lecture Re-Scheduled for October 9

Learn About the Yemasee Indians and Altamaha Town

Beaufort, SC – September 25, 2018 - Beaufort History Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort County Library, will present a lecture on the Yemasee Indians and Altamaha Town by noted authority and archaeologist Dr. Eric Poplin.   The lecture is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 9, at the Beaufort Branch Library, located at 311 Scott Street

            The Yamasee Indians, a multiethnic conglomeration of Native Americans, lived along the lower coastal plain of South Carolina between 1683 and 1715. Altamaha Town, the capital of their settlements, was occupied as early as 1685 until it was abandoned during the Yamasee War. More than 60,000 artifacts were recovered from the site.  Poplin will discuss the history of the tribe and life in the village during his presentation 

            Poplin, who earned his PhD at the University of Calgary, is Senior Archaeologist/Vice President with Brockington and Associates, a large southeastern US Cultural Resources Management firm with offices in Atlanta and Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC.  He has conducted archaeological investigations throughout coastal South Carolina for the last 28 years including some at Altamaha Town, Huspa Town and Pocotaligo Town in Beaufort District.

            Admission to the lecture is free.  A donation of $5 is suggested and reservations are required.  Click here to register! Please print out the ticket and bring to the event.  Registration opens September 25. 

            (Please note that this presentation was originally planned to take place in September but was rescheduled due to the hurricane evacuation order.  Those who had reservations for that lecture must reschedule.)

             Those with tickets will be admitted first.  Funds collected will be used to support ongoing Museum programs and the ongoing renovation of the Exhibit Hall currently underway. Phase I of the renovation was recently unveiled and Phase II is slated for completion late in 2019.

            The Beaufort County Library System is a free and accessible center of ideas, information, and resources that foster learning, community, and literacy. The Library provides open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs to inform, inspire, and empower people in their pursuit of lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and cultural understanding.

            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.   Information on other events, volunteer opportunities and membership may be found on the website.

Beaufort History Museum Lecture September 11

            Beaufort, SC – August 21, 2018 - Beaufort History Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort County Library, will present a lecture on the Yemasee Indians and Altamaha Town by noted authority and archaeologist Dr. Eric Poplin.   The lecture is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 11 at the Beaufort Branch Library, located at 311 Scott Street.

            The Yamasee Indians, a multiethnic conglomeration of Native Americans, lived along the lower coastal plain of South Carolina between 1683 and 1715. Altamaha Town, the capital of their settlements, was occupied as early as 1685 until it was abandoned during the Yamasee War. More than 60,000 artifacts were recovered from the site.  Poplin will discuss the history of the tribe and life in the village during his presentation.

.           Poplin, who earned his PhD at the University of Calgary, is Senior Archaeologist/Vice President with Brockington and Associates, a large southeastern US Cultural Resources Management firm with offices in Atlanta and Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC.  He has conducted archaeological investigations throughout coastal South Carolina for the last 28 years including some at Altamaha Town, Huspa Town and Pocotaligo Town in Beaufort District.

            Admission to the lecture is free.  A donation of $5 is suggested and reservations are required.  Registration opens August 28 - click here to register.   Please print out the ticket emailed to you, and bring to the event.  (Lectures sell out.  Those with tickets will be admitted first.)  Funds collected will be used to support ongoing Museum programs and the ongoing renovation of the Exhibit Hall currently underway. Phase I of the renovation was recently unveiled and Phase II is slated for completion late in 2019.

            The Beaufort County Library System is a free and accessible center of ideas, information, and resources that foster learning, community, and literacy. The Library provides open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs to inform, inspire, and empower people in their pursuit of lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and cultural understanding.

            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.   Information on other events, volunteer opportunities and membership may be found on the website.

•      Ecology – examining how Beaufort District’s history is tied to the region’s geography, climate, landscape and ecology
•      Discovery and early settlement – exploring American Indian life ways through early exploration European settlement, the plantations era and the Civil War.
•      Modernization and growth – focusing on 20^th century industries such as oystering phosphates, the military, truck farming and tourism.

 “ This is a very exciting and important time for Beaufort and for the Museum.  We have come a long way but our journey has just begun,” Koolkin said. “ The new exhibit hall represents Phase I of the renovation.  Phase II, due to be completed next year, will include larger, centrally placed displays and visitor interaction enhanced with leading-edge technology.  We think visitors will embrace this chance to experience the history of our area and that they will especially enjoy our ‘user friendly’ approach.”

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 beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.   

•      Ecology – examining how Beaufort District’s history is tied to the region’s geography, climate, landscape and ecology
•       Discovery and early settlement – exploring American Indian lifeways through early exploration European settlement, the plantations era and the Civil War.
•       Modernization and growth – focusing on 20^th century industries such as oystering phosphates, the military, truck farming and tourism.

When the new exhibit hall opens the interpretive displays will represent Phase I of the renovation.  Phase II, due to be completed next year, will include larger, centrally placed displays and visitor interaction enhanced with leading-edge technology.

Koolkin said that the Museum will remain open until the setting up of the new Exhibit in early May, when it will close for a few weeks during the installation period.  The opening date will be announced once installation is complete.

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 beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum, including special discounted admission prices to celebrate the Renovation.

Beaufort, SC - April 8, 2018 - Cheers! Beaufort History Museum invites supporters to toast The Language of Libations at the Museum’s fourth annual Tea fundraiser.  The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 1- 4 PM at Dataw Island Club. 

Admission is $65 per person ($55 members) and a table of 10 is $500. Proceeds benefit the projects of Beaufort History Museum. Seating is limited.  For reservations visit http://tea.beauforthistorymuseum.com.

“We are inviting everyone to attend the Tea and experience a delicious and educational afternoon while helping us to reach our fundraising goals,” said BHM Board president Carol Lauvray. “Community support is especially important to us this year because we are currently renovating the Museum and will be introducing Phase I of the new Exhibition Hall to the public this spring ”

The Tea Committee traditionally offers an educational component along with the fun.  This year guests will learn about Tea Plantations, Sweet Tea Vodka, “Demon Rum”, and Barrel–aged Bourbon and their place in South Carolina history.  They will also sip a delightfully curated tea selection along with decadent savory and sweet delicacies, enjoy signature custom-crafted cocktails, complimentary tastings, a cash bar and a silent auction. 

The speakers include historian Michael D. Coker, Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center Executive Director and historian who also leads the Charleston Tavern Tours, and William Hall of the Charleston Tea Company. Event sponsors are John and Danielle Troutman, Grayco Hardware and Home, Firefly Lowcountry Distillery, Hair Play Salon Color Bar, Missy Massalon Realtor of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, Eat Local (Saltus River Grill, Plums and Hearth Wood Fired Pizza), and Eat, Sleep, Play Beaufort.

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.

Beaufort History Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort Branch Library, will present a lecture by Dr. Richard Porcher, Jr. which will focus on Dr. Henry Woodward, considered to be the first colonist in South Carolina and Beaufort’s first settler.  The talk is scheduled for 2 PM on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Beaufort Branch Library, located at 311 Scott Street.        

            Following the lecture everyone will walk across the street to the historic Arsenal, home of the Museum, to the courtyard, where the Henry Woodward Chapter of the Colonial Dames 17^thCentury will place a wreath on a monument to Woodward.   Refreshments will be served.  

            Admission to the lecture and wreath placement is free.  A donation of $5 is suggested and reservations are required.  To sign up visit the BHM website atwww.beauforthistorymuseum.com. Please print out the ticket and bring to the event.  Registration opens March 20.    (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.

            Woodward’s story is a fascinating tale. He lived from 1646 -1687. He was South Carolina’s first doctor, learned several Indian languages and was known as an “ambassador” for the colonists to the Indians.   It is believed that through his friendship with the Indians, colonists were warned of the Spanish attack of 1670.  Woodward’s importance was such that the colony wouldn’t have survived without his influence.

            A professor emeritus at the Citadel and adjunct professor of biological sciences at Clemson University, Porcher is a dynamic speaker and respected author.  He has written Wildflowers of the Carolina Lowcountry and Lower Pee Dee and co-authored  A Guide to the Wildflowers of South Carolina (both published by the University of South Carolina Press) and The Story of Sea Island Cotton.

             Porcher is a trustee of the South Carolina Nature Conservancy and on the board of directors of the Charleston Library Society, the Waring Library and the Carolina Rice Foundation.  He is the 2008 recipient of the South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award.

            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.

‘Historic Collaboration’ Launches Free Shuttle for all in Downtown Beaufort

For Immediate Release, February 28, 2018

Beaufort, SC – A collaboration between downtown organizations focused on Beaufort’s history --- Beaufort History Museum, Historic Beaufort Foundation, Santa Elena Foundation, and Spirit of Old Beaufort --- is established collectively as “Experience Beaufort History.” In addition to creating a single avenue for convenient, custom ticket purchases, the effort will now help visitors travel to each destination and around downtown.

The Experience Beaufort History partners see great value in launching a free shuttle that will loop the main areas of downtown Beaufort to improve mobility, lessen the burden of parking, and serve customers of all businesses in the downtown area. The effort has full support from the City of Beaufort, Beaufort Cultural District, and downtown merchants.

The free shuttle will run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm in an ongoing loop that includes Bay Street, Carteret Street, Craven Street and Scotts Street. The route will stretch from the Santa Elena History Center to the USCB Campus, including stops at Beaufort History Museum, Verdier House, City parking areas, and the Waterfront Park.

“How wonderful that all organizations came together to create a strong history network and offer a special service in the free shuttle. We all work hard to preserve and promote the rich heritage of beautiful Beaufort and want to make sure that everyone who comes downtown can enjoy it all too,” says Megan Meyer, Director of Santa Elena History Center. “May this trial service in the spring prove to be a great solution for residents, visitors, merchants, and our own organizations.”

The “Hop On! Hop Off!” shuttle model will allow users great flexibility to ride the shuttle, and stops will be identified with signage. Route maps will also be available at the Visitor’s Center, Marina, and each museum. And, yes, there will be no charge. The organizations, from their operational funds and Accommodations Tax Funds, are underwriting the shuttle for a trial period in March, April, and May.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.experiencebeauforthistory.org