Lecture to Highlight A Woman Who Changed Beaufort

Event Scheduled for March 14

The legacy of much-loved Beaufortonian Abbie Holmes Christensen will be in the spotlight on Tuesday, March 14, when the Beaufort History Museum presents a talk as part of its popular history lecture series. The lectures, created in partnership with the Beaufort County Library, have been filled to capacity and pre-registration is required for seating.

If you go:

• A Woman Who Changed Beaufort — Abbie Holmes Christensen
  
• Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 2 pm
  
• Beaufort Branch Library
  
• 311 Scott Street
  

The lectures are free to the public but space is limited, so please pre-register here.

Hear Anne Christensen Pollitzer talk about her great grandmother Abbie Holmes Christensen and her legacy. Christensen came to Beaufort during the Civil War with her Abolitionist parents and made a lasting impact through her educational, business and civic contributions. She was an abolitionist, civic leader, businesswoman, and founder of the Port Royal Agricultural School, as well as an activist for the temperance, suffrage and civil rights movements.

Pollitzer, a fifth generation Beaufortonian, was a teacher for 34 years and founded the Montessori School in Beaufort. Carroll Christensen Sommerville Eve, Pollitzer’s cousin, will join her in sharing her own personal memories of growing up in Beaufort with her grandmother, Abbie Holmes Christensen.

Beaufort History Museum, located in the historic Arsenal, 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. The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. BHM’s hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday.

The Beaufort County Library System is a free and accessible marketplace of ideas, information, and culture that fosters learning, community, and information literacy. The Library provides open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs to inform, inspire, and empower all its patrons in their pursuit of lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and cultural understanding. The library system operates five branch libraries throughout Beaufort County and library cards are available free of charge to all county residents and property owners. It offers free access to millions of items through a combined online catalog and digital library.

The Beaufort History Museum will present the second edition of its popular Living History Encampment on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 9 am – 5 pm in the Arsenal courtyard. Union forces that occupied Beaufort during the Civil War after the Battle of Port Royal Sound (Nov. 7, 1861) will be brought to life by more than 20 re-enactors arriving from several states.

They will stage an encampment in the walled courtyard space and provide a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to interact with the soldiers, to participate as soldiers themselves and receive orders to join regiments, and to learn firsthand how life was lived in Beaufort during the Civil War. The Museum is partnering with other Beaufort organizations, including the Beaufort County Library, to plan and conduct the weekend’s educational events. Admission is free and donations will be accepted.

Two of the weekend’s events will take place at the Beaufort Branch Library at 311 Scott Street, adjacent to the Arsenal:

• Friday, March 3: 2:00 – 4:00 pm – Stephen Wise, director of the Parris Island Museum, will present a lecture, “Beaufort in the Civil War.” He will be joined by Larry Rowland, distinguished professor emeritus of history at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort, and co-author with Dr. Wise of Rebellion, Reconstruction, and Redemption, 1861-1893, The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 2, for a book signing after the lecture. Admission is free, however, space is limited and only those who have pre-registered on the Museum’s website will be admitted. Please reserve seats at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com
• On Saturday, March 4, from 9 am – 4:30 pm, re-enactor David Smoot, portraying a Union Army physician, will conduct talks at the Library about medical treatment during the Civil War.
  

“The Living History Encampment was one of our most popular events last year, attracting approximately 800 visitors”, said Carol Lauvray, BHM Board of Directors President. “It is educational and entertaining, providing a chance for people of all ages to get a real sense of everyday life in Beaufort during the Civil War years. We are very grateful to encampment organizer, Daniel Gidick of Charleston, to the other re-enactors, and to our partner, the Beaufort County Library, for all of their efforts to make this remarkable event available to the public.”

The encampment will offer a fascinating look at everyday life in Beaufort during that period, with re-enactors actually setting up camp in the Arsenal courtyard, staging cooking demonstrations and drills, and portraying soldiers and sutlers who traveled through the region selling everyday goods. Re-enactors will interact with visitors to the event, talking about soldiers' life, the Port Royal Expedition, the Emancipation of African Americans, and operations between Charleston and Savannah. Visitors will also have an opportunity to have their photos taken by Chris Morgan, a wet-plate photographer, who produces antique-looking images. (There will be a fee for his services.)

The 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. A donation of $7.00 per visitor ($6.00 for Seniors) is required. Children and active military are admitted free of charge. Please visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or the BHM Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.

Beaufort, SC (Feb. 8, 2017) — Researching the genealogy of former slaves and their descendants can pose challenges, but two experienced researchers will provide tips to uncovering your roots during an event Feb. 18.

Kimberly Morgan and Akosua Moore will reveal what they've learned about a former slave and his many descendants through family lore, government records and library materials during a lecture presented by the Beaufort History Museum and the Beaufort County Library. 

The lecture will be at 1 p.m. at the library's St. Helena Branch, 355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road.

The event is free, but space is limited. Click here, then scroll to the "Register" button to ensure your admission. (Those who do not pre-register will not be guaranteed a seat and admitted only on a space-available basis.)

The Beaufort History Museum is participating in the new “Experience Beaufort Museum Pass” program offered by the Beaufort Inn. Guests at the Inn will receive a pass offering complimentary admission to BHM and to the Verdier House and the Santa Elena History Center.

Experience Beaufort - Museum Pass package includes:

• Entry into The Beaufort History Museum
• A Guided Tour of the Verdier House
• Entry into the Santa Elena History Center

Museum pass can only be redeemed during guests' stay. Museum pass cannot be redeemed for cash. Museum pass can only be redeemed at each location during their hours of operation; please visit websites to check their hours.

The inn is at 809 Port Republic St., just around the corner from the Beaufort History Museum. For information, call the Inn at 843-379-4667 or email frontdesk@beaufortinn.com.

Our Second Annual Living History Encampment will be held Saturday March 4th, 9am-5pm, in the Arsenal Courtyard.  Union forces who occupied Beaufort during the Civil War after the Battle of Port Royal Sound  (Nov. 7, 1861) will be brought to life by more than 20 re-enactors arriving from several states. They will stage an encampment in the walled courtyard space and provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages to interact with the soldiers and to learn first hand how life was lived in Beaufort during the Civil War.This is a free event with donations gratefully accepted.  The Museum is partnering with other Beaufort organizations, including the Beaufort County Library, to plan and conduct the weekend’s educational events. 

Make a New Year’s Resolution to Spend Time Volunteering

Beaufort History Museum Offers Greeter Program

                        Beaufort, SC – January 4, 2017 – This is the time when people make New Year’s promises and many resolve to give more of their time in service to the community. Those who are interested in history, enjoy interacting with visitors and have a few hours each week to spare volunteering for a worthy organization in a dynamic setting may want to investigate the new Volunteer Greeter Program at the Beaufort History Museum.

            The BHM Volunteer Greeter’s role is to make initial contact with patrons, aid the Docents by directing visitors to exhibits or existing tours, answer general, non-history related questions about the museum, collect visitor information and take tickets.

            The requirements for becoming a Volunteer Greeter include joining the museum, attending a two-hour training session, being available for duty at the Museum approximately six hours per month and volunteering for duties at occasional special events.

            As part of the training greeters will “shadow” a seasoned Docent/Greeter for a minimum of 3 hours prior to working a scheduled shift.  They will not be able to educate the Museum’s patrons or tell the stories of our local history unless they also attended the more extensive Docent Training courses.   The first Greeter Orientation Class is January 18 from Noon – 2 pm at the Museum.

            “Those who participate in the Volunteer Greeter program will be key members of our team. They will also be part of the larger Museum family and will be invited to special events, exclusive exhibit openings and social gatherings,” said Lorrie Burleyknoles, Docent/Greeter Educator and a member of the BHM Board. “We look forward to welcoming the new volunteers to our organization.”

She also announced the Winter 2017 Docent Training Schedule:

·      January 18 - Class 1 - 8:30 -11:30 am - Docent Informational Orientation to be followed immediately by the class.

·      January 25 – Class 2 - 9:30-11:30 am

·      February 1 – Class 3 - 9:30 - Noon

·      February 8 – Class 4 - 9:30  - 11:30 am

·      February 15 – Class 5  - 9:30 - 11:30 am

            It is strongly suggested that those interested in becoming a Docent reserve their space in advance. For more information please call 559-362-3237 or email lburleyknowles@beauforthistorymuseum.com

            Beaufort History Museum, located in the Arsenal in Beaufort’s historic downtown, 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 Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. BHM’s hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. A donation of $7.00 per visitor ($6.00 for Seniors) is required.  Children and active military are admitted free of charge.  Please visit the website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or BHM’s Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.

The Reconstruction Exhibit at the Beaufort History Museum has taken on a special relevance in light of the growing interest in historic tourism and the importance of Reconstruction in Beaufort County. Congressman Jim Clyburn and members of the National Park Service toured various local sites in Beaufort County recently to evaluate the possibility of designating the County as a national monument to the Reconstruction Era.

Those who would like to learn more about Reconstruction in Beaufort County might begin by visiting the Beaufort History Museum, which is currently showcasing an exhibit that illuminates this fascinating era in the history of South Carolina and the nation. Titled “Islands of Hope in a Sea of Distress,” the Exhibit tells the stories of Reconstruction in the Beaufort District through original photos, text, documents and artifacts

During Reconstruction, the period immediately following the Civil War, most of the South was suffering from devastation and upheaval.  But due to the enterprising spirit of newly freed slaves and an overlapping series of propitious events, Beaufort County and the Sea Islands were propelled into a period of recovery, resurgence and prosperity.

Reconstruction in Beaufort began earlier than in other areas in the south.   Following the Battle of Port Royal Sound in 1861, Union troops occupied Beaufort and established headquarters, supply centers and medical facilities. Local white planters fled.

With the Civil War still raging, 10,000 slaves were liberated in the Beaufort District. Schools were for whites only and it was illegal to teach slaves to read. Northern missionaries established the Penn School and Mather School to educate the newly freed men, women and children as part of the Port Royal Experiment.

Robert Smalls, who was born a slave here, helped lead Beaufort through Reconstruction. Business boomed.  The sources of prosperity were timber, phosphates and shipping, all spurred on by the completion of the Port Royal Railroad in1873, which provided the means to more efficiently transport products into and out of the area. Former slaves came to own land as freedmen and agriculture flourished.

With these stories as the backdrop, the Exhibit concentrates on four main areas: Education, Politics, Commerce and Agriculture, presenting photos and artifacts to support the narrative.

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. 

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. BHM’s hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. A donation of $7.00 per visitor ($6.00 for Seniors) is required.  Children and active military are admitted free of charge.  Please visit the website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com or BHM’s Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.

Beaufort, SC – November 29, 2016 – Travel back in time and learn about the fascinating history of The Anchorage, one of Beaufort’s most acclaimed historic homes, and “Walk in Santa’s Boots” at lectures presented by The Beaufort History Museum and the Beaufort Public Library:

Title:                Historic Homes of Beaufort: The Anchorage

Presenter:        Beverly Eggert

Date:                Thursday, December 8, 2016 

Time:              2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location:         Beaufort Branch Library

Hear the stories of one of Beaufort’s oldest and most famous houses, the Anchorage, and five generations of Elliotts associated with it prior to and following the Civil War. Travel the Road to Secession and learn about the fall of Beaufort to the Union, the Cuban connection to The Anchorage and South Carolina’s Trial of the Century. If walls could talk, this house would tell an incredible story!

Beverly Eggert is a retired Beaufort County English teacher, who now focuses on her four passions: reading, writing, researching, and teaching. A skilled historic storyteller, she also is the coordinator of the Lecture Series presented in partnership by the Beaufort History Museum and the Beaufort County Library. In addition to being a featured presenter for the Lecture Series, Beverly also has been a presenter for the Santa Elena History Center and the South Carolina Humanities Festival 2016. 

This lecture is part of an ongoing history lecture series and each prior session was filled to capacity. While the lectures are free to the public space is limited. Please register at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com to ensure admission. (Those who do not pre-register will not be guaranteed a seat.)

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Title:               “I Walked In Santa’s Boots”

Presenter:        Jack Gannon

Date:                Wednesday, December 14

Time:                5:00 PM   Seating begins at 4:40 PM

Location:           Beaufort Branch Library

Local author Jack Gannon served as Beaufort’s premiere Santa Claus at “Night on the Town” and the Christmas parade from 1993-2015. His recently released book I Walked In Santa’s Boots showcases his memories and includes more than 250 color photos from his appearances as Santa’s surrogate over those 22 years. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and autographing at the end of the program. Come early to visit the Model Trains exhibit. Pre-registration for this special lecture is NOT required as seating will be first come, first seated. The lecture will be held at the Beaufort District Collection, second floor, 311 Scott Street.

Beaufort History Museum, located in the historic Arsenal, 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 Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. BHM’s hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday.

The Beaufort County Library System is a free and accessible marketplace of ideas, information, and culture that fosters learning, community, and information literacy. The Library provides open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs to inform, inspire, and empower all its patrons in their pursuit of lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and cultural understanding. The library system operates five branch libraries throughout Beaufort County and library cards are available free of charge to all county residents and property owners. It offers free access to millions of items through a combined online catalog and digital library.

The Beaufort District Collection (BDC) is the Library’s special local history and archives unit. BDC staff and docents are stewards who collect, protect and share a research collection of permanent value about local history, Gullah culture, the natural southeastern coastal environment, family history and archaeology. For the BDC’s hours of operation, please visit its website at beaufortcountylibrary.org

BHM's Board of Directors urges NPS to designate Beaufort as the site for their new National Reconstruction Memorial.  Click here to read the resolution.

Beaufort History Museum Announces November History Lecture Dates

Series Created in Partnership with Beaufort County Library

            Beaufort, SC – October 26, 2016 – The Beaufort History Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort County Library, will present two lectures in November:

• Monday, November 7 - 5:15 - 6:45 PM:  The Battle of Port Royal Sound - The Battle of Port Royal Sound was one of the earliest naval operations of the Civil War.  On November 7, 1861, a massive U. S. Naval fleet and U. S. Army expeditionary force sailed into Port Royal Sound and captured Fort Walker on Hilton Head and Fort Beauregard on Bay Point/St. Helena Island, SC.  Beaufort became the first southern town to fall into Union hands.  Experience the drama of  this event through the writings and pictures of the people who actually lived  through it, including Union forces and Beaufortonians.

• Wednesday, November 30 - 2:00 - 3:30 PM: Native American Myths, Poetry & Trickster Tales - November is Native American Heritage Month.  Join for this interesting and entertaining talk, which will transport you to a magical past through the poetry, myths, and trickster tales of Native Americans. 

• Both lectures are taking place at the Beaufort Branch Library at 311 Scott Street.  The lectures are free to the public but donations will be accepted. Registration and updates on future history lectures in the series may be found on the Museum website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com.

The presenter for the lectures is Beverly Eggert, a retired Beaufort County English teacher, who now focuses on her four passions: reading, writing, researching, and teaching. A skilled historic storyteller, she also is the coordinator of the Lecture Series presented in partnership by the Beaufort History Museum and the Beaufort County Library. In addition to being a featured presenter for the Lecture Series, Beverly also has been a presenter for the Santa Elena History Center and the South Carolina Humanities Festival 2016. 

Beaufort History Museum, located in the historic Arsenal, 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 Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. BHM’s hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday.

The Beaufort County Library System is a free and accessible marketplace of ideas, information, and culture that fosters learning, community, and information literacy. The Library provides open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs to inform, inspire, and empower all its patrons in their pursuit of lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and cultural understanding. The library system operates five branch libraries throughout Beaufort County and library cards are available free of charge to all county residents and property owners. It offers free access to millions of items through a combined online catalog and digital library.

The Beaufort District Collection (BDC) is the Library’s special local history and archives unit. BDC staff and docents are stewards who collect, protect and share a research collection of permanent value about local history, Gullah culture, the natural southeastern coastal environment, family history and archaeology. For the BDC’s hours of operation, please visit its website at beaufortcountylibrary.org