Beaufort, SC – July 24, 2017 – Beaufort History Museum is offering docent classes to train volunteers who lead museum tours and serve as community liaisons.

Directed by docent educator Lorrie Burleyknoles (shown at left), the classes will teach participants how Beaufort shaped America from the early European settlements, its involvement in the Revolutionary War and dramatic role during the Civil War to the Reconstruction Era, the complex transition to the 20th Century, and its current-day prominence as a major tourist destination and site of military training and defense.

The training curriculum will cover all stages of Beaufort’s 500-year history as educators impart knowledge of the Museum’s collection, including artifacts and photos, and it’s mission. Once Docents have completed training, they will be asked to serve up to three shifts per month and commit to a one-year period of service.

Classes will be held at the Beaufort Branch Library at 311 Scott St. and at the historic Arsenal at 713 Craven Street. Space in the class is limited, and those interested in attending the five-week session are encouraged to register early. For more information on the Docent program, or other volunteer opportunities with the Museum, contact lburleyknoles@beauforthistorymuseum.com or call 559-362-3237.

The schedule will be as follows:

Thursday, Aug. 24: 8:30 a.m.  to noon at Beaufort Branch Library meeting room (orientation for new docents, followed by the first class.)

Thursday, Aug. 31: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Beaufort Branch Library meeting room (Class No. 2)

Friday, Sept. 8: 9:30 am to noon at the Arsenal conference room (Class No. 3)

Friday, Sept. 15: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Arsenal conference room (Class No. 4)

Friday, Sept. 22: Noon to 2 p.m. at the Arsenal conference room (Class No. 5)

The Beaufort History Museum, located in The Arsenal, focuses 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 museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Admission is $7 per visitor ($6 for seniors). Children and active military are admitted free of charge.  

The Beaufort History Museum is admitting visitors free of charge from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 30 as part of the Liberty Week Festival.

The festival, June 28-July 4, is a statewide commemoration of South Carolina’s contribution to the Revolutionary War, organized by the S.C. Historical Society with the help of a grant from SC Humanities. This year, the Beaufort County Historical Society and partner organizations are joining the fun, as well.

Beaufort History Museum visitors do not need to reserve a spot or make any special arrangements – simply show up during operating hours Friday, June 30, for free admission.

Other Beaufort County organizations are also hosting free events, including the Beaufort County Public Library, where the week kicks off at 2 p.m. June 28 at the downtown Beaufort branch with a presentation by Doug Bostick of the S.C. Battleground Trust. 

The following organizations are also offering free admission as part of the Liberty Week Festival. Call or check their websites for details.

Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Historic Beaufort Foundation’s John Mark Verdier House.

Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island

Heritage Library Foundation on Hilton Head Island, including Zion Chapel and Fort Mitchel

Heyward House in Bluffton

Historic Daufuskie Foundation Museum

Daufuskie Lighthouse and Museum

Morris Center for Low Country Heritage in Ridgeland

Parris Island Museum

Port Royal Foundation Maritime Center

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Heyward House in Bluffton

Historic Daufuskie Foundation Museum

Morris Center for Low Country Heritage in Ridgeland

Union Church in Port Royal

Fort Fremont on St. Helena Island

Parris Island Museum

Port Royal Foundation Maritime Center

Santa Helena History Center

            The Beaufort History Museum’s Third Annual Spring Tea is titled “Crowning Glory – Celebrating the Role of Women’s Hats in Southern Culture”.   Patrons are invited to wear their favorite hat and to “Strut their Hattitude” as they savor delicious traditional delicacies, sip tea, learn about the fascinating allure of fashionable hats from celebrity speakers, enjoy a Parade of Hats and bid at a silent auction featuring trips, dinners and other attractive items.

            “Hats are really the stars this year,” says BHM Board President Carol Lauvray. 
“We’ll take a look back at how meaningful church hats were and are, especially in the African American community, where they held a special significance.  We will also spotlight other occasions where hats play a key role, such as South Carolina’s legendary steeplechase thoroughbred horse races in Elloree, Aiken and Camden.  Southern women just know how to dress for a party! We are encouraging everyone to wear a beautiful hat and join in the festive spirit of the Tea.”

            The Tea is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, from 1-4 pm at the Dataw Island Club’s scenic Carolina Room. Reservations can be made at http://tea.beauforthistorymuseum.com.  Individual tickets are $60 and tables of 10 are available for $500 (see the website for restrictions and instructions to reserve a table.) Seating is limited. Proceeds benefit the projects of the Beaufort History Museum.

            For the first time the Museum is hosting a silent auction at the Tea to include trips, dinners, cooking classes, tastings, luxury services and other attractive items available for bidding. A preview of the auction items will be posted on the Museum’s website with a “Buy it Now” option. Guests will also be able to view the items, choose the ones they like and then bid with cash or credit cards at the event.

            The principal speaker at the Tea is celebrity shoe designer and milliner Etu Evans, who will be coming to Beaufort from New York. His grandmother and mother, both of whom had extensive collections of church hats, jewels and shoes, influenced Evans’ path in the fashion industry.

            An internationally prominent designer, he studied millinery at New York’s prestigious Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Footwear and Accessory Design.
Evans’ hats have been sold in his Harlem boutique and worn across Europe and Japan and have been featured in various national television shows and publications.  For a featured auction item he will offer one lucky bidder a consultation on the most flattering hat styles and correct size for the shape of her face and stature.

            The famous Goorin Brothers Hat Company, founded in 1895, which has stores across the U.S. and in Canada with local shops in Savannah and Charleston, will also be a part of the program.  Hats and accessories will be on view along with advice on how to choose the perfect hat.

            The Clark Troutman Group, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is sponsor of the Third Annual Beaufort History Museum Tea along with Live Oak Builders and the Carolina Cup Racing Association. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available and may be arranged by contacting Lauvray by email clauvray@beauforthistorymuseum.com.

            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.

            To join the Museum please visit the website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com. To learn more about becoming a Volunteer Greeter or Docent please contact Lorrie Burleynoles at lburleynoles@beauforthistorymuseum.com.

Topics Include Harriet Tubman and Gullah Culture 

Beaufort History Museum will present two lectures that are part of the popular historical series co-sponsored with the Beaufort County Library.  Both lectures take place at the Beaufort Branch Library located at 311 Scott Street.  Admission is free but reservations are required and space is limited.   To reserve a seat visit the Museum website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com 

The lectures are: 

Tuesday, April 4  - 2 pm – Harriet Tubman: A Glimpse into the Life of a Woman of Courage 

Hear about Harriet Tubman’s (aka, Araminta Ross) life as a slave, her escape to freedom, and her work with the Underground Railroad. You’ll learn how she helped to liberate hundreds of Lowcountry slaves in the Combahee Raid during the Civil War and about her work after the war as a humanitarian, suffragette and friend to the indigent. 

Lecturer: Andrea Allen, Beaufort History Museum Board Member

Andrea is a member of the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in downtown Beaufort, where she is a musician for the Senior Choir and serves asSunday School Superintendent. She retired in 2015 from the Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center, as the Assistant Director for a five-county area, after serving 37 years in the SC Department of Mental Health. She joined the Board of Directors of the Beaufort History Museum in January 2016. 

Thursday, April 20, 2017 – 2 pm - Gullah History and Culture

The lecture will cover the origin of the Gullah natives primarily located along the coastal areas of South Carolina and tell why they were concentrated in large numbers on various isolated islands such as Dafuskie, Johns Island, Kiawah, Port Royal and Wadmalaw. Saint Helena has the largest number of Gullah natives (6, 500) where a strong culture still exists.  Learn about their arrival as slaves through the Port of Charleston, how they were dispersed throughout the state, how their labor contributed to the wealth of the Planters and what exactly happened to these natives after the “Big Gun Shoot” (The Battle of Port Royal Sound) on November 7, 1861.

Questions will be answered. How did they acquire the lands they now live on? What was the importance of the Praise Houses? How did the language develop? Discussion will include what makes up a culture and how is it expressed among the Gullahs. This is a lively presentation, which explains how their practices evolved into what is referred to as Gullah History and Culture.

Lecturer: Mary Rivers LeGree is a native of Saint Helena Island. Her early years were spent on the Rivers' family compound among her parents and other relatives. She was educated in NYC and University of Detroit (BA). After retirement in 2004, Ms. LeGree returned to Saint Helena Island and lives on the property that had been purchased by her ancestors shortly after the Civil War. She is eager to share their untold history and their practices from a genuine perspective, having been brought up in the culture. She is a past Planning Commissioner for Saint Helena District, and serves as a member of the Saint Helena Community Preservation Committee.

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

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.