BDC Programs & Outreach for March 2020

The program attendance count continues to be strong. We've broken 900, averaging 47 people per program. I'm sure that we will increase that average attendance number with the next programs and outreach events on our calendar. In fact, one of the lectures is already almost completely full! (Our partner opened registration quite early). I refer to the upcoming appearance of Beaufort's beloved Dr. Larry Rowland.

On Thursday, March 12th  he will discuss "Kate Gleason, Libby Sanders, and Beaufort in the 1920s" in the next "Historically Speaking" lecture that we do in conjunction with the Beaufort County Historical Society. Please note: This lecture will happen in the big Meeting Room at St. Helena Branch Library. As with all library related programs, we observe applicable fire codes.  When the number of registrants meets the Fire Marshal limit for occupancy in the room, registration will be closed. Until then, registration is open through the Beaufort County Historical Society's  website: http://bit.ly/38svUNz

Two days later on Saturday, March 14th, we participate in the Beaufort History Museum's  5th Annual Living History Encampment. 

Kristi and/or I will be out on Craven Street at the BDC's table with some surrogates representing our newspaper, 19th century prints and photographic collections along with distributing handouts about the Library's many Civil War and Reconstruction era materials from 10 AM to 1 PM. 

In concert with the Beaufort History Museum and the National Park Service, the BDC hosts two free lectures that date. Both programs are first come, first seated. Doors will open 30 minutes ahead of program start time for seating. 

• 10 AM - NPS Ranger Chris Barr explains why Beaufort District was critical to Reconstruction. 

•  2 PM - Professional storyteller extraordinaire Cora Newcomb will share amazing stories of real women who made a difference in Beaufort District. In addition to mobilizing soup kitchens and relief societies, women also cared for wounded soldiers and were effective spies. It is estimated that 300 women fought on the battlefields, usually disguised as men. This program will focus on those women who were in Beaufort and involved in many different aspects of the war. 

If you go into the Reconstruction Era Interpretative Center be sure to take a careful look at the "Islands of Hope in a Sea of Despair" exhibit. The Library contributed a number of the images shown on the Beaufort History Museum's exhibit that has been loaned to the Reconstruction Era National Park. The NPS center is free of charge.

The BHM is offering a reduced rate for entrance to its museum throughout the day.

The BDC takes to the road again at the end of March. Hilton Head Branch Reference Librarian Jo Gaillard and I will represent the Library system during the "Lowcountry Fair with Historical Flair" on the Coastal Discovery Museum's campus on Saturday, March 28, 2020. Please drop by to say "Hello" or to ask about any of the Library's many materials and services.  

A lot of re-enactors and historical groups are scheduled to participate in the Fair. Tickets are available through the Santa Elena History Center website at  https://santa-elena.org/lowcountry-fair-2020/.

Just a reminder: We can be contacted at 843-255-6468 or by email to bdc@bcgov.net with any questions about what the BDC is, has or does.