This Week and into November 2023

What a whirlwind since I got back from vacation: Dr. Rowland and Col. Chris Allen told us all about "Beaufort Before Britain" twice; Nelle and Ora Smith shared their memories of being among the first white families to settle on Hilton Head as Sea Pines Plantation was being developed in the late 1950s-early 1960s; and we marked the BDC's relocation 13 years ago with an exclusive event for subscribers to the Local History newsletter and light refreshments for all in the lobby just outside the Research Room door. 

This week we have two sessions of "Plantation Profiles" with Kayleigh Vaughn on tap and registration opens for the "Kilted Warriors" lecture. 

Check the Beaufort History Museum website for any remaining seats on October 17th at St. Helena Branch Library. The reprise lecture of "Plantation Profiles" at Bluffton Branch Library on October 19th is a first come, first seated event. 

But wait, there's more local history programming coming your way. First we honor the Civil War period with a lecture and a community event in concert with the Beaufort History Museum's Civil War Encampment. 

Friday, November 3, 2023 -- "Kilted Warriors: A Brief History of the New York Highlanders" lecture by re-enactor Tom Vaselopulos. Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, 2 PM. Registration opens October 20, 2023 on the Beaufort History Museum website.  

Saturday, November 4, 2023 -- New York Highlanders Civil War Era Living History Encampment at the Arsenal, 713 Craven Street, Beaufort. 9 AM - 4:30 PM. The demonstrations are free. BDC staff will be there from 10 AM to 2 PM showing off surrogates of some of our Civil War and Reconstruction materials and talking with interested passers-by and area residents.

This is a repeat visit of the 79th New York Highlander Regiment to Beaufort. Learn about the history of the Union unit's Civil War service in the area. The re-enactors will set up camp in the walled Arsenal Courtyard (713 Craven Street) 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. Here's what you can expect:

• Historical re-enactors in full military regalia
• Experience Civil War era camp life through live presentations
• Enjoy educational discussions and interactive activities for the whole family
• Watch drills and marching throughout the day

Admission is free to the Encampment in the Arsenal courtyard (though donations to support the Museum are much appreciated by that all volunteer organization). Beaufort History Museum has reduced admission fees to the Museum’s Exhibition Hall on the day in honor of the encampment.

Then we return to the colonial period for a program about the man who stayed behind to live with the Native Americans in order to stake stronger English claims to this area. 

Thursday, November 9, 2023 | "Snakebit: Henry Woodward, South Carolina's First English Settler" with Robert Lanham | BDC@ Hilton Head Branch Library | 11 AM | No registration process: Door opens at 10:30 for first come, first served seating.   

 

Note: If you miss this "Snakebit" this time, it will be offered again as part of the Beaufort History Museum/Beaufort County Library Local History series in April 2024. 

Please note: Due to presenter request, we have to delay "Yamasee Homelands" with archaeologist Hannah Hoover until January. 

We do so hope that we'll see you at one or more of these local history opportunities.