Lecture and Civil War Living History Encampment, Nov. 1 - 2

The Beaufort History Museum is hosting a Civil War re-enactment on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The afternoon before, the BDC and the BHM are hosting re-enactor Tom Vaselopulos who will speak about Alexander Campbell, 79^th New York (USA) and his brother, James Campbell, 1^st South Carolina (CSA)  who fought in competing armies. 

Beaufort History Museum is lead for both events.

The 79th Highlanders were stationed in Beaufort and were deployed to James Island in June 1862 in advance of the Battle of Secessionville. Alexander was on one side; his brother James on the other during the battle. Attending the lecture will better prepare you to thoroughly enjoy Saturday's living history re-enactment at the Arsenal. Two of the Union dead from that battle are buried in the Beaufort National Cemetery. 

“The American Civil War: Highlander Brother vs Brother” with Tom Vaselopulos | Friday, November 1, 2024 | Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street | 2 PM | First come, first seated. Door opens at 1:30 PM.

The following day, Saturday November 2nd, is the encampment. I'll drop in with some of my grandsons who will be visiting with me that weekend. [We're also going to shop at the Friends of the Beaufort Library book sale in Waterfront Park.] 

New York Highlanders Civil War Era Living History Encampment at the Arsenal | Saturday, November 2, 2024 | The Arsenal, 713 Craven Street, Beaufort | 9 AM - 4:30 PM

The demonstrations are free. Cassandra will be there from 10 AM to 2 PM showing off surrogates of some of our Civil War and Reconstruction materials, showing off what we have about the 79th Highlanders, sharing a little library history, 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 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:

1.      Historical re-enactors in full military regalia

2.      Experience Civil War era camp life through live presentations

3.      Enjoy educational discussions and interactive activities for the whole family

4.      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). There is usually a reduced entrance fee to the Museum during the encampment.  

JSYK: November 1 - 3 is a very busy weekend with lots of special activities planned in town. 

1. The Friends of the Beaufort Library Fall Book Sale is Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, too. I have always been grateful the support that the Beaufort FOL has given to the BDC through the years. 
2. Though the BDC is not involved with the Fort Fremont Harvest Festival on Sunday afternoon, November 3rd, you might see me there with some of my grandsons. 
3. The Pat Conroy Literary Festival is going on that weekend, too. 

Fingers crossed that we do not get another tropical storm scare!