"Beaufort District's Militia in the Revolutionary War" with Rich Thomas, Chair of the Beaufort County 250 Committee

We've got one more local history program left in 2025. We continue our focus on the course of the American Revolution as we get ever closer to the upcoming 250th anniversary commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though the overall topic is the same as Neil Baxley's most excellent presentation yesterday, this one has a more narrow focus - militia units in Beaufort District.

The definition of the term "militia" has varied through time but in the late 18th century, the term generally meant "a body of able-bodied [usually white] male citizens" generally between the ages of 15 and 45 or so "who served as a part-time, citizen-army for local defense." Individuals were mostly left to do their own business though when called, the militia members were expected to show up and do their duty. Though militia had to supply their own arms and were subject to military training, sometimes all did not go as intended. For example, not all white male persons between the ages of approximately 15 and 45 years were in favor of supporting King George III or in favor of supporting the Patriot cause. Some men preferred to avoid taking sides. In other words, the years between 1774 and 1784 were complicated for residents of South Carolina.  

We are pleased that Rich Thomas, Chair of the Beaufort County 250 Committee, has agreed to share his knowledge about what the area militia units were doing over the period with us as a reprise of the talk he did at St. Helena Branch earlier in 2025. (I'm so glad that he didn't hold that technical equipment failure against us and has graciously consented to giving it a go for another segment of the BDC's service population at Bluffton Branch.) We do so hope that you can join us!  

Thursday, December 4, 2025 - "Beaufort District's Militia in the Revolutionary War" with Rich Thomas | Historically Speaking series, co-sponsored by the BDC, Beaufort County Historical Society and the Beaufort County 250 Committee | BDC@ Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way, 11 AM | First come; first seated. Doors open at 10:30 AM.

Program Summary: Rich Thomas will discuss the role and actions of the "Beaufort District Militia in the Revolutionary War." British inroads into South Carolina following the 1778 Capture of Savannah were repeatedly confounded by the resourceful militia forces of Beaufort District, north and south of the Broad. Trace their activities and learn more about some of the individuals whose courage and dedication had a direct impact on the Continental Army’s success in gaining independence from English rule.

Speaker Biography: Richard Thomas is an experienced global business executive and successful entrepreneur having served as CEO, President or Executive Vice President in seven different ventures in four diverse industries. He is very involved in local historical organizations such as the Heritage Library, Santa Elena Foundation, and Friends of Honey Hill Board. He is Chairman of the Beaufort County 250 Committee responsible for planning local celebrations of the nation's Semiquincentennial. He wrote Backwater Frontier: Beaufort County, South Carolina at the Forefront of American History (2018). His current research interest is focused on the early colonial period of St. Helena and Prince William's parishes in Beaufort District.   

FYI: The Library system will be closed Thursday, November 27 - Sunday, November 30, 2025. All hands will return on deck as of 9 AM Monday, December 1, 2025. 

Programs Coming Your Way in September

The BDC has three public programs on our calendar for September this year. We hope that you'll be able to join us for one or even better both!. 

• Monday, September 8, 2025 - "History of Bluffton" with Michael Reynolds. | BDC@ Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way | 4 PM. 

Program Blurb: The Bluffton History presentation begins with the Native Americans who occupied the area, it then covers the colonial period, the predevelopment period and modern times.  The program showcases Bluffton as was when first settled all the way through through the population explosion of the 21st century through the eyes of one of its native sons, Michael Reynolds.

Please note the start time a later in the day start time and is expected to last a bit longer than is customary for BDC local history programs. This adjustment was made at the Speaker's request. 

Speaker Biography: Michael Reynolds was born and raised in Bluffton and has called Bluffton home for six decades.  He is the founder of the "Bluffton History" Facebook page that has been operating for 15 years and is committed to researching and publishing Bluffton history, showcasing old Bluffton maps and photographs, newspaper articles and recording oral histories of some of Bluffton's most senior citizens.  Michael can trace his Reynolds family in Beaufort County nine generations to the 1690s, over 330 years ago.  His dad was the first person to hold the title of Bluffton Police Chief, which was a part time job back in the 1960's.  Michael's mother's family were some of the Swiss Huguenots who settled Purysburg in 1732. Michael is truly as local as it gets.

• Monday, September 22, 2025 - "Spanish-American War 1898: Context, Causes, Combat and Consequences" with Barney Forsythe, PhD and Raul Galvan, PhD. | Co-sponsored by the Friends of Fort Fremont. | BDC@ St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road | 2 PM. 

Most of us give little thought to the Spanish-American War - and if you think about it at all, you probably think that the war was caused by Spain's sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor and that Teddy Roosevelt led the Rough Riders to victory on San Juan Hill. This program offered in partnership with the Friends of Fort Fremont may cause you to re-think those points.  

Program Blurb: Learn how the United States emerged as a global power at the start of the 20th century, thanks to the "splendid little war of 1898." Presenters George "Barney" Forsythe and Raul Galvan will discuss the United States war with Spain, explore the multiple factors that led to the conflict (not the least of which was Cuba's fight for independence), summarize combat operations, and consider the consequences of the war for all parties. 

Speaker Biographies:

George B. "Barney" Forsythe, a 1970 graduate of West Point, spent 35 years on active duty in the United States Army before returning to the United States Military Academy as a professor and later as Vice Dean for Education. He retired for the first time in 2005 and advanced in rank to Brigadier General. He joined Westminster College in Missouri as Senior Vice President and Dean of Faculty until he was selected President of the college in 2008. He retired again in 2015. Gen. Forsythe currently serves as the President of the Friends of Fort Fremont. 

Dr. Raul Galvan was born in Cuba and came to the United States in 1961. He had a long career at Milwaukee PBS and the Bradley Center and earned his Doctorate in History from UWM in 2011. While in Public TV, he produced many television shows and was nominated for numerous Regional Emmy Awards. He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals, op-eds as well as a youth book, and has traveled to Cuba frequently. He relocated to Beaufort County in 2024. 

• Thursday, September 25, 2025 - "History on a Stick: The Historical Marker Program" with Leah Roche | "Historically Speaking" series, 7.1, co-sponsored by the Beaufort County Historical Society | BDC@ Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street | 11 AM. 

No doubt you've passed by many an installed "History on a Stick" (aka historic marker) in your lifetime. Did you ever wonder where the historical markers you see whizzing past on the highway came from? Come learn about one of the signature activities of the Beaufort County Historical Society in this season 7 opener for the BDC Beaufort County Historical Society "Historically Speaking" local history series. Leah Roche will be the presenter. 

Program Blurb: Though historical markers seem to simply “appear” on the landscape, there is a detailed process involving many people, lots of time, money, and maybe a little “blood, sweat and tears” to earn designation as an official S.C. Historical Marker. Follow the “Life Cycle of the Historical Marker” from its beginning as a simple idea to commemorate an event, place or person of historical significance, through the research process, to state approval, marker fabrication, installation, dedication, and maintenance. Discover how to enjoy the markers all over our county by creating your own Marker Scavenger Hunt, using our geographical lists accompanied by our Google Maps with marker locations. Gain a clear understanding of the fascinating process the Beaufort County Historical Society adheres to, under the auspices of the S.C. Department of Archives and History, as the oldest of many groups who develop these markers countywide. 

Speaker Biography: Leah Roche earned her Bachelor’s degree in Library Leah Roche earned her Bachelor’s degree in Library Science and History from Florida State University, and her Master’s in Library Science from the University of South Carolina. She served as a high school media specialist (school librarian) for 28 yrs at both Beaufort and Bluffton High, and was voted Teacher of the Year at Beaufort High School early in her tenure there. She later was the first media specialist in Beaufort County to earn National Board for Professional Teaching certification. In her role as media specialist, Leah served as webmaster of the school websites at both Beaufort and Bluffton High. 

After retirement, she joined the Beaufort County Historical Society, and helped develop that organization’s current website. She also created the interactive Google map of SC Historical Markers in Beaufort County, so that citizens and visitors alike could locate and visit them. She planned a county-wide “marker scavenger hunt” called “Marker Mania,” which took place during the first summer of COVID, involving over 250 participants. She currently serves as the Recording Secretary and Webmaster for the . Beaufort County Historical Society.

Remember to always check the Library system calendar and the Library's homepage for the latest updates regarding changes to our program and operations schedule. We are solidly in the most active phase of hurricane formation for the next 6 weeks. 

Local History Programs in February 2024 - updated

The BDC has its fingers crossed that we do not get any more ice storms this winter so that we can continue bringing what we hope are interesting, engaging, and educational local history programs around the Beaufort County Library system in February. 

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - "Beaufort District's Militia in the Revolutionary War" with Rich Thomas | Historically Speaking 6.5 co-sponsored by the BDC, Beaufort County Historical Society and the Beaufort County 250 Committee | St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, 11 AM | First come; first seated. Doors open at 10:30 AM.

Program Summary: Rich Thomas will discuss the role and actions of the "Beaufort District Militia in the Revolutionary War." British inroads into South Carolina following the 1778 Capture of Savannah were repeatedly confounded by the resourceful militia forces of Beaufort District, north and south of the Broad. Trace their activities and learn more about some of the individuals whose courage and dedication had a direct impact on the Continental Army’s success in gaining independence from English rule.

Speaker Biography: Richard Thomas is an experienced global business executive and successful entrepreneur having served as CEO, President or Executive Vice President in seven different ventures in four diverse industries. He is very involved in local historical organizations such as the Heritage Library, Santa Elena Foundation, and Friends of Honey Hill Board. He is Chairman of the Beaufort County 250 Committee responsible for planning local celebrations of the nation's Semiquincentennial. He wrote Backwater Frontier: Beaufort County, South Carolina at the Forefront of American History (2018). His current research interest is focused on the early colonial period of St. Helena and Prince William's parishes in Beaufort District.   

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - "Archives Adventures (Continued)" with Cassandra Knoppel | BDC@ Beaufort Branch, 311 Scott Street, 3 PM | First come; first seated. Doors open at 2:30 PM.

Program Summary: Library Specialist, Cassandra Knoppel continues to discover (or re-discover) treasures in the Research Room as we acquire new-to-us materials and bring some more order to the back rooms of the BDC. She'll update attendees on what she's learned the past 6 months and share some of the interesting items she's processed since July. 

Speaker Biography: Cassandra Knoppel has a dual undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation and Art History. She is currently going to Library School at USC concentrating on the Archives track. She re-joined the BDC staff in January 2024, after serving as the Preservation & Education Program Coordinator at Historic Beaufort Foundation. She is an area native who graduated from Battery Creek High School.

Thursday, February 20, 2025 - "Setting Sail: Your Map to Online Library Resources" with BCL's Digital Resources Librarian, Alyssa Krob and BDC Manager, Grace Cordial | BDC@ Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road, 11 AM | First come; first seated. Doors open at 10:30 AM.

Program Summary: The Beaufort County Library offers a lot of "stuff" online. The "Past & Present: BCL's Digital Collections" will highlight the Library services and information you can find online from the Library. Alyssa Krob will show you how to access archived information, peer-reviewed databases, and recommended local history reads! Grace Cordial will highlight the 9 historical  digital collections and blogs we share online. We hope that attendees will learn something new about the library services currently available to our cardholders.

Speaker Biographies: Both speakers are degreed librarians on the staff of Beaufort County Library.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - "A Song for Betty: Ancestors, Archives & Art" with Tendaji Bailey.  BDC@ St. Helena Branch Library, 2 PM |First come; first seated. Doors open at 1:30 PM.

Program Summary: Emerging artist, Tendaji Bailey will share how he turned his research about a family tragedy into art through a lecture and musical performance. 
 
Speaker Biography: Tendaji Bailey is a Gullah Geechee native of Port Royal & St Helena Island, SC in Beaufort County.  He is of and very involved with Gullah related organizations and is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpreters.

 

Thursday, February 27, 2025 - "Shrimp Tales: Small Bites of History Author Book Talk" with Beverly Jennings. BDC@ Hilton Head Branch Library, 1 PM |First come; first seated. Doors open at 12:30 PM.

Program Summary: Shrimp Tales by Beverly Jennings tells the story of shrimp: its industry, its people, its life, and its importance to the folks of the Sea Islands. With chapters specifically dedicated to Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Port Royal, Jennings tells us of the work of the earliest shrimpers, the different types of nets and boats used over the years, and how the shrimp empire was born. The book is filled with photographs, maps, vintage advertisements, and portraits. Visually appealing and thorough in its information, Shrimp Tales is an all-around interesting read that celebrates the people and industry that has kept our little corner of the world thriving for so long.

Speaker Biography: Beverly Bowers Jennings has loved the sea since age 6 when her father built a white rowboat named Little Fish for her. A Master Naturalist, Jennings has designed exhibits for the Port Royal Sound Maritime Center and Coastal Discovery Museum.  She has been featured on Walter Edgar's Journal, Local Life Magazine and SCETV's By The River series. 

Reminder: The Beaufort County Library system will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025 in honor of our Presidents. 

Overview of September 2024

• "September showed up right on schedule, and lasted a whole month." -Jenny Wingfield

In addition to our usual duties, the BDC has three local history programs planned this month - one north of the Broad; and two south of the Broad.

On Thursday, September 5th Larry Koolkin opens the "Historically Speaking" series with a talk about Jacques Le Moyne.

As you may recall, Tropical Storm Debby required some schedule adjustment on our part. We had to reschedule one local history program - and now those arrangements have been made. Learn about the fascinating history of the Hunting Island Lighthouse and the people who kept the light on in the darkness through all weathers from authors Theodore Panayotoff and Linda Miller of the Friends of Hunting Island. 

Theodore ("Ted") Panayotoff has been involved with lighthouses most of his life. When he relocated to Beaufort in 2016, this former Naval Officer took on the Directorship of the Lighthouse Committee of the Friends of Hunting Island State Park and has continued his research about the structure ever since - and now there's a lovely book. 

The Hilton Head Chapter of the Archaeological Society of South Carolina has let us join them in co-sponsoring a session about the Ford's Shell Ring Project on Hilton Head Island. Some of you may recall that archaeologist Jeff Sherard of Brockington & Associates spoke about shell rings and shell middens before the COVID pandemic. He'll be back - this time at the Hilton Head Branch Library - to discuss an archaeological mystery of sorts: Why is Ford's Shell Ring shaped in an unusual figure 8?

 

Because of the local history programs - and concomitant travel, set up and take down time involved - and the continuing staff shortage, the Research Room will be closed to walk-in customers on Thursday, September 5th and Tuesday, September 24th.  There will also be some lunchtime closures as well.

There will be fewer than usual "Uniquely BDC" and "Black History Note" posts this month because I'm taking some time off this month. This also means that the BDC will be closed Noon to 1 PM for Cassandra to get her lunch break while I am away -- which is why it still behooves potential researchers to make an appointment to come to the BDC.

Given that the BDC is a historical collection, we will highlight materials we have related to local historic aspects of Hispanic Heritage Month from mid-September into mid-October.

September is Library Card Sign up Month. If you don't have one, you are missing out on the best deal in America. Sign-up today!

Tomorrow is Labor Day and the Library will be closed. Cassandra and I will return to work on Tuesday. We'll do our best to respond to any incoming voice mails or emails that come in over the long weekend. All units of the Library system resume regular hours on Tuesday.

BDC Research Room Display: Local History Program Topics

My display case for August and September is about upcoming local history topics.  Each book or visual item represents a topic that will be covered at one (or more) upcoming local history programs in one of the three series that the BDC coordinates: BDC@ The Branches in which it's a BDC standalone program; "Historically Speaking" co-sponsored by the Beaufort County Historical Society which is now in Season 6; and the Beaufort History Museum/Beaufort County Library Local History series that the BDC coordinates which is now in Season 8.  

Shelf One:

The cover of Art in South Carolina (1970) just so happens to be a color depiction of Ribault's Column as envisioned by Jacques LeMoyne in the 17th century. He was part of Jean Ribaut's Expedition. We are thrilled to host Larry Koolkin on September 5, 2024 at Beaufort Branch in collaboration with the Beaufort County Historical Society for "Jacques LeMoyne, the First European Artist to Visually Document the New World." 

The archaeological study The Search for Altamaha is representing a BDC@ The Branches talk by Nick Linville at Hilton Head Branch Library on November 22nd. Nick will share the captivating stories he has uncovered through his years of research into three cultural preserves in the area: South Bluff Heritage Preserve on Coosaw Island, Altamaha Towne in Okatee, and Green’s Shell Enclosure on Hilton Head Island. From Native American archaeological sites to historic colonial plantations, enslaved quarters, and freedman homesteads, this presentation explores the deep layers of the past that are right here in Beaufort County. 

Shelf Two: 

The "Glimpses into the Past" title covers all three series that the BDC coordinates. I use it to indicate any free local history programs offered by our unit.

The Storm Swept Coast booklet cover on the back wall is representing the latest iteration of  the "Tide of Death: The Sea Island Hurricane of 1893" lecture that I will be doing at Beaufort Branch on Wed., August 28th at 5:30 PM.  The personal accounts of what happened that night are riveting. This is a standalone BDC@ The Branches presentation.

You can see a published obituary for Sheriff Matty White propped up. I found it in our own obituary files. Sheriff White is the topic of Neil Baxley's presentation for the "Historically Speaking" series brought to you by the BDC and the Beaufort County Historical Society. In the early 20th century, Beaufort County was riddled with violence and crime. Into the breach stepped lawman Matty White. Famed for his sporting skills and owner of a “fine pack of dogs,” White saw much during his tenure as a policeman, deputy sheriff, and sheriff (1912-1920): fires, murders, public executions and threats of lynchings and race riots. 

Water, Water, Everywhere ... And Not a Drop to Drink (1962) stands in for the two sessions in October at which Tricia Kilgore will share the "History of the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority." Most of us simply don't consider how we get our water and how we dispose of our human bodily waste. When she presented this session in April, we had all manner of technology issues (I think we got to a Plan D that afternoon) but what a trooper she was.  Her presentation was so very interesting and deserves a re-do at St. Helena and further extension into the Bluffton Branch Library. Kilgore will present at St. Helena Branch on October 15th and at Bluffton Branch on October 22nd. She also brings along some nifty "show-and-tell" objects. The Beaufort History Museum is co-sponsoring these sessions with the BDC. 

Unfortunately, we had to postpone Ted Panayotoff's Author Book Talk about Up Here: The Hunting Island Lighthouse and Its Lighkeepers due to Tropical Storm Debby. Ted's talk has been re-scheduled to September 24th at Hilton Head Branch Library beginning at 1 PM. Up Here is a standalone BDC@ The Branches session. 

Shelf Three:  

South Carolina and the American Revolution: A Battlefield History by John W. Gordon is representing two lectures: "Beaufort in the American Revolution" by Rich Thomas in February and a lecture in April about the "Influence of Geology on the American Revolutionary War" by Tom Burnett. Thomas' talk will be "Historically Speaking" 6.5 while Burnett's talk is lecture 8.6 in the Beaufort History Museum/Beaufort County Library local history series that the BDC coordinates. 

We'll lucky to have book author Peggy Pickett present in Woman's History Month. She will share information about "Eliza Lucas Pinckney's Revolutionary War." One of her sons, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, left his plantation on Pinckney Island in her care while he was off at the Continental Congresses and fighting for independence from Great Britain. Her book is Eliza Lucas Pinckney: Colonial Plantation Manager and Mother of American Patriots, 1722-1793. This is also a BHM/BCL/BDC session.

Marching with Sherman Through Georgia and the Carolinas with the 154th New York by Mark H. Dunkleman is standing in for two different sessions about the local Civil War era. On December 5th, Ben Parten will discuss the African American view of  Sherman's March to the Sea and across Beaufort District at Beaufort Branch as part of the BCHS/BDC "Historically Speaking" series; On January 28th, Neil Baxley will focus in on one of the engagements of that military march across South Carolina, Ferguson's Branch, at the Bluffton Branch Library as part of the BHM/BCL/BDC local history series. 

Shelf Four:

Though we're not quite sure what exactly we will do on the topic of Lafayette's visit to Beaufort in 1825, we are part of a consortium of local agencies helping Historic Beaufort Foundation mark the momentous occasion. We're getting help from the Beaufort Branch's Youth and Adult services librarians in planning something special - and free to all - in mid-March.

Standing up in the back is a copy of Beaufort Gazette article published on New Year's Day 1942 that states "Beaufort Lost 2 Citizens at Pearl Harbor." We are pleased that Mary Dorsey returns to share what she's learned about the man for whom Beaufort's American Legion Post 207 is named.  BHM is co-sponsoring the session at St. Helena Branch Library. 

And last but not least on the shelf is the Soil Survey of Beaufort and Jasper Counties, South Carolina (1979). On Earth Day 2025, we will have Dr. Randy James present "Why Look Up When You Can Look Down? The Fascinating Soils of Beaufort District" as part of the BHM/BCL local history series. This session will be held at the St. Helena Branch Library. 

Nothing in the display case represents the "Behind the Scenes Tour of the BDC" during National Library Week. We're only planning on one session in 2025. We're also trying to arrange a presentation about an historic murder; a history of Parris Island; and perhaps another session related to the American Revolution since we are doing our best to highlight the course of the Revolutionary War more frequently as we near the big celebration on July 4th, 2026. You'll hear more about those when I have the arrangements nailed down. 

Underwater Archaeology Topic of "Historically Speaking" Lecture

 It's been awhile since Dr. James Spirek, the underwater archaeologist at SCIAA has visited us to speak about his work. The Beaufort County Historical Society, the Hilton Head Chapter of the Archaeological Society of South Carolina, and the BDC are delighted that he'll be coming down next month to talk about shipwreck explorations in and around Port Royal Sound. 

Over 30 ships from early European colonization to modern times have met their fate on the treacherous shoals fringing the entrance to Port Royal Sound.  These shipwrecks include a French corsair called Le Prince that wrecked while entering the sound after a successful voyage of trading and raiding in the Spanish West Indies in early 1577; HMS Colibri, a British warship that grounded on the shoals after plundering Sea Island plantations during the War of 1812; and the SS William Lawrence, a merchant steamship bound with an assorted cargo to Savannah that wrecked during a winter gale in 1896.  This illustrated presentation will discuss the ongoing efforts by the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology to document these shipwrecks along with other unfortunate casualties of the shoals to advance our knowledge of the maritime archaeological legacy in the waters of South Carolina.

Speaker Biography:

James Spirek, the State Underwater Archaeologist for South Carolina, works at the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.  Employed there since 1996 and holding his current position since 2012, Jim’s responsibilities include managing and studying the maritime archaeological legacy residing in the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters of South Carolina.  Jim has participated in numerous projects documenting a diverse range of sunken prehistoric and historic watercraft, Colonial and Native American sites, Civil War warships and blockade runners, and other underwater archaeological remains in state waters.  Jim received his B.A. in History from George Mason University in 1987 and his M.A. in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University in 1993.

"Shoals and Shipwrecks" with underwater archaeologist Jim Spirek | Thursday, May 16, 2024 | 11 AM | BDC/Beaufort County Historical Society "Historically Speaking" series 5.5 | Education Building, First Presbyterian Church, 1201 North Street, Beaufort | Doors open for seating at 10:30 AM

Please note: This lecture will also include the annual business meeting of the Beaufort County Historical Society. All are welcome to attend the free event but only official members of the BCHS will be allowed to vote during the business meeting portion. If the business meeting goes as it has done in the past, that part of the proceedings should take only 10 - 15 minutes. 

We hope that you'll be able to join us for this free lecture. 

"Historically Speaking" Series 5.1A & 5.1B: Beaufort District's European Origin Story

Latest update: 20 September 2023 - gmc

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15 with a program held twice: once North of the Broad River and once South of the Broad River. Both are expected to reach capacity rather quickly. 

                                                                                                   

The Beaufort County Historical Society and the BDC are pleased to host Dr. Larry Rowland and retired Army Colonel and current National Parks Service Ranger Chris Allen in the "Historically Speaking" series Season 5 opening lecture: "Beaufort Before Britain: Our District's European Origin Story." And by the very kind offer of the presenters and due to meeting space availability, this presentation will be done twice to accommodate "local history nerds" on both sides of the Broad River. A word to the wise: I expect that seats will go quickly for both sessions.

A century before the Mayflower made its Plymouth Rock landfall, Spaniards were plying our coastal waters. "Santa Elena", or its English derivation of "Saint Helena", is America's third oldest European place name in continuous use.  In the shadow of Columbus and predating Jamestown by almost 90 years, Larry Rowland frames Beaufort's European origin story.  Col. Allen will underscore Larry's narrative using rare Italian, Spanish, and French charts from the 15th and 16th Century.  Look as hard as you want, but you will not find Boston, New York, Charleston, or Saint Augustine ... but you will see our home prominently annotated.  As "Santa Elena", Beaufort District drove European strategic thinking about the New World during America's First (and Lost) Century. Dr. Rowland is famous for saying "All of American history actually began in Beaufort."  At the talk's conclusion, you will likely agree that if Dr. Rowland exaggerates, it is not by much.

The premiere lecture (5.1A) will be held at Beaufort Branch:

Thursday, September 21, 2023 - "Beaufort Before Britain: Our District's European Origins" with Dr. Larry Rowland & Col. Chris Allen | 11 AM - 12:15 | "Historically Speaking" series 5.1A | Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street | Registration required. Register for the Beaufort Branch session beginning September 7, 2023 through the BCHS website.  If you have any questions, please contact beaufortcountyhistorical@gmail.com. If you don't get into the Beaufort session, perhaps you can register and attend the Bluffton session set for October 5th. 

The reprise lecture (5.1B) will be held at Bluffton Branch two weeks later:  

Thursday, October 5, 2023 - "Beaufort Before Britain: Our District's European Origins" with Dr. Larry Rowland & Col. Chris Allen | 11 AM - 12:15 | "Historically Speaking" series 5.1B | Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way | Registration required. Register for the Bluffton Branch session beginning September 21, 2023 through EventBrite. 

Presenter Biographies

Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina Beaufort where he taught for almost 50 years before his retirement. Other roles he performed at that institution were Associate Dean of Academics and Professor of History. He is a past president of the South Carolina Historical Society as well as the local Beaufort County Historical Society. He sits on a number of history related advisory boards. 

His dissertation topic at the University of South Carolina was Eighteenth Century Beaufort: A Study of South Carolina's Southern Parishes to 1800 and the history of Beaufort District has been the major focus of his work ever since. He has authored numerous articles and book reviews relating to the history of this area. I could not work nearly so well if not for his three volume series that I call the "Bible of Beaufort History:" The History of Beaufort County, 1514 - 1861; Rebellion, Reconstruction and Redemption, 1861 - 1893; and Bridging the Sea Islands' Past and Present, 1893 - 2006. Other works include Window on the Atlantic: The Rise and Fall of Santa Elena, South Carolina's Spanish City and The Civil War in South Carolina: Selections from the South Carolina Historical Magazine. He is a very popular lecturer so be sure to sign up as soon as registration opens on September 7, 2023. BTW: The books are available in the Research Room and through the Local History sections of the BCL Branch Libraries. The dissertation is available only inside the BDC Research Room. 

Christopher Allen graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1980. Commissioned in the Infantry, he transitioned to Special Forces in 1985.  He served in Berlin during the Cold War, Gulf War I, the containment of Iraq throughout the 1990’s, the US Embassy Baghdad in 2007 and had multiple Afghanistan and Pakistan tours from 2003 to 2017. He retired as a Colonel.  

Allen earned a Masters of National Security and Strategic Studies from both the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and from the National War College in Washington, DC.

Though government service impeded his physical presence, Chris committed to making the Low Country his home in 2002.  A student of Steve Wise and a disciple of Larry Rowland, he served as a Beaufort History Museum docent, on the Santa Elena Foundation Board of Directors, and as a National Park Service Ranger at the Reconstruction Era National Park.

Please note: Just don't get your hopes up that every BDC sponsored program can be duplicated North and South of the Broad River as we are the smallest public service unit in the entire Beaufort County Library system and providing and maintaining the Research Room is always and ever shall be priority #1. It's just by happenstance that we are able to do both "Historically Speaking" 5.1 and 5.2 at two locations this Fall. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. at Penn Center

Martin Luther King, Jr. used to visit Penn Center on St. Helena Island for respite from his public political activities campaigning for Civil Rights during the 1960s. It is said that he wrote much of his "I Have a Dream" speech there. In honor of his life and work, we recommend I will not be silent and I will be heard: Martin Luther King Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and Penn Center, 1964-1967 by J. Tracy Power. The booklet is in the BDC for permanent retention of course, but there are plenty of print copies to borrow. There’s even a digital copy in the SC State Documents Depository collection online.

All units of the Beaufort County Library, including the BDC, will be closed on Monday, January 16th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, January 17th. 

Reminder: We will keep registration open for the "Civil War Union Bands" program at St. Helena Branch Library on January 19th until we reach room capacity. There will be a repeat of Dr. Johns' program at Hilton Head Island Branch Library on January 24th. Check the Beaufort County Historical Society's  website for seat availability for our co-sponsored "Bands" programs. Also, registration for "The Battle of Port Royal Island, 1779" will open on January 19th for that BDC/BCHS "Historically Speaking" series program.   

"Historically Speaking" Season 4 Begins : Register for "Civil War Bands"

Latest update: 12 January 2023 - gmc

A History of the Port Royal Bands by John Brookfield (Sam Teddy Publishing, 2015) is one of those titles that I learned of because of a customer inquiry - and has led to not one, but two forthcoming local history programs! 

According to the book's introduction, the US government issued General Order 15 to establish infantry bands of 26 musicians on May 5, 1861. That order was rescinded 14 months later due to cost. However smaller brigade level bands of 16 musicians shared among 4 to 5 regiments were allowed.

By all accounts, two of the finest bands in the Union Army came from New Hampshire, the Third Regiment Band of the New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, and a few months after the Third's dissolution in August 1862, the Band of the Second Brigade, 10th Army Corps, Department of the South, often refered to as the Hilton Head Post Band. Both organizations were stationed near Port Royal, South Carolina, and led by Gustavus W. Ingalls, a native of Bristol, New Hampshire. (p. xii)

Besides being an historical account of Civil War bands, Brookfield researched the individual members of the bands before, during and after the war including as illustrations portraits and gravesites of some of the men, photographs of instruments owned by the men, and even an occasional sheet music cover.  

The Beaufort County Historical Society, Coastal Discovery Museum and the BDC are sponsoring programs by Dr. Michael Johns about the role of Civil War bands on Thursday, January 19, 2023  in the St. Helena Branch Library,6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road and on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 in the Hilton Head Island Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road. Program start time at both locations is 11 AM. 

Registration is required for the January 19th session at St. Helena Branch Library. (The "Historically Speaking" series has a lot of groupies North of the Broad River. I expect that we'll "sell out" well before the program date.) Registration is suggested for the January 24th session at Hilton Head Branch Library. (I'm in process building a local history groupies South of the Broad River.) Those with registrations will be seated first beginning 30 minutes ahead of lecture start time. Those without registrations will be seated in any remaining seats at 10:55 AM. 

Michael Johns has spent a lifetime in music, both as a vocation and avocation. A graduate of New England Conservatory and Temple University, he received degrees in French horn performance and music history. He was featured in the April 2018 Beaufort Lifestyle magazine.

Expanding his study of history has provided a stimulating and rewarding encore career in the lowcountry, an area that has provided an outsized array of historically significant, course-changing events. One of the most consequential was its role in the Civil War, serving as a union staging, training, refitting, and recuperation hub. Music was an essential aspect of the soldier's life and bands were essential in defining daily activity, maintaining morale, comforting the wounded, and emboldening the warrior.

“Civil War Union Bands—Members, Duties, Instruments, and Music with special emphasis on Beaufort District” is a presentation about the war-time sounds and instruments heard in camp, during battle, and at social settings. Who were some of the specific bands that came through Beaufort District, what did bandsmen do, how were they treated, why were they integral to the fighting unit, what instruments and music did they play? Multiple recorded examples on period instruments will provide a varied aural sampling of what the soldier would have heard and his reaction to it. 

We hope to see you at one (or both!) of these local history opportunities.

Looking ahead: The next program after Civil War Union Bands sessions is the "Battle of Port Royal Island, 1779" with Neil Baxley on February 2, 2023 at Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street. Registration opens January 19, 2023 on the Beaufort County Historical Society website events page. 

The Library is closed Monday, January 2, 2023. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, January 3. Happy 2023 to you all.

Carolina Day Lecture 2022

The Beaufort County Historical Society and the BDC are absolutely over the Carolina moon to be able to once again host Doug Bostick, Executive Director of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust for what had become, pre-COVID-19, our annual "Carolina Day" lecture. This will be lecture 4 of the "Historically Speaking" series for 2021-2022. 

Though I usually concentrate on just the Beaufort District side of history, the "Carolina Day" lecture is held in honor of the first decisive American victory of the Revolutionary War on a date that many native South Carolinians consider our state's Independence day. It is significant - to us proud native South Carolinians - that our Independence day pre-dates the Nation's Independence Day! 

On 28 June 1776 nine British naval ships began a bombardment  of Charles Town (Charleston), the fourth largest and by far the wealthiest city in its American colonies. In a battle lasting about 9 hours, a small force of patriots comprised of South and North Carolinians and their Native American allies commanded by Colonel William Moultrie and Colonel William Thomson successfully defended the harbor and town from a sand and palmetto log fort on Sullivan's Island. Using the 31 guns inside the fort to concentrate "hot shot" fire on the British's two largest ships, American forces prevented the landing of 2500 British soldiers and marines. Patriot actions that day helped delay British occupation of Charleston for another 4 years.

The anniversary was first observed in 1777 as Fort Moultrie Day eventually becoming known as Carolina Day in 1875. In 1995 the South Carolina State Legislature formally declared June 28th as "Carolina Day". 

Join us on June 28, 2022 to hear Bostick share "The Legacy of Carolina Day" in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort at 11 AM.  Registration opens on June 14, 2022 and is required through the Beaufort County Historical Society's website. Space is limited.

BDC Local History Programs in May 2022

The BDC is co-sponsoring two local history programs during May. 

Nelle and Ora Smith will give an Author Book Talk about Paradise: Memories of Hilton Head in the Early Days on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in the St. Helena Branch Meeting Room, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road.

Their talk is part of Season 5 of the joint Beaufort History Museum/Beaufort County Library Local History series coordinated by the Library’s special collections and archives unit, the Beaufort District Collection.

When John Gettys Smith was hired as the public relations man for Charles Fraser's Sea Pines Plantation Company in 1963, he moved his young family to the Carolina lowcountry – much to the horror of his parents and in-laws. His wife Nelle McCants Smith and their daughter Ora Elliott Smith will share what it was like to live on Hilton Head from the early 1960s into 1996.

Nelle opened the first shop in Harbour Town and ran it for 25 years. Nelle helped start the first Sunday school at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, a Cub Scout troop, the PTA, and the library. Her husband was the assistant general chairman under Fraser for the Heritage Golf Classic for the PGA tournament’s first five years. He also designed the distinctive plaid worn by the champion of the tournament. Everyone – including 8 year old Ora – had to pitch in to help during those early years - and she continued to pitch in working with her mother at Nell's Harbour Shop, and later owning and managing a second Nell's Shop at Wexford Plantation. 

As Nelle explained to newspaper columnist David Lauderdale recently: “If we lacked something we felt we needed, we just started it!” In other words, the women were part of the “can-do generation” that helped transform Hilton Head Island from a quiet coastal island with only a couple of thousand inhabitants on it into the premier resort destination it is today. 

Listen, laugh, and learn with these two indomitable ladies of the Lowcountry. Registration required. Space is limited to 44 people. Sign up opens online May 3, 2022 through the Beaufort History Museum website’s events page.  Registration will close when room capacity is reached.

Two days later, the next installment of the "Historically Speaking" series co-sponsored with the Beaufort County Historical Society will be held in the First Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall at 1201 North Street in downtown Beaufort. Featured speaker, Dr. Vernon Burton, will lecture on "Beaufort's Response to Alternative Facts in the Civil War: First, Second and Third Reconstructions."

6 May 2022 Update: The direct link to the registration page is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beauforts-response-to-alternative-facts-during-reconstruction-tickets-332765198667. 

Ninety Six, South Carolina native Dr. Vernon Burton will share his insights about how the course of Reconstruction was just different in Beaufort County. His academic accomplishments are legion. He is the Judge Matthew J. Perry Jr. Distinguished Professor of History at Clemson University and a professor of sociology, Pan African studies and computer science. He spent 34 years as a professor of history, sociology and African American studies at the University of Illinois, where he is also an emeritus University Distinguished Teacher and Scholar and University Scholar. Burton served as president of the Southern Historical Association and the Agricultural History Society. He is also Executive Director of the College of Charleston's Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World program. A prolific writer, Burton has authored or edited 20 books, more than 200 articles and numerous digital humanities projects. Locally he is probably best known as the author of Penn Center : A History Preserved (2014).  The BDC has copies of both In My Father's House are Many Mansions : Family and Community in Edgefield, South Carolina (1985) and Toward the Meeting of the Waters: Currents in the Civil Rights Movement of South Carolina during the Twentieth Century (2008) which he co-edited with Winfred B. Moore, Jr. His title The Age of Lincoln (2007) won the Chicago Tribune Heartland Literary Award for Nonfiction and was selected for Book of the Month Club, History Book Club and Military Book Club. In 2017, Burton received the Governor’s Award from South Carolina Humanities. 

This session also happens to be the Beaufort County Historical Society’s Annual Meeting. Registration is required and space is limited. Sign up opens online May 5, 2022 on Eventbrite. (The Beaufort County Historical Society uses Eventbrite for its registration only events.) Registration will close when room capacity is reached.