Support History This Holiday Season

Beaufort County is blessed to have more than a dozen cultural heritage agencies, many of which hosting special events and programs during December. Why not support local history and cultural heritage organizations - and entertain your holiday guests - at the same time?  (Please be sure to check with each institution about its holiday hours.)  

Old World Christmas Gala 

Description of event:  Come support historic preservation in Bluffton with BHPS and friends. Enjoy a traditional meal and dance the night away under the stars in a live oak grove near the Oyster Factory Park on the May River. Period dress is encouraged, hoop skirts are optional.
Time and date of event:  Friday, Dec. 13th from 6-10 pm
Location of event: Colcock-Teel Property, 46 Colcock Street, Bluffton
Price:  Fee.
Contact: 843-757-6293; info@heywardhouse.org


Beaufort Model Railroaders Exhibit
Description of event: Scaled models of trains run through cities, countryside, and villages and towns courtesy of the Beaufort Model Railroaders hobby group.  For the young and young-at-heart!  A time-honored and celebrated tradition for more than 20 years at Beaufort Branch Library. 

Time and date of event:  Tuesday, Dec. 17th - Saturday, Dec. 21st during regular Beaufort Branch Library hours.

Location of event: Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, 1st floor, Beaufort
Price:  Free.
Contact: 843-255-6456; www.beaufortcountylibrary.org

Beaufort County's Most Hated Man: William Henry Brisbane, Planter-Turned-Abolitionist
Description of event: Dr. J. Brent Morris (USC-B) discusses how Brisbane, a staunch supporter of slavery and a plantation until the 1830s had a turn of heart and became an active abolitionist.  In the 1840s he sold his land and moved to Ohio, only to return to his birthplace as a Federal Tax Commissioner during the Civil War.  On January 1, 1863, it was Brisbane who publicly read the Emancipation Proclamation in Beaufort - including to some men and women who he had owned. 

Time and date of event:  Wednesday, Dec. 18th at 3 pm

Location of event: Coastal Discovery Museum,
Price:  Fee.
Contact: Reservations and details:  843-689-6767, ext. 223 www.coastaldiscovery.org

PS: For those of you who live North of the Broad River, Dr. Morris will be speaking about Brisbane during the Beaufort County Historical Society meeting at the Beaufort Yacht Club on Jan. 16th, too.

First South Carolina Volunteers Exhibit
Description of event: As a special treat to the residents of Beaufort County, the Beaufort History Museum is offering free admission during December.  The First South Carolina Volunteers exhibit closes on December 22nd.
Time and date of event:  10 am - 4 pm, Monday through Fridays; 1 - 4 pm Sundays
Location of event: Beaufort History Museum, 1911 Boundary Street, Beaufort (In Town Hall) 

Price: Free for residents during December; Fee for everyone else.

Contact: 843-277-1443; www.beauforthistorymuseum.com

Parris Island Museum
Description of event: In addition to documenting the history of the United States Marine Corps, Parris Island Museum has exhibits about the Spanish and French settlements on the island and the Civil War history of the area.
Time and date of event:  10 am - 4:30 pm, Daily (closed Christmas Day)
Location of event: Parris Island Museum, 111 Panama Street, Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Price: Free.
Contact: 843-228-2951; http://parrisislandmuseum.com/

Civil War Exhibits at the John Mark Verdier House
Description of event: Historic Beaufort Foundation maintains the John Mark Verdier House museum.  Historic images illustrate text panels of the town during the Civil War and there is a scale-model diorama of Bay Street 1863 currently under construction.  In addition with paid admission, visitors can see "Robert Smalls: Beaufort Hero" and the "Unsurrendered Flag" featuring the history of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery and its recently restored 1858 flag.
Time and date of event:  10 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Saturday 
Location of event: John Mark Verdier House, 801 Bay Street, Beaufort

Price: Some free; some fee.
Contact: 379-6335; historicbeaufort.org

York W. Bailey Museum

Description of event: The Education for Freedom permanent exhibit chronicles Penn Center's most important history as a place of education, leadership and service, offering a glimpse into the stories of the Gullah Geechee people whose lives were changed by this important American institution. Rare artifacts, photographs, writings, and letters documenting Sea Island life during the 18th-20th century are on display.

Time and date of event:  9 am - 4 pm, Mondays through Saturdays 
Location of event: Cope Building, Penn Center Historic District, St. Helena Island
Price: Fee.

Contact:  843-838-2474



N.B. Please forgive the formatting issues. On the creation page, this looks just fine, all spacing, typefaces, and size of font are the same.  The posted version looks different because the free version of Blogspot (what we have to use) gets a little off kilter when one cuts-and-pastes text and images and proceeds to resize things to suit itself. Alas, it's the price one pays for free versions of software and a desire to "pretty" things up for readers. 

Upcoming Events: BHPS

Our sister cultural heritage agency, the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society, continues exploring the Civil War with its next program, "Clothing and Textiles of the Civil War with Kim Poovey," a local author, story-teller, and re-enactor.   Thursday Nov. 7th at 11 am in the Heyward House Historic Center, 70 Boundary Street, Bluffton.  $3 suggested donation. Contact Maureen Richards, mrichards@heywardhouse.org.

Make plans now to attend the "Old World Christmas Gala." Proceeds support historical preservation in Bluffton.  Enjoy a traditional meal and dance the night away under the stars in a live oak grove near Oyster Factory Park on the May River.  Period dress is encouraged, hoop skirts are optional.  Friday Dec. 13^th from 6-10 pm on the Colcock-Teel Property, 46 Colcock Street, Bluffton.  Fee. Contact information: Maureen Richards, mrichards@heywardhouse.org  

"Battle of Pocotaligo" at Bluffton's Colcock-Teel House

Our partner in "One County Reads the Civil War," the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society is hosting Chris Clayton, Oct. 10th. BHPS would appreciate a small donation, if one were so inclined.

To get ready, read through this former Connections post about the Battle : http://beaufortdistrictcollectionconnections.blogspot.com/2012/10/150th-anniversary-skirmish-of-pocotaligo.html. 

Thank You! Humanities Council of South Carolina

The Humanities Council of South Carolina is sponsoring aspects of our "One County Reads the Civil War" project, both directly and indirectly.  The Humanities CouncilSC is a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture and heritage.

More than a few of our programs are being headed by recognized SC Humanities Scholars. In fact, Dr. Stephen Wise who was our reception speaker on Sept. 14th is a 2013 recipient of the Governor's Award for the Humanities. Established in 1991, the Governor’s Awards in the Humanities recognize outstanding achievement in humanities research, teaching, and scholarship; institutional and individual participation in community-based programs that promote public understanding of ideas and issues related to the humanities; excellence defining South Carolina’s cultural life to the nation or world; and exemplary support for public humanities programs.

Ron Roth, Dr. Will Goins, Dr. David Thompson, Jim Jordan, and Joe McGill are all SC Humanities Scholars involved in programs during the series at the Library or with one of our partners. For example, Joe McGill held a program on Slave Dwellings for the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society on Sept. 5th.  McGill is leading a discussion of the film Glory! at the USC-B Center for the Arts on Friday evening, Sept. 20th, and then it's on to the encampment of the United States Colored Troops, 10 am - 4 pm, in the Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal. The Beaufort History Museum is sponsoring Glory! and the USCT encampment - both of which are open to the public - and free! of charge.

The "Let's Talk About It" series being held at Beaufort Branch during October is funded by the HumanitiesCouncilSC. Details and registration:  (843) 255-6458.

Thank you Humanities CouncilSC! Your help has been instrumental in both the BDC's "Civil War 150" and the Library system's "One County Reads the Civil War" project.

Remembering the Burning of Bluffton

From Burning of Bluffton map, BHPS

On June 4, 1863, over 75% of Bluffton was burned by Union forces. Join the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society and friends to commemorate this significant Beaufort District event.  Festivities will be held Saturday, June 9th, 6pm –9 pm at the Heyward House Historic Center (corner of Bridge St. & Boundary St.).  Food, art, and music will be on offer. 

For details: call 843-757-6293 or visit www.heywardhouse.org. 

Civil War Symposium

Penn Center, the University of South Carolina/Beaufort and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Beaufort are hosting a Civil War Symposium on Fri., Nov. 11th from 9 am until Noon in the USC Performing Arts Center.

• Civil War photography expert, Bob Zeller, will present Lincoln in 3D, a complete stereoscopic slide show on the history of the presidency of Abraham Lincoln and the battlefield photography of America’s epic Civil War.
  
• The panel presentation will also include Dr. Stephen Wise, historian and Director of the Parris Island Museum, who will present on “The Battle of Port Royal” and Dr. Larry Rowland, distinguished professor at the University of SC-Beaufort, who will speak about his new book, The Civil War in South Carolina.
  
• Re-enactor Donald Sweeper will begin with an opening monologue on Robert Smalls, Civil War hero and statesman. A book signing will be held after the panel presentation.

The Penn Center will also present a living history program by the 54^th Massachusetts Regiment Re-enactors on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Heritage Days Celebration, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Fee. For reservations or tickets, please call the Penn Center at (843) 838-2432 or visit their website at www.penncenter.com.

Don't forget: The Beaufort County Library is closed tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 11th to observe Veterans Day.

Coker on Monday

Burning of Bluffton Commemoration June 4

Union forces set Bluffton ablaze on June 4, 1863. The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society is commemorating this historic event with two programs, Saturday, June 4, 2011:

1) The Heyward House will be open for free tours, tea and storytelling from 11 am – 2 pm.

2) That evening, beginning at 6 pm, the Colcock-Teel House will be the site of a Lowcountry Boil and Music event. Fee.

For a PDF of the poster, click http://bchrc.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/burning-poster-email8x11.pdf. (This version of blogger.com doesn't support PDF files as images nor will my computer let me convert the PDF to a jpeg or gif which this version of Blogger does support. Sorry.)

Holiday Season Activities

Want something festive to do to put you into the holiday spirit, that at the same time offers financial and/or moral support to organizations committed to the preservation of cultural heritage in Beaufort County? Visit a local cultural heritage institution, take a local holiday tour, or dance beneath the stars!

Friday is Beaufort's "Night on the Town." The Beaufort Branch Library will be open extended hours. Entertainment will be provided by Amanda Brewer, the "singing librarian" and Dennis Adams, who remains the Library's Information Services Coordinator. (I heard them practicing earlier today. I promise that you will enjoy the bluesy renditions of favorite holiday songs.)

This Saturday, Dec. 4th, the Beaufort County Historical Society is holding its 2nd Annual Tour of Churches from 10 am - 4 pm. This year there are 6 churches on tour, special performances, and even the opportunity for lunch. Fee for the tour; optional lunch is an additional $10 (RSVP to Louise Williams 525-6799 or 986-8759 about the lunch). Tour tickets are available at the participating Churches, LuLu Burgess on Bay St, or by contacting Pamela Ovens or call 843-785-2767.

Bluffton Historical Preservation Society is hosting a Victorian Christmas Party in the Colcock-Teel House on Friday December 10th from 6:30 pm -10 pm. Fee includes party and a 2011 BHPS membership. The house will be decorated for viewing. Dinner and dancing will be held in the live oak grove across the street (under a tent with outdoor heaters). More information: Maureen Richards, Bluffton Historical Preservation Society 843.757.6293 - Heyward House 843.304.2737 - cell; 843.706.2938 - fax; www.heywardhouse.org

A slightly different approach is being taken by Historic Beaufort Foundation. HBF is hosting a Leighton & Co. Jewelry Trunk Show, Thursday, December 9, 11 am -5 pm at the Verdier House on 801 Bay Street. A portion of all sales will be donated to Historic Beaufort Foundation. Shop for friends and family or even yourself while supporting HBF. Details: Maxine Lutz 843-379-3331 or visit www.historicbeaufort.org online.

Although the "Tabby Tour" on our website isn't part of any specific holiday festivities, should you want to take a "no-cost" approach while entertaining your guests who have interests in archaeology, architecture, or cultural heritage tourism in general, you can print-out our "Tabby" article and the self-guided tour map designed by Ian deNeeve, and have a grand time looking at the tabby ruins around downtown Beaufort.

Another "freebie but goodie" is the Parris Island Museum. Take your guests (or yourself) to see the Santa Elena exhibit or to learn more about the history of the Marine Corps. There's a self-guided "Iron Mike" tour map available on the web.

Coastal Discovery Museum's "Grass Roots" exhibit leaves January 11th so there's still time to catch it. If you go on Dec. 6th, you can attend the 3rd Annual Lowcountry Holiday Market.

Penn Center has programs and exhibits that locals and visitors can enjoy regardless of season.

Enjoy!

Do you have your tickets yet?

T'is the season for tours of historic structures and sites! Sister cultural heritage organizations in Beaufort County sponsor these fund-raisers. Perhaps one (or more) of them will suit your particular interests perfectly.

Historic Beaufort Foundation Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens is being held October 22, 23, and 24th. The online brochure gives you additional information about the sites and how to purchase your ticket.

Beaufort County Historical Society 2nd Annual Tour of Historic Churches will occur on Sat., Dec. 4th. Contact the Beaufort County Historical Society for additional information.

The following Saturday, Dec. 11th, head South of Broad for the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society Christmas Tour of Homes in Old Town Bluffton. The tour hours are from Noon until 5 pm. Contact the BHPS for more information and tickets.

Coastal Discovery Museum has started its weekly "Patriots and Planters Tour" which includes a guided tour of the Zion Chapel of Ease cemetery. Learn about the role of Hilton Head Island residents during the American Revolution. Contact Coastal Discovery Museum to register.

Heritage Tourism -- House Tours in Bluffton

As you know, heritage tourism includes visiting historic homes, churches, and gardens -- all of which Beaufort County is blessed to have in abundance. You can take a tour of some of these places South of the Broad River and help fund historic preservation efforts at our sister cultural heritage agency, Bluffton Historical Preservation Society, Inc. next month. Five historic homes and one contemporary home in Bluffton are scheduled for the tour which will take place from 12:30 - 5:30 pm on December 12th.

On display are:

The Heyward House - Built in 1840
The Card House - Built in 1825
The Pine House - Built in 1905
The Patz Brothers Home - Built in 1892
The Pritchard House - Built in 1890
The Guscio Cottage - a newly constructed contemporary cottage

To reserve tickets, or for more information, please contact the Heyward House at 843-757-6293 or visit HBPS on the web at www.heywardhouse.org.