A Sea Island Lady Celebration at HBF - Slots Going Fast!!!!

Update: Session #1 sold out so quickly that Session #2 has been added. Details are on the HBF website www.historicbeaufort.org.


Some say that A Sea Island Lady is the best book ever written about Beaufort's past. At least the parts about the effect of the Great Sea Island Hurricane and phosphate mining bear obvious signs of diligent historical research. However,  A Sea Island Lady is one of those books one either loves or hates. Many local residents and visitors fall into the "Love" category. To capitalize on all that love, Historic Beaufort Foundation is hosting several fund-raising events in September to celebrate the book and its author, Francis Griswold, an HBF benefactor.

The original session set for 25 September - Dinner & A Lecture "Reading Nineteenth-Century Beaufort in Francis Griswold's A Sea Island Lady"  with Dr. Mollie Barnes $ sold out so quickly that a second session has been added. Tickets are expected to go quickly for Session #2 - which actually so don't delay! Details are on the HBF website www.historicbeaufort.org.

30 September - A Sea Island Lady Walking Tour $

Exhibit about author Francis Griswold in the Verdier House $

Tickets may be ordered online at www.historicbeaufort.org/shop or by calling the HBF office at 843.379.3331.

A reminder:

All units of the Beaufort County Library will be closed on Monday, September 4th in honor of Labor Day. Regular schedule at all locations will resume Tuesday, September 5th.

For now the Beaufort District Collection is usually open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm. Access on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is by advance appointment only. Please make the necessary arrangements by calling 843-255-6468 or by e-mailing bdc@bcgov.net.

Please note: We do not monitor emails or telephone calls after 5pm weekdays, on Saturdays, Sundays, or on holidays. We are not a 24/7/365 work place.

On another topic, the Beaufort Branch Library is going to pilot a curbside delivery service beginning Tuesday, September 5th. Read all about that in the Library's News and Notes.

Spring Book Sale

Reminder: The Friends of the Beaufort Library: Beaufort, Lobeco and St. Helena Branches (FOL) will hold its annual Spring Book Sale from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm this Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Beaufort Branch Library.  The sale will include thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, audio books and more at very reasonable and often discounted prices. Proceeds support supplemental programs and special needs of Beaufort Branch, Lobeco Branch, St. Helena Branch, and Beaufort District Collection.

Spring Book Sale - April 26

If you’re looking for a great deal on books, The Friends of the Beaufort Library: Beaufort, Lobeco and St. Helena Branches (FOL) will hold its annual Spring Book Sale from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Beaufort Branch Library located at 311 Scott Street in Beaufort, SC. The sale will include thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, audio books and more at very reasonable and often discounted prices. 

Their press release states:"As with all our book sales, the proceeds will help fund programs for children, teens and adults at the three branches we service – downtown Beaufort, Lobeco and St. Helena Island. Programs we fund include the Summer Reading Programs for all age groups, special events like Books Sandwiched In, and of course, purchase and lease of reading materials. All are among the many materials and programs the FOL helps underwrite.”

The FOL Beaufort Library is being too modest. The group has even been known to help the Beaufort District Collection with special requests. For example, in October 2013 they contributed funds to help with the catering of Dr. Stephen Wise's keynote lecture of the One County Reads the Civil War series, "Beaufort District and the Civil War." In the past they've funded hurricane screens to finish off encasing the 2nd floor after the BDC relocated upstairs.

We appreciate their help - and we encourage you to patronize their Spring Book Sale on April 26th.

 

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  

Fall Book Sale

It's almost that time again!  The Friends of the Beaufort Library annual Fall book sale is this weekend, Sept. 27 - 29.

This book sale is the main fundraiser for the FOL with all proceeds benefiting the Beaufort County Public Library branches in Beaufort, Lobeco and St. Helena Island (and the Beaufort District Collection, too! In FY 2013, the Beaufort Friends purchased additional hurricane screens to finish off the 2nd floor of the 311 Scott Street Library building to better protect the contents of the BDC. Most recently, we received some money to help fund aspects of the "Civil War 150" programming we're still in the process of bringing to you.  Thank you, Beaufort Library Friends.)

For details about the book sale: http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/event/waterfront-park/friends-beaufort-library-fall-book-sale-2

Please consider supporting them during the 30th annual FOL Fall Book Sale. Drop by the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, September 27-29, 2013, to find some bargains and treasures!

Polar Bears, Pelicans, and Half- Naked People

It seldom gets cold enough in coastal South Carolina to properly execute a true polar bear plunge but, hey, we try! If one is so inclined, (I most definitely am not!) here's a local option "jump-in-the-ocean" opportunity on New Year's Day 2012 for you to consider:

The 4th Annual Pelican Plunge co-sponsored by Hunting Island State Park and its Friends group with proceeds applied to supporting the "Discover SC" program.

Cheerleaders accepted!

Can't decide whether to take the plunge? Perhaps this 5:10 minute video of the 2011 Plunge posted by participant wmike83 will help you make up your mind.

Shopping for that perfect gift for a History Buff?

Disappointed by Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and Cyber Monday? Still looking for that perfect gift for your history buff? Here are a few online retailers connected to cultural heritage organizations that might be worth a look-see:

• The National Archives e-store
• The South Carolina Online Mall (The reproduction Mills Atlas map of Beaufort District is quite nice - and only $20!)
  
• The South Carolina Historical Society - Choose the Gift Shop label then click on each category (books, prints, software, and gifts) to see what is on offer.

Don't like doing business online? Are you more likely to leave things to the last minute? Consider this, then, and support local historical cultural heritage organizations. A number of the members of the Beaufort County Historical Resources Consortium have a gift store or have Friends organizations which operate a gift store with proceeds going to their beloved institution.

For example, Coastal Discovery Museum has a gift shop. Although the BDC doesn't offer items for sale, the Friends of the Beaufort County Library operate a book store in the Beaufort Branch Library with proceeds going to supplement the County's funding for Beaufort Branch, Lobeco Branch, St. Helena Branch and the Beaufort District Collection. Content changes often. You can support the BDC - and give a pristine copy of a novel - in one small cash exchange.

An alternative way to give the gift of local history is to purchase a membership for a beloved one to a Beaufort County based cultural heritage organization. Oh, the choices you will have! Historic Beaufort Foundation, Bluffton Historical Preservation Society, the Heritage Library, Penn Center, Coastal Discovery Museum, the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, Beaufort County Historical Society, Beaufort History Museum, and/or the Public Library Foundation among others would each appreciate your financial and moral support. Prices and benefits of membership vary.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

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!

HBF Tours October 22 - 24

Historic Beaufort Foundation Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens is being held October 22, 23, and 24th.

Extra added attractions scheduled for the Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens, include:

 Book signing in the Verdier House drawing room by John Warley and Pat Conroy – October 23, 4 – 7 p.m. Warley’s new book, Bethesda’s Child, features a foreword by Conroy, Warley’s Citadel classmate. Conroy will be signing his own books also. A portion of each book sold benefits HBF. 801 Bay Street.

 The Hallelujah Singers in Concert at First Presbyterian Church, 1201 North Street – October 23, $25 per ticket.

Call 379-3331 for reservations or go online to purchase tickets: www.historicbeaufort.org. A portion of the proceeds benefits HBF.

Sorry, folks, but I can't think of a direct and entertaining "archival" connection between the houses on the tour and "Archives Month" other than to say the Beaufort District Collection has vertical files on both the Verdier House and family as well as a Beaufort County Historical Society Paper about First Presbyterian Church and a vertical file about it under the heading "Churches--First Presbyterian Church."

Friends Annual Fall Book Sale is on now!

Friends Annual Fall Book Sale is the largest fundraiser by the Friends, with proceeds going back into the library system.

I can attest to their generosity to the library system. Without them, the BDC would still be stuck in way too tight quarters downstairs.

The relocation of the BDC to the 2nd floor would not have been possible without their leadership and financial support. They did much of the organizing of the BDC Compact Shelves fund-raiser last year, gave $20,000 of seed money for the compact shelving array, and even ceded some book sorting space for us to make best use of floor space.

The north of Broad Friends group has always helped protect the "Wonders of the Beaufort District Collection" by funding furniture, equipment, preservation supplies, cash matches to grants, etc. when we've needed them. Thank you, Friends.

So I encourage each and every reader, to head down to Waterfront Park this weekend, grab some literary finds and help support the Library!

Henry C.Chambers Waterfront Park Friday, Sept. 24; Saturday, Sept. 25; and Sunday, Sept. 26

Friday, Noon until 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sunday, noon until 4 p.m.

Compact Shelving Update

I am delighted to announce that we cleared a major hurdle today. The Public Facilities committee of the Beaufort County Council approved our request for funding of the compact shelving array for the Paul Siegmund Room around 5 pm this afternoon. Hurray! David Hughes, County Engineering, did a good job of presenting our request.

The full Council will discuss the matter on 12 April. Keep your fingers crossed that the project gets approved, the shelves installed, and the collection relocated to the 2nd floor before Hurricane Season 2010 begins June 1st.

Thanks to all who've donated to the Compact Shelving Fundraiser. Your advocacy and donations have been crucial in getting the project this far.

Compact Shelving Fund-raiser Update

This just in from Sandra Saad, Director of Development and Marketing:

As promised, here is our latest update on the Beaufort District Collection Fundraising effort....Our total raised to date is $35,545!

For more information, please contact Sandra Saad, ssaad@bcgov.net or call the Office of Development and Marketing at its office telephone: 843.470.6545.

Time to Register for Drawing Extended

I found out just this morning that the Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County is extending the period during which a donation to the Compact Shelving Fund will also enter your name into the drawing.

If your donation is received by the Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County before November 30th, your name will be placed in a Friends of the Beaufort County Library drawing to win an autographed copy of A History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, vol. 1 by Dr. Larry Rowland.

Checks should be made out to the "Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County" with a notation that your donation is for the "Beaufort District Collection" compact shelving project.

Mailing Address:

Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County
311 Scott Street, Suite 201
Beaufort, South Carolina 29902


Any donation that you can make to help us reach our goal of $85,000 will be graciously appreciated. We really need proper storage for the "Treasures of the Beaufort District Collection." We cannot be good stewards of the historic materials entrusted to us without your financial help in raising the necessary funds to purchase the mobile, high density storage. Please help if you can.

Why Compact Shelves and Why Now?

Click here to see my sales pitch about why the BDC must have compact shelving upstairs before we can move.

The Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County is the fiscal agent for the BDC compact shelving fund-raiser.

You may contact Sandra Saad, Director of Marketing and Development or Miriam Mitchell, her associate, for details.

Checks should be made out to the "Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County" with a notation that your donation is for the "Beaufort District Collection" compact shelving project. [The PLF is currently raising money for another project as well. If you want your donation to go towards the BDC compact shelving project, please indicate this clearly on your donation.]

Mailing Address:

Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County
311 Scott Street, Suite 201
Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

If you can see your way clear to donate funds towards the project, please do.

If your donation is received by the Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County before October 28th, your name will be placed in a Friends of the Beaufort County Library drawing to win an autographed copy of A History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, vol. 1 by Dr. Larry Rowland.

Any donation that you can make to help us reach our goal of $85,000 will be graciously appreciated.