Beaufort History Museum holds annual meeting, announces exciting 2015 exhibits

Lots of news coming from the Beaufort History Museum. The History Museum held it’s annual meeting on Monday, February 9th, at the museum’s main hall.  More than fifty museum members and guests attended.

President Anna Schaffer reported that 2014 was an historic year for the museum, which saw a move back to the Arsenal boost public interest in its exhibits and fuel a dramatic increase in visitors.  She predicted that the coming year would be even more dynamic, with several exhibits and a variety of events planned.

“The past year was very busy for us and due to the hard work of our Board, Docents and volunteers we were able to successfully move from our former site in City Hall to The Arsenal”,Beaufort History Museum holds annual meeting, announces its 2015 exhibits Schaffer said.  “This required a significant amount of coordination and labor, but once we completed our transition everything moved forward in an extremely positive way.  Now we are preparing for some very informative and interesting exhibits and a major spring fundraiser.”

The upcoming exhibit openings and events include:

May 3   –        Textile Exhibit: A presentation of period dress including undergarments, clothing, hats, jewelry and accessories.

May 12  –       Spring FundraiserRevealed! The Intimate Secrets of a Victorian   Woman. Celebrated author and historic reenactor Kim Poovey opens a door to an opulent past as she recreates the “corsets to crinolines” female dressing rituals of the Victorian age at a lavish Tea Party at Dataw Island.

October 131  – Hoodoo – That Old Black Magic still lives in Beaufort County.  Brought by the slaves from West Africa to plantations of the Lowcountry, this blending of Christianity, herb medicine and the supernatural makes for spellbinding stories of Boo Hags, Conjure Women and Witch Doctors.  The Hoodoo Exhibit is an imaginative creation by artists Bernice and Andy Tate.

November 1- January 2016Our Yard Farm Home:  Photographs and memories of 20th Century St. Helena Island by Sonny and Elizabeth Later Bishop.

Among the other business conducted at the annual meeting, four members were named to the Board of Directors.  Donnie Beer, Lorrie Burleyknoles, Carol Lauvray and Carla Marsh were elected to serve three-year terms. Mayor Billy Keyserling spoke briefly at the meeting.  He stressed the importance of the museum’s mission, which is to tell the story of Beaufort’s history to visitors as well as local residents.  He also had encouraging words about the organization’s success in the past year.

Kim Poovey, dressed in Victorian garb, presented an entertaining performance showcasing “the language of the fan”, explaining the many ways that a Victorian lady communicated with prospective suitors simply by how she held her fan. Following the meeting many of the members and guests left the Arsenal and walked the short distance to the Beaufort Inn to extend the convivial spirit of the event and to enjoy a delicious prearranged dinner.

The Beaufort History Museum has evolved to focus specifically on the history of the Beaufort District.  It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16th Century until modern times.

The Arsenal address is 713 Craven Street. The BHM hours of operation are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Saturday and Noon – 5 PM on Sunday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. A donation of $5.00 per visitor ($4.00 for Seniors) is required.  Children and active military are admitted free of charge.  The organization maintains a website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.com