Beaufort History Museum presents retrospective exhibit

Event honors Fine Arts Committee, will be final show before museum moves to new home

The Beaufort History Museum is looking to its fabled past to create a retrospective art event even as it looks to the future, anticipating with excitement a move back home to the historic Arsenal next month. To commemorate a time during the l960’s that saw the art collection develop and grow, the museum board of directors will honor members of the Fine Arts Committee with an exhibit showcasing pieces in the museum’s own collection as well as the work of local artists and works with a local influence. The exhibit will be presented from June 9 – 24 at the museum, which is currently located at Beaufort City Hall.

From left: Docents Mary Mollison and Carol Lauvray with featured art.

Anna Schaffer, Beaufort History Museum board president, announced the exhibit. “We are extremely excited by this opportunity to host an event to honor The Fine Arts Committee, which was so instrumental in procuring pieces of art for the museum’s permanent collection”, she said. “This is especially important since it is the final exhibit at the museum’s current location before we move to our new space at The Arsenal in Beaufort’s historic district.”

Many recognized leaders in the community served on the Fine Arts Committee and remained a strong support group with active volunteers through the 1970’s. They actively sought local artists, as well as artists from throughout the country, to donate to the collection. Many of the pieces in the current collection are the results of their efforts. More than 50 pieces of art are now being stored in the museum.

Schaffer said that the museum will display local art and art with a local influence for a period of 12 business days at the City Hall location prior to the museum’s move. A cocktail party will be held onsite for families and the art community on the opening day of the exhibit. Visitors from the community will be welcome at the museum during the week of the art show during regular museum hours.

The board will also host a mid-week social for the Young Friends of the Museum at Wined it Up, the Bay Street wine bar. Select pieces of art will be displayed.

The Beaufort History Museum was originally chartered in 1939. It has evolved to focus specifically on the deep and rich 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. Through community engagement, children’s programs, educational opportunities and social events, the museum provides many services to visitors and local residents.

The Beaufort History Museum is currently located at 1911 Boundary Street on the first floor of the Beaufort City Hall. It will be relocating to the Arsenal, 713 Craven Street, after July 14, 2014.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docents on duty to provide information and conduct tours. A donation of $3 per visitor is requested. Children are admitted free of charge. The organization maintains a website at www.beauforthistorymuseum.org.