“The Spanish American War: More Than a Run Up a Hill” will be the topic of Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Dinner & a Lecture, Monday, March 26, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Verdier House, 801 Bay St. The lecture is part of a kick off for a new exhibit at the Verdier House, “Fort Fremont: Homeland Security 1898” being sponsored by the Friends of Fort Fremont.
Dr. Mark Barnes, retired historian and senior archaeologist with the National Park Service, will use period photography, illustrations, and images collected during research on an annotated bibliography of the 1898 War with Spain and the Philippine Insurrection to discuss the conflict, its outcome and some aspects from this war that are still with the United States of the present.
The largely forgotten 100-day conflict touched Beaufort County with the construction and occupation of Fort Fremont on St. Helena Island and, according to Barnes, contributed to healing hard feelings remaining after the Civil War. The hospitality of the Charleston people to the northern National Guard troops was reported all across the nation.
Barnes’ lecture is a feature of the new Verdier House exhibit on Fort Fremont which opens to the public Friday, March 23. He will discuss the participation of South Carolina in the 1898 war, addressing current efforts to preserve the fort and interpret the significance of the site.
Open to HBF members and non-members, the lecture series takes place on the second floor of the Verdier House, and features a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The talks are presented from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by audience questions. A three-course dinner at Saltus River Grill is offered at $19 per person for attendees at the lecture. Admission to the lecture is $15/$25 per member/member couple respectively, and $20/$30 per non-member/non-member couple respectively. Seating is limited; call 379-3331 to make reservations. Reservations at Saltus must be made separately by calling 379-3474.
HBF Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the members of Historic Beaufort Foundation will be held Monday, March 19 at Old Bay Marketplace Loft and Rooftop Deck, 917 Bay St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Featured speaker is Nancy Tinker, Preservation Specialist with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Foundation’s annual recognition of preservation projects and preservationists will be announced and election of new officers and trustees will be held.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Catering by Debbie Covington. Tickets are $20 per person. Reservations can be made and membership status can be checked by calling HBF at 379-3331. Reservations must be made by Friday, March 16.
