The Voice of the Verdier House: 1804-2017 will be the topic at Historic Beaufort Foundation’s 51st annual membership meeting from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, March 23.

Maxine Lutz, HBF’s executive director, will speak on behalf of the house, which has stood overlooking Bay Street for four centuries. It was the flagship project that newly-minted preservationists undertook in the 1940s and which remains an icon of Beaufort’s historic preservation movement to date.

As one of three residences remaining in the downtown core which date to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it is the only one that remains in its original residential format today without exterior or interior changes.

Lutz, who has worked at the foundation for 19 years, four of those as executive director, will offer a view of the house through its photographic and recorded history, revealing its past, present and the vision for its future. Selected artifacts belonging to the Verdiers will also be displayed.&nbsp;

The work of Historic Beaufort Foundation in restoring it was "an inspiration to the city and a gift to Bay Street," said Lutz.&nbsp;

It draws thousands of visitors annually and has become a venue for many of HBF’s educational events, including exhibits, summer camps, lectures and school tours.

In addition to the program, HBF will announce its 2016 Preservation Awards and elect officers and trustees. A reception will follow the program with wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $15/$25 per member/member couple; $20/$30 per nonmember/nonmember couple.

Call 843-379-3331 for reservations.