Historic preservation and education in our neighborhood
Broad balconies and swinging Spanish moss evoke memories of times gone-by in Beaufort. The Historic Beaufort Foundation, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, is dedicated to preserving, protecting and presenting artifacts and sites of historical interest throughout the county to ensure that locals not only appreciate those balconies, but also understand their historical significance. The organization is participating in the upcoming Lowcountry Giving Day on May 5th to promote two key projects: the John Mark Verdier House Museum and Frogmore Lodge.
Significant as the only planter’s house in Beaufort open to the public, The Verdier House is an ongoing project of the Historic Beaufort Foundation as they maintain the character of the home while hosting educational activities. One such activity educates Beaufort’s third graders through a special museum program. With funds from Lowcountry Giving Day, the organization hopes to expand that program to fifth and eighth graders as well.
Frogmore Lodge is a very different kind of restoration project. Maxine Lutz, Executive Director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation, explained, “Frogmore Lodge is representative of many modest homes built in Beaufort after the Civil War by freedmen and was constructed in response to the economic boom in Beaufort in the late 19th century. When our work is complete, we will market it for residential or neighborhood commercial use.” The only piece of work that remains to be done for Frogmore Lodge is the foundation, and the Historic Beaufort Foundation hopes that funds from Lowcountry Giving Day will also allow them to kick start this project.
If the Historic Beaufort Foundation can raise $10,000 or more on May 5th from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. at www.lowcountrygivingday.org, a generous anonymous donor will provide an additional $10,000 to the organization, giving them the opportunity to raise $20,000 in a single day. Stop by 208 Scott Street from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 5th for a “Giving in the Garden” party to enjoy refreshments and make a gift to Historic Beaufort Foundation.
Each week, Coastal Community Foundation highlights organizations, donors and other charitable news in The Philanthropy Corner. If you’re interested in learning more about philanthropy in the Lowcountry, reach out to our regional Stewardship Officer, Gloria Duryea, at Gloria@CoastalCommunityFoundation.org or (843) 379-3400.
