Historic Beaufort Foundation

06/22/2026

A Dialog Across Centuries

What would happen if Benjamin Franklin could sit down with today’s historians and discuss the ideas that helped shape a nation?

Join Historic Beaufort Foundation and the Beaufort County 250th Commission for A Dialog Across Centuries, an engaging evening featuring renowned actor GregRobin Smith as Benjamin Franklin in conversation with historians Dr. John McCardell and Dr. Larry Rowland.

Set in the historic Parish Hall of St. Helena’s Anglican Church, this unique program explores the enduring principles of liberty, unity, and the American experience through the eyes of one of our nation’s most influential Founding Fathers.

📅 6:15 p.m. (July 1st)
📍 Parish Hall, St. Helena’s Anglican Church
🎟️ Tickets: $40 ( https://historicbeaufort.org/shop-hbf/architects-tour/a-dialog-across-centuries/ )

Don’t miss this memorable opportunity to experience history brought to life while reflecting on the ideals that continue to shape our country today.

A Founding Father's Lowcountry Escape | Find out where Ben Franklin will be in Beaufort County June 29th, 2026 in Bluffton Brunch With Ben USCB Bluffton Campus | 10:30am GregRobin Smith, performing as Benjamin Franklin, presents a first-person program exploring Franklin's life, ideas, and legacy thr...

06/15/2026

Join us as we celebrate history, heritage, and the enduring spirit of liberty.

On July 1 at 2:00 p.m., the Historic Beaufort Foundation invites the community to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park for “Putting Down the Roots of Liberty,” a special South Carolina Day celebration featuring living history interpreter GregRobin Smith as Benjamin Franklin.

The event will include a dedication ceremony, a living history presentation, and the planting of a Liberty Tree scion sapling—creating a living landmark that symbolizes American unity and our shared commitment to preserving history for future generations.

Date: July 1
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park (West Street Entrance)
Rain Location: Pavilion

This free community event is presented in partnership with the City of Beaufort, Beaufort 250, the Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Rhett House Inn, and the Sons of the American Revolution.

06/06/2026

From Bach to Vivaldi to the Beatles, Avanti Guitar Trio took the audience on a delightful musical journey today during the final performance of our 2026 Music Salon Series.

HBF is honored to partner with Dr Steve Rosenberg on our annual Music Salon Series. His vision and passion for early music has introduced so many world class musicians to Beaufort as a part of the annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

⭐️Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the renovation and opening of the John Mark Verdier House in 1976 as a historic house museum.

06/05/2026

Historic preservation is about more than saving buildings.

It's about protecting community identity, honoring those who came before us, and ensuring the places we love continue to inspire future generations. Since 1965, Historic Beaufort Foundation has served as a leading advocate for preservation throughout Beaufort County, helping protect sites, artifacts, and neighborhoods that tell the story of the Lowcountry.

When we preserve history, we preserve the character of Beaufort itself.

06/03/2026

What makes Beaufort unlike anywhere else?

From centuries-old homes and churches to streets lined with live oaks and historic neighborhoods, Beaufort's National Historic Landmark District reflects nearly 300 years of architectural and cultural history. Historic Beaufort Foundation helps preserve this remarkable legacy while advocating for thoughtful growth and community livability.

The framework of Beaufort's future can often be found in the stories of its past.

06/03/2026

HBF held our 59th Annual Membership meeting tonight at Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe.

A highlight of the evening was recognizing Dr. Steve Wise with HBF’s highest honor- The Howard Danner Lifetime Achievement Award for Historic Preservation. Dr. Wise retired on Friday as director of the Parris Island Museum and Cultural Resources Manager.

Dr. Wise has dedicated more than 40 years to sharing and preserving the military history and legacy of the USMarine Corps and the lowcountry. His passion and dedication to “telling Beaufort’s story” has enriched the community’s knowledge and appreciation of our unique history and ensured its preservation for future generations.

We were delighted to also recognize Denis and Sandy Wiener for their partnership and hospitality as hosts of this years’ Lafayette Soiree, and the chairs of the 2026 Soiree - Rob and Meg Wynne and Sherwood and Margaret Miler- and the many volunteers whose efforts make the annual fundraiser a success.

Chairman Rob Montgomery and Director Lise Sundrla recognized HBF Vice Chair Donna Dehncke and staff members Linda Lathrop and Libby Cohen for their continued dedication and support of HBF’s many programs and activities.

06/01/2026

Every historic home has a story. Every brick, porch, and pathway connects us to the people who shaped Beaufort generations ago.

Historic Beaufort Foundation works every day to preserve, protect, and present the architectural, cultural, and historical treasures that make our community unique. By safeguarding our past, we help ensure future generations can experience the character and charm that define Beaufort.

Learn more about preservation efforts and how you can get involved at HistoricBeaufort.org.

05/31/2026

A lovely afternoon at the second performance of our 2026 Music Salon Series- Wind in the Woods- as Dr. Steve Rosenberg on recorder, Julia Harlow on harpsichord, and Marcie Brenner on viola de gamba, took the audience on an amazing journey of tone colors and beautiful melodies.

Our Music Salon Series celebrates the music salons held by Elizabeth Grayson Verdier in the early 1800s.

We thank Piccolo Spoleto for supporting this annual early music series.

https://historicbeaufort.org/hbfs-music-salon-series/

Mark Verdier House 50th Anniversary

05/26/2026

Historic Beaufort Foundation is honored to join with the City of Beaufort and Beaufort County Open Land Trust in supporting a park commemorating the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry of African Descent.

In 2002, HBF in collaboration with General George Crist (USMC Retired) placed a marker recognizing the infantry at Naval Hospital Beaufort in the vicinity of Camp Saxton. The infantry was under the command of General Rufus Saxton and trained at the camp.

Walter Dennis a Veteran, poet and African American historian championed the effort early on and in 2009 urged that the marker be relocated to in front of the National Cemetery along Boundary Street for more visibility and where many of the soldiers are interred.

We are grateful that the marker and story of these heroic soldiers now have a permanent home to be shared for generations to come.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18sVx5GPRP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/17/2026

Album 3: What a beautiful evening celebrating Beaufort’s rich history and timeless charm. Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Lafayette Soirée brought together supporters, preservation advocates, and friends for an unforgettable night on the historic Point.

From the breathtaking waterfront setting to meaningful conversations under the oaks, the evening was a wonderful reminder of why preserving Beaufort’s architectural and cultural heritage matters so deeply. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the night so special.

Here’s to honoring the past while investing in the future of the Lowcountry we all love. ✨

📸 SK Signs, Designs & Marketing/Brando