Historic Beaufort Foundation

09/02/2026

Beaufort lost a guardian and friend on August 29. Her legacy will live on in everyone she touched.

For more than 50 years, Beth Grace was one of Beaufort’s most steadfast guardians. Her decades of service to Historic Beaufort Foundation not only championed and preserved our architectural treasures but also safeguarded the stories, traditions, and sense of place that make Beaufort unlike anywhere else.

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08/24/2026

Tickets are on sale now for this year's Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens!

For more than 50 years, gracious homeowners have shared their private homes and gardens in support of Historic Beaufort Foundation and our mission to preserve and protect Beaufort's historic, architectural and cultural legacy. We invite you to join us this year for our 52nd Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens to experience the history, architecture and the charm of the Lowcountry. This year the tour includes houses and sites associated with the American Civil War and the era of Reconstruction.

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08/15/2026

HBF’s “Designing Women” are reimagining the Docent/Reception level of the John Mark Verdier House!

Thank you Amelie Cromer, Margaret Kincheloe, Carolyn Nettles, and Sarah Dyson!
A work in progress with updated exhibits, reception area, and enhanced gift area.

We are still open for tours —so stop by and see the progress!

Thank you Redcap - Lowcountry Service Concierge

07/10/2026

Don’t miss this fun opportunity to support HBF and enjoy an Open House and great prizes!

This Saturday, July 11, 11AM to 2PM, Charter One Realty is hosting an Open house to showcase 5 new residential homes at Whitehall Point on Lady’s Island.

A highlight of the Open House is a Poker Run sponsored by Charter One Realty, Allen Patterson Builders, and Palmetto Real Estate. Participants will be able to acquire more playing cards and increase their odds by making a donation to Historic Beaufort Foundation through a dedicated link to a QR code at the event.

Thank you to the hosts and sponsors for selecting HBF as the beneficiary of the Poker Run!

Please come out for the Open House and show your support of preserving and protecting Beaufort’s historic and architectural heritage with your donation to HBF.

For more information on the event and Poker Run, please call Michael Mark at 843-812-6023.

Michael Mark + Michelle Gibbons
Allen Patterson Builders
Palmetto Real Estate

07/02/2026

Yesterday, the City of Beaufort, Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Beaufort County 250th Committee, and numerous community partners came together to commemorate Carolina Day and the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a celebration that was memorable, meaningful, and authentically Beaufort.

A special highlight of the day was the dedication and planting of a scion from the historic Liberty Tree Sapling at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. As a direct descendant of the last-known standing Liberty Trees—powerful symbols of colonial resistance during the American Revolution—the sapling serves as a living reminder of the courage, unity, and spirit that helped shape our nation.

We were also honored to recognize renowned Shakespearean actor and living history interpreter GregRobin Smith, whose portrayal of Benjamin Franklin helped bring history vividly to life for attendees of all ages. In recognition of his dedication to historical education and his extraordinary contributions to preserving and sharing America's founding story, GregRobin Smith was presented with the Key to the City of Beaufort.

The City of Beaufort and Historic Beaufort Foundation are proud to have joined with the Beaufort County 250th Committee, Gov. Paul Hamilton Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Greenery, The Rhett House Inn, the Beaufort County Library, the University of South Carolina Beaufort, and many others in making July 1, 2026, a special day to remember in Beaufort.

📸 SK Signs, Designs & Marketing

07/02/2026

Renowned Shakespearean Actor and living history interpreter GregRobin Smith ended his final performance in Beaufort tonight with a standing ovation at St. Helena’s Anglican Church Parish Hall.
Joined by Dr. John McCardell and Dr. Larry Rowland the three historians held a stimulating conversation about the origins and outcomes of the American Revolution.




Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe

07/02/2026

Many partners and sponsors came together to make Beaufort’s commemoration and celebration today of Carolina Days and the signing of the Declaration of Independence memorable, meaningful, and authentic.

HBF is proud to have been a part of this effort and to join the City of Beaufort, the Beaufort County 250th, Gov. Paul Hamilton Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Greenery, The Rhett House Inn, the Beaufort County Library, and the University of South Carolina Beaufort in making July 1, 2026 a special day to remember in Beaufort. More photos to come.

06/25/2026

Mark your calendars as we celebrate the founding of our Nation!

Living history will return to Beaufort on Wednesday, July 1 as renowned Shakespearean actor and historian GregRobin Smith will visit the Lowcountry in his capacity as Benjamin Franklin in celebration of Carolina Days and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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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.