1. Beaufort Museum
City: Beaufort, SC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (843) 525-7077
Address: 713 Craven St.
Description: Housed in an arsenal that was completed in 1798, the museum tells the story of Beaufort’s history through its exhibits and displays of artifacts. Among the exhibits are those involving the Native Americans who lived in the area, the European colonization of the region, the development of the town in the era prior to the Civil War, the Union occupation during that conflict, and early-20th-century industries.The museum has been situated in the arsenal since 1939 as the result of a WPA project to add a wing for a museum and relic room. The building was the site of National Guard musters until 1966, and it was acquired by the city of Beaufort in 1990 for the continued purpose of preserving the town’s heritage and that of the surrounding Sea Islands. The museum is closed on Sun and city holidays but is open the rest of the time from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission for adults is $3, and children age six and younger are admitted free.
2. John Mark Verdier House Museum
City: Beaufort, SC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (843) 524-6334
Address: 801 Bay St.
Description: Built in the late 1790s by one of the town’s leading merchants, the two-story frame house rests on a tabby foundation and is an example of the Federal style of architecture. Interior features are the paneled reception parlor, first-floor dining room, graceful staircase, and spacious second-floor drawing room. The decor and furnishings reflect those of the period from 1790 until 1825. The house was condemned in 1942, but public-spirited citizens spearheaded a drive to save the structure, and a restoration effort was begun in the fall of 1975. It was completed a year later. The house is open to viewing Mon through Fri with the first tour at 10:30 a.m. and the final tour at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students.