The Friends of Fort Fremont Historical Park have created an original exhibit about the historic fort titled Fort Fremont: Beaufort in the Spanish American War and Coast Defense. The exhibit will be on display at the Verdier House in downtown Beaufort from March 23 – June 30, 2012. A variety of collateral events are planned during the exhibit’s tenure, including lectures and guided tours of the fort. SC Humanitiessupported this project through a Mini Grant in February 2012.
Fort Fremont was built in 1899 on Saint Helena Island and is one of only two extant Spanish-American War fortifications that retains its character from that period. The history and role of Fort Fremont are not well-known by South Carolinians, and the exhibit is designed to help introduce this interesting historical property to a wider public. The exhibit will answer the questions: 1) Why was Ft. Fremont built in Beaufort County? 2) What was at the fort, and what did it do? And 3) What was life at the fort like for a soldier?
In addition to the exhibit, there will be a number of public programs over the course of the spring, including a reception and lecture on March 26, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., by Dr. Mark Barnes (Senior Archaeologist of the National Park Service, SE Region) on “The Spanish Civil War and the Lowcountry of SC.” The lecture will take place at Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Verdier House Museum. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 per couple, and reservations are required: 843-379-3331. On Saturday, March 24 and Saturday, March 31, docents will lead public tours of Fort Fremont from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Additional lectures and guided tours are planned for April and May.
For more information about the exhibit and public programs, please contact The Friends of Fort Fremont Historical Park by visiting their website: http://www.fortfremont.org/info.html or call the organization President Pete Richards at 843-838-6733.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. SC Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity and are ethical in operations.
