Beaufort History Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort County Library, announces the second talk in its fall history lecture series, “The Big Gun Shoot,” presented by Dave Smoot. The event is planned for Thursday, November 7, at 2:00 pm at the Beaufort Branch Library, which is located at 211 Scott Street.

            Admission to the lecture is free. A donation of $5 is suggested and reservations are required. To sign up visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.com. Please print out the ticket and bring to the event. (Lectures sell out. Those with tickets will be admitted first.) Funds      collected will be used to support ongoing Museum programs and he Phase II renovation of the Exhibit Hall currently underway. Phase I of the renovation opened last year.
            The Battle of Port Royal Sound was one of the earliest and most important naval operations of the Civil War.  On November 7, 1861 a large Union Army and Navy expedition sailed into Port Royal Sound to do battle with two Confederate forts, Fort Walker on Hilton Head Island and Fort Beauregard on Bay Point.  This battle of land-based artillery against ship-born artillery was known as “the Big Gun Shoot.  The program will discuss the guns, munitions and fortifications involved in “The Big Gun Shoot.”

            Dave Smoot earned his degree on history in 1979. He recently retired from a 10-year position as the Museum Technician at Parris Island Museum where he collaborated with noted historian Dr. Stephen Wise to curate the story of the Marines. He was an historic interpreter and curator at a Virginia Living History Museum before relocating to Beaufort. 

            An skilled re-enactor, he has portrayed Civil War surgeon Dr. Tooms and Civil War doctor, Dr. Meade along with providing other informative and illuminating programs on "The Well Dressed Marine of 1915" and "The South Carolina Constitution of 1865."

            The Beaufort County Library System is a free and accessible center of ideas, information, and resources that foster learning, community, and literacy. The Library provides open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs   enrichment, and cultural understanding.

            Beaufort History Museum, located in the historic Arsenal at 713 Craven Street, has evolved to focus specifically on the history of the Beaufort District. It strives compelling stories of this area from the early 16^thCentury until modern times.  The Museum’s hours of operation are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Saturday.  Information on other events, Docent Training classes, volunteer opportunities and membership may be found on the website and by visiting the Museum’s Facebook page.