Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Explore the Reconstruction era history of downtown Beaufort, South Carolina on a guided program. Meet at the park headquarters, located at 706 Craven Street. This program takes place outdoors in a downtown setting. A waterbottle, sunscreen, and insect repellant are strongly encouraged. This program route varies widely based on weather conditions, staff, and visitors. So even if you've been to a program with us before - it might be different! In the event of inclement weather, including storms or extreme temperatures, programs may take place indoors. 

Metered parking is available throughout downtown Beaufort. 

Check this page often for the latest updates on open facilities, access and program schedules. All openings and programs are based on available staffing. Temporary closures may occur on short notice.

Join a member of the park staff to explore the stories of education and Reconstruction found throughout the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District. Programs meet at Darrah Hall on the campus of the Penn Center. 

Please note that this is an outdoor presentation, and a water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellant are recommended. In the event of inclement weather, including storms or extreme temperatures, programs may take place indoors. Check this page often for the latest updates on open facilities, access and program schedules.

All openings and programs are based on available staffing. Temporary closures may occur on short notice.

On January 1, 1863, the men of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, located at Camp Saxton, were presented a United States Flag inscribed with the phrase "The Day of Jubilee Has Come." Join a park ranger for this 1-hour, 1-mile walking tour exploring the story of Camp Saxton and the dawn of the Reconstruction Era in Port Royal. Meet at the "Pinckney - Porters Chapel" located in the Naval Heritage Park next to the Beaufort Skate Park and Port Royal Farmers Market, across from the entrance to the Beaufort Naval Hospital. 

This is a one mile walking tour that should last approximately one hour. Sections will be on sidewalk, but part of this walking tour will be over uneven grassy terrain. Please dress accordingly - a water bottle, closed toed shoes, and insect repellant are encouraged. In the event of inclement weather, including storms or extreme temperatures, programs may take place indoors.

The 1st South Carolina Volunteers were presented flags with artwork that uniquely represented their regiment during their service in the Civil War. However, their flags did not survive long enough for us to know what the artwork looked like. Come join us for a kids arts and craft activity to design your own flag for the 1st S.C. Volunteers!

The 1st South Carolina Volunteers were presented flags with artwork that uniquely represented their regiment during their service in the Civil War. However, their flags did not survive long enough for us to know what the artwork looked like. Come join us for a kids arts and craft activity to design your own flag for the 1st S.C. Volunteers!

This summer, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park will launch a summer lecture series highlighting research by park staff and partners on a wide variety of topics exploring how the people who lived and worked around Beaufort experienced the Reconstruction era. These presentations are free and open to the public.

“Suitable for Wear by Blacks”: Shoddy, “Negro Cloth,” and Clothing the USCTs in the Lowcountry – Dr. Robert W. Novak

The 1st South Carolina Volunteers made their first public appearances wearing bright red pants, distinguishing them from the rest of the Union Army in the area. Dr. Robert W. Novak will share the story of how the Union Army acquired and distributed clothing to the Black soldiers and surrounding community during the Port Royal Experiment.

Check out our calendar for other lectures in this series on 8/12, 8/26, 9/9, and 9/23.

This summer, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park will launch a summer lecture series highlighting research by park staff and partners on a wide variety of topics exploring how the people who lived and worked around Beaufort experienced the Reconstruction era. These presentations are free and open to the public.

"Presidential Policies in the Lowcountry: Johnson, Grant and Beaufort County - Park Ranger Emma Murphy-Novak"

In the years following the success of the Port Royal Experiment, contentious political disputes gripped the nation during Reconstruction. This presentation will explore how the events in Washington, DC in the decade after the Civil War affected the residents of the Sea Islands.

Check out our calendar for other lectures in this series on 8/26, 9/9, and 9/23.

This summer, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park will launch a summer lecture series highlighting research by park staff and partners on a wide variety of topics exploring how the people who lived and worked around Beaufort experienced the Reconstruction era. These presentations are free and open to the public.

"Can you hear me now?": The Evolution of Communications in the Reconstruction Era Sea Islands” -- Katherine Freeman

The Civil War transformed how people shared news and information with each other. Participants in this special program will engage with hands on activities to learn how the

residents of the Sea Islands used evolving technology during Reconstruction to stay informed and remain in communication.

Check out our calendar for other lectures in this series on 9/9, and 9/23.

This summer, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park will launch a summer lecture series highlighting research by park staff and partners on a wide variety of topics exploring how the people who lived and worked around Beaufort experienced the Reconstruction era. These presentations are free and open to the public.

"Mapping Reconstruction Era Beaufort" by Park Historian Eric Ellis

In the early 1870s, surveyors, cartographers, and tax assessors descended on Beaufort County to document property ownership. The maps they created record the names of thousands of landowners, school locations, and geographic places across the islands near Beaufort. This special presentation by Park Historian Eric Ellis will take participants on a “tour” of the Sea Islands using these tax maps that are preserved in the National Archives.

Check out our calendar for other lectures in this series on 9/23.

Join us for a special presentation by HBCU Intern James Height on his summer project. James will share his work on the Combee River Raid driving tour which will be released to the public later this year.