Beaufort, October 6, 2025

News Summary

The Historic Beaufort Foundation will host a Sunday Brunch lecture and tour at the Means-Gage House as part of the annual Fall Festival. Scheduled for two sessions on October 19, attendees will learn about local archaeology and architectural history. The brunch menu features Southern cuisine prepared by Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe, and tickets can be reserved by phone or email. The event also highlights significant archaeological findings and includes presentations by local historians.

Beaufort

The Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) will host a Sunday Brunch lecture and tour on October 19 at the Means-Gage House, as part of the annual HBF Fall Festival taking place from October 17-19. This event offers attendees a chance to learn about local archaeology and architecture.

There are two brunch sessions scheduled: 9-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The brunch will feature a southern menu prepared by Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe. Tickets can be reserved by contacting HBF at 843.379.3331 or via email at info@historicbeaufort.org. Tickets are selling fast, so early reservation is encouraged.

The Means-Gage House, located on the Beaufort River bluff, is one of the few surviving pre-Civil War houses in the area. Recent archaeological investigations of the property have revealed significant findings, including two pre-Civil War privies and an 18th-century well. These excavations have yielded thousands of artifacts, such as porcelains, pottery shards, and turtle shells, providing insight into the early residents’ dietary habits—specifically, that they consumed turtle meat.

During the brunch, property owners Catherine and Wallace Scarborough will present their findings alongside renowned Beaufort and Lowcountry historian Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland. The insight from these presentations promises to richly detail the intersection of architectural history and social narrative represented by the Means-Gage House.

Fall Festival Activities

The HBF Fall Festival features a variety of other activities, including:

• A talk by architect and author Jane Frederick on Friday evening.
• A Saturday tour of Bluff homes.
• An early evening sneak peek of HBF’s recently-acquired house at 1001 Greene Street on Saturday.

Historical Significance of the Means-Gage House

The Means-Gage House embodies the wealth generated by the first Sea Island cotton boom and showcases The Beaufort Style of architecture. Built on a raised tabby foundation, it features a two-story front porch with large Tuscan columns, an addition from the late 19th century. Remarkably, the house has maintained 80-85 percent of its original interior and exterior features, including heart pine floors and Adam mantels.

George Gage, who purchased the house in 1872, played a significant role in local history, serving as chief engineer of the Port Royal Railroad and holding various political positions. The house’s architecture and its historical narratives provide a unique glimpse into Beaufort’s past, reflecting the resilience throughout changing times, such as wars and hurricanes.

The Scarboroughs, who discovered a variety of artifacts including pottery shards, coins from countries such as Mexico, Russia, and the U.S., and various food remains, view themselves as custodians of the home. They aim to preserve its legacy for future generations, ensuring that the rich history embedded in the Means-Gage House is honored and shared.

Conclusion

For those interested in history, architecture, and archaeology, the Sunday Brunch lecture and tour at the Means-Gage House represents a unique opportunity to engage with local heritage. The event promises to be both educational and enjoyable, contributing to the continued appreciation of Beaufort’s historical significance.

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Additional Resources

• Historic Beaufort Foundation Fall Festival
• Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
• Southern Dining in Beaufort
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Archaeological Discoveries in Beaufort
• Google Search: Beaufort architecture

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.