News Summary
Cynthia Cole Jenkins, the executive director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation, will retire after 14 years of exceptional service. Her leadership has led to significant achievements in historic preservation across South Carolina’s Lowcountry, earning her recognition in the field. Jenkins’s tenure included notable acquisitions and initiatives that fostered appreciation for the area’s heritage. As she departs, new projects are underway to continue preserving the rich cultural history of Beaufort and its surroundings.
Beaufort, South Carolina — Cynthia Cole Jenkins, the dedicated executive director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF), will retire on June 7 after 14 years of exemplary service. Jenkins has made significant contributions to historic preservation across South Carolina’s Lowcountry and beyond, solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in the field.
Under Jenkins’s leadership, the Historic Beaufort Foundation achieved numerous milestones in preserving the architectural and cultural history of Beaufort and six additional counties in South Carolina. Her dedication to the cause was recognized when she received the prestigious 2021 SC Governor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation.
Rob Montgomery, chair of HBF, acknowledged Jenkins’s remarkable knowledge and determination to safeguard Beaufort’s history and architectural integrity. Jenkins’s achievements during her tenure have left an indelible mark on the community.
Jenkins’s journey in historic preservation began in 1974 at the Lowcountry Council of Governments, where she focused on planning, management, and administration. She was groundbreaking in her education, being the first person in the United States to earn an undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from Middle Tennessee State University. After serving as HBF’s executive director from 1987 to 1995, she returned to the organization in late 2019, bringing her wealth of experience back into the fold.
One of the highlights of her recent tenure was the acquisition of the Hamar Cup, a historic silver cup dating back to 1748, which is now showcased at the HBF’s John Mark Verdier House Museum on Bay Street. This acquisition is just one example of how Jenkins has fostered a deeper appreciation for the area’s heritage and historical artifacts.
Alongside Jenkins’s contributions to HBF, the region is also witnessing new initiatives aimed at preserving its cultural history. The Freedman Arts District, a not-for-profit organization focused on promoting arts and historical preservation, has opened a new headquarters at 1401 Duke St. This facility replicates the architectural style of a 125-year-old grocery store that served as a vital community fixture for over 75 years within the historic Black neighborhood known as the Northwest Quadrant. The original grocery store was demolished in 2023 due to deterioration.
Cherimie Weatherford, executive director of the Arts District, highlighted the commitment to respect historical elements in the design of the new headquarters. The organization aims to bridge arts promotion with historical preservation, with plans to engage the local community through various programs, art events, and potentially an artist-in-residence initiative.
In addition to the new headquarters, the Arts District has ambitious plans to renovate an old warehouse on Baggett Street into an art school that will feature studios and a restaurant, reflecting a commitment to maintaining and improving historic structures in the area while navigating preservation regulations.
Another significant development in Beaufort is the purchase of the Robert Smalls House by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in November 2023. This house is connected to Smalls, a notable figure known for commandeering a Confederate ship during the Civil War, which allowed him and others to gain their freedom. A lawsuit regarding the house’s preservation easement has been resolved, permitting limited public access while designating it as a private residence. The management of the Smalls House will fall under the National Trust, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved for future generations.
Jenkins’s retirement marks the end of a notable chapter for the Historic Beaufort Foundation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to preservation and the historical narrative of Beaufort and its surrounding areas. As new initiatives unfold and history continues to be cherished, the legacy of Jenkins’s work will undoubtedly be felt long into the future.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Historic Beaufort Foundation Director to Retire
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Search: Beaufort South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Robert Smalls Historic Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort, South Carolina
- The Travel: Friendliest US Town Beaufort, SC
- Google News: Beaufort SC News
- Explore Beaufort SC: National Park Service Findings
