News Summary
Cynthia Jenkins has announced her retirement as the Executive Director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation after nearly 15 years. Effective June 7, Jenkins has dedicated her career to preserving Beaufort’s history, particularly the Verdier House. As she steps down, Lise Sundrla will take over the role, continuing the mission of historical preservation while highlighting concerns regarding the loss of historical buildings in the area.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Cynthia Jenkins has announced her retirement as the Executive Director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) after nearly 15 years in the role. Her official retirement date is set for June 7, 2020, and she communicated this decision in an email to members on May 29, 2020. Jenkins, now 73 years old, has spent her career dedicated to the preservation of Beaufort’s rich history, particularly focusing on the Verdier House, which she has served to protect and promote for over 50 years.
Taking the reins after Jenkins will be Lise Sundrla, who has worked alongside her for the past five years. Sundrla will step into the position of Executive Director effective June 7, continuing the foundation’s mission to preserve and promote Beaufort’s historical and cultural heritage.
Throughout her tenure, Jenkins has expressed pride in her efforts to educate the community about good preservation practices, often using the Verdier House as a case study. However, she has also highlighted pressing concerns regarding the loss of historical buildings, particularly those rooted in the African-American community. Over the last 20 years, about 20 significant buildings have been lost in Beaufort’s Historic District, which in turn has affected the area’s historical integrity.
Jenkins has specifically pointed out that locations on Port Republic and West Street once formed the heart of Beaufort’s African-American business district. Tragically, these sites now lack any remaining historical evidence of their previous existence, marking a significant cultural loss for the community. The impact of such losses has been further exacerbated by ongoing legal battles over new developments in the district, including plans for hotels and apartments, where the courts have often favored developers over preservation efforts.
In the latter part of her role, Jenkins has voiced disappointment over court decisions that seem to prioritize new constructions rather than preserving the unique historical character of Beaufort. She has consistently warned against large-scale developments in the Historic District, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the city’s architectural and cultural identity. Jenkins has raised awareness about the detrimental effects of demolishing properties within African-American neighborhoods, emphasizing a loss of a “whole hundred years of architectural history and evolution” as structures that once characterized the area disappear.
Jenkins’ career in historic preservation is substantial. She began her journey at the Lowcountry Council of Governments in 1974 and became the first person in America to earn an undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from Middle Tennessee State University. Her dedication to the field has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2021 South Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation, recognizing her efforts across multiple counties in the state.
During her time at the HBF, Jenkins played a pivotal role in acquiring significant historical artifacts, including the notable Hamar Cup, now displayed at the Verdier House Museum. Her knowledge, expertise, and determination in preserving Beaufort’s history and architecture have been widely acknowledged, including commendations from the HBF Chair, who noted the invaluable contributions Jenkins has made during her tenure.
Post-retirement, Jenkins plans to focus on personal interests, including spending more time with her husband and dog, as well as pursuing writing and reading projects. As Beaufort begins a new chapter with a new leader, the impact of Jenkins’ work in historical preservation will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the community she has passionately served for many years.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Historic Beaufort Foundation Director to Retire
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article
- Bluffton Today: May 10 Fundraiser by Historic Beaufort Foundation
- Post and Courier: Robert Smalls Beaufort Historic Home
- The Travel: Friendliest US Town Beaufort, SC
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
