Each year, the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, the Beaufort Historical Association welcomes the public to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship as it opens the authentically restored homes and buildings of the Beaufort Historic Site during its annual Valentine Membership Party. This year’s event will be held Sunday, February 9, between 2 and 4 p.m., welcoming current members and encouraging new members to join.
The Membership Drive has been a tradition for many years. It started in 1992 as a Valentine’s Party in a private home to attract new members. By 2000 the planning committee realized that the attendance had more than outgrown any private home in Beaufort. The party is now hosted at the Historic Site, where two acres and all authentically restored houses and buildings are open for members and potential members to enjoy and learn more about this area’s coastal heritage.
Each house or building features different, special refreshments for visitors to enjoy. There will be beer and pizza in the Jail, olive oil tastings in the Courthouse, an oyster roast in the School Master’s Cottage, hot mulled cider in the Leffer’s Cottage, fudge in the Apothecary, sparkle and fizz beverages in the Josiah Bell House, wine and cheese in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery, hot chocolate and coffee in the Safrit Historical Center, and hors d’oeuvres and spirts under the tent. An on-site docent will be present in each of the buildings to answer questions about the history of the structure and the furnishings found within.
A special part of the Valentine Membership Party will be an art opening with featured artist, Heather Sink, whose work will be on display and for purchase at the circa 1732 Mattie King Davis Art Gallery. Sink hails from Northern England and now resides in Beaufort. Many of her pieces showcase her time spent in Northern England as well as here in Beaufort.
“My favorite thing about painting is the journey, the process, and learning,” she said. “Painting has connected me with all kinds of wonderful people that have a common interest.”
Before opening Craving Art Studio she taught art to students in the North Carolina Public School System. Today she still teaches art in her studio and at workshops. Many of the artists featured in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery have even been mentored and or influenced by Sink. Heather Sink will be the gallery’s featured artist for February and March, be sure to stop in and see her gorgeous work. Visit the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery Facebook page to get a peek at some pieces!
All are invited to this FREE Valentine’s Party. Be sure to come and bring along family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who have an interest in joining the Beaufort Historical Association and taking part in the varied preservation and education programs.
The BHA’s strong association of individuals dedicated to preserving the treasured history of Beaufort spans across the county, state, and nation and offers a wide range of membership levels. Dues start at $25 for students and senior citizens, $35 contributor, $100 sponsor level and upwards, and each tier of membership receives special benefits. Among a few of the benefits offered, members can enjoy both complimentary tours of the Historic Site and tours of the Historic District aboard the BHA’s vintage English Double-Decker bus, discounts in the Museum’s shop, free tickets to major events such as the Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour, a subscription to the BHA’s quarterly newsletter and the opportunity to participate in a number of social activities and other special events throughout the year.
Membership will be accepted with great appreciation by the BHA at the event or application envelopes may be picked up at the Membership Party and returned by mail at a later date. Memberships are also available at www.beauforthistoricsite.org. For more information about the Valentine Party, stop by the Visitor’s Center at 130 Turner Street, call 252-728-5225, or visit www.beauforthistoricsite.org.
Thank You For Donating
Amos Mosquitos
Aqua
Clawson’s 1905 Resturant
Backstreet Pub
Chick-Fil-A
Country Aire
Domino’s Pizza
Donna’s Deli @ the Pig
FishTowne Brewhouse
Hoopers
Mezcalito
No Name Pizza
Panera Bread
Papa Johns
Pizza Hut
Salty Catch Seafood
Slice Bakery
Turner Street Market
Black Sheep
Beaufort Olive Oil
Zaxby’s
Jack’s Waterfront Bar
Promise Land Market