Beaufort History Museum
Beaufort History Museum
Beaufort History Museum
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
To relive the area's rich history, start with a visit to Beaufort History Museum at the historic Arsenal (1798) in downtown Beaufort! One of our knowledgeable docents will guide you through 450 years of Beaufort's past, recounting stories about this place that shaped America. (During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking recommended precautionary measures to keep our visitors and docents safe.)
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
136 reviews
Excellent
60
Very good
55
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Lisa Harmon
Kennebunks, Maine14 contributions
Jan 2023
We visited the Museum property on our first day in town but were too late for the tour; we spoke with Jenny in the visitor center and she gave us some great ideas for things to do to learn about the local history and suggested some wonderful places to eat. We took her advice and took the tour with Janet the next day (which Jenny nicely booked for us) and got so much history about Beaufort! We were also able to come back the next day for the Museum tour here and we met with the Docent, Tom Kelley. WOW. That man knows this area and it's history! He literally walked us through history from the beginning of the explorers arriving, through the wars and into the mid 1900's. He explains everything so well and allows time for questions; very friendly and happy to answer questions, he really made the tour worth taking! I highly recommend visiting the Museum while in town and ask for Tom! Also say hello to Jenny :)
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
8ric
Tampa, FL1,150 contributions
Mar 2021
Should be your first stop in visiting Beaufort. There is a plenty of information of the history of Beaufort and the significance on the town in the early days of Charleston and the founding of our country.
They have a visitor center that will make the most use of your time and I highly recommended stopped in and getting a lay of the land and taking one of their complimentary maps.
TIP: you have to pay for parking if you park adjacent along the museum but check out the adjoining streets where parking is free.
They have a visitor center that will make the most use of your time and I highly recommended stopped in and getting a lay of the land and taking one of their complimentary maps.
TIP: you have to pay for parking if you park adjacent along the museum but check out the adjoining streets where parking is free.
Written April 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
boop33399
Denver, CO12 contributions
Mar 2023
We were so lucky to learn about this jewel of a museum amidst all the worthwhile attractions in this historic town. We were treated to an hour + tour presented by an extremely well versed and entertaining volunteer docent, Tom Kelly. We left this site totally enlightened about the historical events of this area and enriched with new knowledge about the people who made these events and inhabited this region. Thanks to the city and the volunteers who make this a very worthwhile place to visit.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wendy W
1 contribution
Sep 2021
I highly recommend a tour of the Beaufort History Museum. Our docent, Tom Kelly, was very knowledgeable and walked us through 500 years of Beaufort history. As a long-time resident I found Tom's descriptions interesting and enlightening. My out-of-town neighbors who travel extensively remarked that Tom was one of the best docents they have heard.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hsbvim
Dublin, OH1,197 contributions
Jan 2022
This museum is located in the Beaufort Armory (also called Arsenal). It is primary a lot of placards to read. We enjoyed learning that Beaufort's history with Europeans goes back to the 1500's - something that we didn't learn from American history books when we were growing up!
There was no real history of the armory itself. We learned more about it from our tour guide on the red carriage ride than we did at the armory. That would be a nice addition to the museum's display.
For the $7 entry fee, we had expected a lot more.
There was no real history of the armory itself. We learned more about it from our tour guide on the red carriage ride than we did at the armory. That would be a nice addition to the museum's display.
For the $7 entry fee, we had expected a lot more.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lori B
12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The museum is small and we first walked in I was disappointed by its size. A docent had just started a “tour” so we joined in. He was fantastic and really brought the history of the area to life and well beyond what was displayed. He made the experience.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bwal2n
Chapin, SC14 contributions
Jul 2020
Very attractive and informative displays. Gary gave us a private tour (it's not terribly crowded) and we squeezed in two and a half hours of visits around a carriage tour. The front desk/gift shop managers were all friendly and helpful.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for coming, bwal2n. We're glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written July 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
buckeyebatman
Georgetown, SC180 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
$8 per person. Upstairs area with lots of information. You can do a self tour, QR code your or guided tour. Guided tour lasts about 45 minutes. If you like history and want to know more about the area, it is worth the trip.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LittlePaint
Urbandale, IA677 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We did not go to the museum, but we did spend time in the visitor center with Jennifer. She was awesome telling us about places in Beaufort and the Sea Islands that we might want to visit complete with excellent directions.
I'd called earlier to ask for suggestions for a place to park my camper, Jennifer told me right away about a free (!) parking lot that would easily accommodate my motor coach.
Excellent resource!
I'd called earlier to ask for suggestions for a place to park my camper, Jennifer told me right away about a free (!) parking lot that would easily accommodate my motor coach.
Excellent resource!
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy B
North Port, FL110 contributions
Aug 2022
Spent a beautiful day in Beaufort. One of the highlights was the history museum. We had to wait a little for the docent to take us on a great tour of the second floor, but it was worth the wait. She gave an in depth and informative history of Beaufort. Threw in colorful characters & the struggles faced by early settlers as well as the determination to make Beaufort thrive. Wonderful!
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beaufort History Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Beaufort History Museum
- Beaufort History Museum is open:
- Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Beaufort History Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Beaufort History Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- Restaurants near Beaufort History Museum:
- (0.09 mi) Breakwater Restaurant and Bar
- (0.07 mi) City Java & News
- (0.07 mi) Wren Bistro
- (0.05 mi) Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe
- (0.11 mi) Blackstone's Cafe