Beech Island Historical Society facts for kids
The Beech Island Historical Society (BIHS) is a group that helps people learn about the history of Beech Island and Aiken County in South Carolina. It's a non-profit organization, which means it doesn't aim to make money. They also have a museum to show historical items.
Helping the Museum Grow
In 2005, the society received a special grant of $200,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture. This money helped them turn an old brick barn, built around 1900, into a museum about farming.
How the Society Started
The Beech Island Historical Society began in 1985. The first president, or leader, of the society was Harold Maness.
A Look at Their History
In 1986, the society organized a big event called the Beech Island Tricentennial Celebration. It was held at Redcliffe State Park and attracted over 10,000 visitors!
After that, they started an annual event called Beech Island Heritage Day. This popular event happened every year for 20 years in a row. The last Heritage Day was held in 2006.
In 1991, the family of George McElmurray, who was one of the society's first members, gave the society a generous gift. They donated an acre of land, a large warehouse, and a four-room meeting hall. This allowed the Beech Island Historical Society and Visitor's Centre to open, welcoming tourists and visitors.
The society's hard work was recognized on April 3, 1998. They won the Progress Award for their Visitor's Centre building at a meeting of historical societies in Columbia, South Carolina.
In 1997, the government of South Carolina even passed a special motion. They sent their best wishes to the society as it celebrated its eleventh annual Beech Island Heritage Day on May 24, 1997.
The Society Today
Today, the Beech Island Historical Society has more than 300 members. They hold monthly meetings from September to March, and everyone is welcome to attend.
