Back in the day, when “the real rock and roll” ruled, Beaufort’s Melody Makers was one of the most sought after beach bands in the state. Local folks wax nostalgic remembering beach parties, teen romance and shagging the night away to high-energy music. As far as history goes, the band was an important part of growing up in Beaufort.
Now the beat goes on thanks to a special exhibit at Beaufort History Museum featuring photos, instruments, amplifiers and framed albums of the Melody Makers biggest hits. A reception with refreshments will be held Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Museum. “Singing Fred Gauch,” along with other past band members will be there to reminisce with friends and guests. Admission is free and the public is invited.
“Regardless of where you grew up, there was that one special band, that first slow dance, that first beer”, said Mary Lou Brewton, a local native and Vice president of the Museum’s Board of Directors. “In Beaufort we had many great bands but none have had the longevity of the Melody Makers. From Bailey’s, Oakgrove and the Varnville Pool, the Melody Makers and that sweet Carolina Beach music rocked our youth away.”
The Melody Makers exhibit is currently open and will be available until through August. Special themed exhibits are ongoing at the Museum, which is also completely renovating its principal Exhibit Hall. Phase I of the renovation opened in the spring of 2018. Phase II, which will offer interactive displays and innovative digital opportunities to explore Beaufort’s 500 year history, will open later this year.
“When baby boomers go into museums, we are shocked to see our grandparent’s and parent’s artifacts. Now we are them,” Brewton said. She is also Co-chairman of the Museum’s Collection Committee and she is encouraging people to preserve photos, books and artifacts, which tell the story of our past. “If people have artifacts they would like to share, we will help them find a home for them,” she said.
Beaufort History Museum, located on the second floor of the historic Arsenal at 713 Craven Street, has evolved to focus specifically on the history of the Beaufort District. It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16thCentury to the modern era.
The Museum’s hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Admission is $7.00 per visitor ($6.00 for Seniors). Children and active military are admitted free of charge. Please visit www.beauforthistorymuseum.comor BHM’s Facebook page for updates and news from the Museum.
