Historic Beaufort Foundation Director to retire

Cynthia Cole Jenkins, executive director for Historic Beaufort Foundation for 14 years and an expert in historic preservation, will retire June 7, she and the HBF board announced today.

Jenkins received the 2021 SC Governor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation, the highest honor given by South Carolina, for her efforts to preserve the architectural and cultural history of the Lowcountry and half a

dozen other counties across the state.

*We have been privileged and fortunate to have had Cynthia at our helm,” said HBF Chair Rob Montgomery.

“She brought an amazing level of knowledge and expertise, and a dogged determination, to help us continue our work to preserve and protect Beaufort’s history and architecture.

“I first met Cynthia in 1990 when I arrived as a much younger architect,” Montgomery said. “I have enjoyed her guidance and friendship since, and look forward to her continued involvement in our community.

In July 2022, her leadership helped Historic Beaufort Foundation earn a major honor for the exterior renovation of the John Mark Verdier House on Bay Street. She’s also been in the news for working hard to protect the National Historic Landmark District from inappropriate-development and changes that would negatively impact the authentic history of the city.

“It has been an honor to twice lead Historic Beaufort Foundation over the course of my 50-year career in historic preservation.” Jenkins said. *I fell in love with Beaufort and the Lowcountry when I began work in Yemassee in 1974 and it will always hold a special place in my heart. The architectural and cultural history of Beaufort is deep and unique.

“My first major project was to advise on the initial restoration of the Verdier House and to be given a second opportunity to enhance its Federal Period appearance and architectural details was very special to me,” she said. Preservation technology has come a long way since the 1975 restoration. Restoring the front door and door frame was important and touching to me.

“I have been fortunate to work alongside a dedicated Board of Trustees, a strong staff, HBF volunteers, and to have overwhelmingly strong support from our members and friends who understand the importance of preserving Beaufort’s sense of place,” she said.

Jenkins was the first person in America to earn an undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation, receiving hers at Middle Tennessee State University. She became the first executive director at the Historic Beaufort Foundation from 1987 to 1995, then returned to the role in late 2019.

“Cynthia has been a joy to work with during my time on the Board of Trustees,” said former HBF Chair Wayne Vance. “It has been a great educational experience about all aspects of Beaufort’s history, people and architecture. It is important to know she will continue to be an invaluable resource to our Board.”

Jenkins was instrumental in HBF’s successful bid to buy the historic Hamar Cup in January 2023. The silver cup and cap from 1748 was presented by “the Gentlemen of Port Royal” to Captain Joseph Hamar, commander of His Majesty’s ship Adventure, for protective services around Beaufort and Port Royal. The cup is displayed at HBF’s John Mark Verdier House Museum on Beaufort’s Bay Street.

Her career in historic preservation planning, management and administration began in 1974 at Lowcountry Council of Governments serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. Among other projects, she researched and wrote Historic Resources of the Lowcountry: A Regional Survey.

“It’s a baseline for the history of the region,” Montgomery said of the book. “She has an exceptional knowledge of the Lowcountry’s architectural history and the family stories that tie together the physical fabric of the National Historic Landmark District.”

Some of Jenkins’ other recent achievements include:

• Addressing issues with the City of Beaufort zoning code

Working with national consultants on the Conditions and Integrity Study of the National Historic

Landmark District

Initiating the popular Winter Lecture Series that has been attended by thousands

Recognizing The Lafayette Trail and celebrating the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit

Restoring the door surround and faux-graining to the front door of the John Mark Verdier House

Increasing HBF’s financial stability and membership

Resolving the easement at the McKee-Smalls House where Robert Smalls once lived

Expanding the Foundation’s in-depth preservation tours of major historic properties

Creating the popular brunch on Sunday of the Fall Tours.

One of Jenkins’ most recognized early projects includes the preservation of Auldbrass Plantation, which is now owned by Hollywood producer Joel Silver. The plantation was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939 after C. Leigh Stevens, an industrialist from Michigan, wanted him to build a modern plantation in Yemassee.

Along with Stan and Jessica Stevens Loring she played an instrumental role in encouraging and securing its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. During the restoration of Auldbrass by Silver, Jenkins advised on the covenants for restoration called for in the preservation easement held by Historic Charleston Foundation.

Jenkins was the first full-time executive director of Historic Beaufort Foundation in Beaufort. She worked closely with the City of Beaufort to develop The Beaufort Preservation Manual as well as the updated volume in 1989. The Beaufort Preservation Manual is recognized nationally as one of the most successful preservation design guidelines developed for owners as well as the city’s Historic District Review Board.

Among other pivotal Beaufort projects in that time was the development of the City’s Tourism Ordinance, the Tour Bus Ordinance and Film Guidelines. During her tenure as director the economic resources of the Foundation and the Revolving Fund increased significantly including increasing the membership by more than 60 percent.

After leaving the Preservation Society of Charleston, Jenkins served as an adjunct professor in the Clemson University/College of Charleston joint graduate program in Historic Preservation

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