Housed in the imposing yellow-gray tabby facade of the historic 1852 Beaufort Arsenal, the Beaufort Museum (713 Craven St., 843/379-3331, www.historicbeaufort.org [1], Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., $3) capably tells the story of Beaufort [2] from its early plantation days, through its key role in the secession movement, to the modern era.
I suggest purchasing the discounted combo ticket to the Beaufort Museum and the Verdier House Museum [3] ($8 adults, $4 students).
Links:
[1] http://www.historicbeaufort.org
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/south-carolina/beaufort-and-the-lowcountry/beaufort
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/south-carolina/beaufort-and-the-lowcountry/beaufort/sights/john-mark-verdier-house-museum