Visit the Frontlines of Freedom Exhibit

“Frontlines of Freedom” looks at the connection of military service and citizenship.

NPS/Elena De Marco

When exploring the site of Camp Saxton, stop by Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel to visit the “Frontlines of Freedom” exhibit. The exhibit reviews the history and legacy of Camp Saxton and the 1st South Carolina Volunteers through text, photos, and objects.

Created by the park staff, the exhibit opened to the public early in 2025. Follow the panels from the back of the building to learn about the start of the 1^st South Carolina Volunteers and the Emancipation Proclamation reading at Camp Saxton. Flip through information files on Susie King Taylor and several 1^st South Carolina Volunteers in a book created in partnership with the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era. Continue through the exhibit to read about the refugee community of Camp Saxton, and the brave men and women who followed in the 1^st South Carolina Volunteers footsteps.

In the center of the chapel two exhibit cases hold reproductions of objects, including reproductions of objects from the Elizabeth Hyde Botume collection. Botume came to Beaufort during the Civil War and taught for decades at the Whitney School in Camp Saxton. Included in the cases is information about the Grand Army of the Republic and the Women’s Relief Corp, two organizations founded after the Civil War to help veterans through comradery and support.

“Frontlines of Freedom” is open when Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel is open. For more information visit our Operating Hours and Season page.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Activity

Museum Exhibits

Age(s)

6 and Older

Pets Allowed

No

Only service animals are allowed in the Chapel.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel, Port Royal, South Carolina

Pinckney-Porter's Chapel is located in the Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal, South Carolina on the site of the historic Camp Saxton.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

For updated hours please check our Operating Hours page.

Accessibility Information

The entire exhibit is on the main floor of Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel and can be reached through an accessible door with a ramp at the back of the building. The exhibit is Audio Described through the UniDescription app that is available for download on IOS and Android. The Audio Description run time is approximately one hour and includes directions around the Chapel. Learn more about the accessible features of our park on our Accessibility page.