Pat Conroy Literary Center — Local services in Beaufort

I live in SW Florida but recently returned from a trip to the low country. Still wet from mourning Pat Conroy at his gravesite in a forlorn cemetery off the beaten trail near Penn Center in a pouring rain, my wife and I were met by Donna Wersler at the Literary Center. I'm not sure whether the raindrops masked my tears (of sadness and joy). While I've been to Beaufort several times in my life, this was the first time at the literary center. I'm a retired teacher from northern Indiana. Back in the mid 70's, I heard Pat give a talk, and later that night, through a common friend, wound up drinking and swapping stories with him. This was shortly after his dismissal at Daufuskie. As I mentioned, it was a rainy day, and the literary center was not crowded. I told Donna of my experience, and for the next hour, she told me the Conroy story that I hadn't learned from his books. I've read all his books (several multi-times), and I grew up under the harsh hand of my own "Santini." Pat and I were kindred spirits. This "personal tour" was incredibly interesting, and I was blown away by Donna's knowledge. Several times I asked her how she knew so much about Pat. She told me a couple times, "I'll get to that." Later, I came to find out that Donna had been a student in Pat's very first class. Though my wife is well-read, she's not read all of his works, but she too was quite impressed with Donna's knowledge, and as a result knows much more about Pat. Whether a Conroy fan or not, I'd recommend the PCLC as a must-see thing-to-do in...

Who can resist taking a selfie at the desk where some of the greatest books in American literature have been written (by hand)? There's much more to this gem of a center in the endlessly charming city of Beaufort, SC. His sister Kathy was in charge the day we went, making it extra special. You'll come away knowing Pat Conroy much better and wanting to read or re-read his books. I bought yet another copy of THE WATER IS WIDE to give away. I thrilled at the handwritten letter he wrote his parents after his first day in charge of teaching the illiterate Gullah children. You'll laugh at where THE GREAT SANTINI movie poster has been placed. After, stroll around downtown Beaufort's waterfront and soak up the tumultuous history unimaginable in such a...

What a little gem in Beaufort! First time visiting this legacy to Pat Conroy’s life, work, passions and loves. Everything from his Citadel days to his early teaching years to his writing career. His desk and chair and yellow legal pad are here, as are his Citadel cover, and the quilt made by his sister that tells the story of his life in such a wonderful way. The two ladies working today were kind, helpful, and had such a great knowledge of Mr. Conroy and his life and times. Check out the bookstore for hats, tees, books and other goodies. A great place to spend an hour or more next time you’re...