Pat Conroy Literary Center
Author Pat Conroy was a resident of Beaufort for most of his life, as well as a former English teacher at Beaufort High School, so it’s fitting that the South Carolina city is home to a Literary Center that honors his life and work. The center was established following his death in 2016, and was created to celebrate literature, reading, and writing, through events, arts programs, and as a community resource.
The basics
The Pat Conroy Literary Center is both a gathering space for the literary community and a space offering writer residencies. The center acts as a pseudo-museum for Pat Conroy’s life and career, showcasing personal possessions and memorabilia from the films adapted from his books. It also hosts events throughout the year, ranging from readings to author talks, book launches and signings—visit the center’s website for a calendar of what’s upcoming. Visit during an event to see the center at its liveliest, such as the annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival.
Things to know before you go
- Admission is free but donations are always welcome.
- Some events also take place at the Port Royal Farmers Market.
- The gift shop has limited autographed copies of Pat’s books.
How to get there
The Pat Conroy Literary Center is located at 601 Bladen Street, less than a mile away from popular downtown sites like Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, making it easy to access on foot. Free street parking is available surrounding the center, or you can hire a cab or rideshare from any part of Beaufort.
When to get there
The Pat Conroy Literary Center is open from Thursday to Sunday, typically from 12pm until 4pm. Personal tours can be arranged, but you must contact the center in advance to arrange. The best time to visit is during one of the many events, which include storytimes for children, literary festivals, and author talks.
Find Pat Conroy’s legacy and grave on St. Helena Island
St. Helena Island has a special significance to both the life and legacy of Pat Conroy. Conroy is buried at St. Helena Memorial Gardens on Ernest Drive, and was the first white person to be laid to rest there. Also on the island is Marshsong Cottage, the site which hosts the annual Conroy Center Writer’s Residency.
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