Pat Conroy Literary Center

About Pat Conroy Literary Center

The Pat Conroy Literary Center ...

Beaufort’s writers and artists are moved and inspired by the beauty of the Lowcountry’s bucolic island landscapes and rich tidal marshes - the perfect backdrops for tales of love, war, family, passion, beliefs, and stalwart patriotism.

Best selling author Pat Conroy (October 26, 1945 – March 4, 2016) made Beaufort his home when he was 15 years old. As a writer, Conroy drew inspiration from his personal and tumultuous family life and the scenic beauty of Beaufort and its surrounds.

His most notable novels “The Great Santini,” “The Lords of Discipline” and, “The Prince of Tides,” brought Beaufort to the attention of the world, especially when in 1991, Prince of Tides, written and filmed in Beaufort, became a blockbuster movie.

In the ensuing decade, Hollywood filmed over a dozen more movies in Beaufort County including Forrest Gump and The Legend of Bagger Vance.

Pat Conroy’s legacy lives on in the thriving literary centre that bears his name and that holds a Pat Conroy Literary Festival each year in October.

Beaufort celebrates its love of film and literature every February by holding the Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF). Acknowleging actors, screenwriters, technical and art directors with achievement awards for their creative work is our honor and pleasure.

The Pat Conroy Literary Center holds its annual “March Forth” on March Fourth day of learning at the Frissell Community House at Penn Center on St. Helena Island. This event commemorates the anniversary of Conroy’s passing. For more information visit our website.