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There%u2019s something timeless about Beaufort, a place that feels like it belongs to everyone while holding onto its deep generational roots. Its charm %u2014 a mix of waterfront beauty, a slower pace, and a sense of belonging%u2014has drawn people for centuries. For Shae Chambers Helms, Beaufort is not just where she grew up; it%u2019s the fabric of her family%u2019s history. As a seventh generation Beaufortonian, her story is one of love for place, family, and community %u2014 a narrative built upon generations of leadership, creativity, and connection to the Lowcountry. The Chambers name is synonymous with stewardship and vision in Beaufort. Shae%u2019s late grandfather, Henry C. Chambers, served as mayor of Beaufort for 20 years. His leadership gifted Beaufort one of its most iconic treasures %u2014 the Waterfront Park. %u201cIn creating this space, he gave everyone in Beaufort a piece of waterfront property, which was what he wanted,%u201d Shae shares. To this day, the park remains a gathering place where the community connects to the beauty of the river %u2014 something Henry always believed was Beaufort%u2019s beating heart. Shae%u2019s father, Bill Chambers, carries on the family%u2019s legacy of shaping Beaufort. As a respected local architect, Bill%u2019s designs are etched into the landscape of the Lowcountry. Among his notable works is the restoration and renovation of the First Presbyterian Church, a historic structure within the National Historic Landmark District. Built in 1928-1929, the church holds deep personal significance as it was where Bill grew up attending services with his family. His renovations not only preserved the building%u2019s architectural integrity but also ensured it continued to serve the community for future generations. Bill was also the architectural consultant for the renovations of the Waterfront Park from 2006 to 2008, ensuring his father%u2019s vision remained intact while modernizing the space for contemporary use. Widely known for his expertise in historical renovations, Bill%u2019s work across Beaufort%u2019s antebellum homes and historic downtown reflects a profound appreciation for beauty, history, and the river that runs through the family%u2019s veins. %u201cDad always wanted us to look back to the water,%u201d Shae says, a sentiment that ties her grandfather%u2019s leadership, her father%u2019s profession, and her own passion for real estate into one seamless story. Adding another layer to this legacy is Shae%u2019s mother, Connie Pinckney Chambers. The Pinckney family has ties to South Carolina stretching back to the founding of the United States, including Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. Shae%u2019s grandfather, James Pinckney, further cemented the family%u2019s impact on Beaufort by starting The Pines Motel in the late 1950s. As one of the town%u2019s earliest motels, it was strategically located near the Marine Corps Air Station to accommodate visiting families. %u201cIt%u2019s incredible to think about how my family has contributed to Beaufort in different ways %u2014 from its founding principles Generations of LegacyThe Chambers Family and Their Love for Beaufortphotos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY