Add to My Favourites
The Gullah culture has woven its way into the fabric of the Lowcountry. From the importation of enslaved people beginning in the 17th century, through the Civil War, to today’s preservation efforts, this area is a hub of this unique culture’s history and survival.
History of the Gullah People
All along the southeastern coastline are sea island communities of people who are direct descendants of enslaved people from West Africa. In South Carolina, their language and culture is referred to as “Gullah;” in Georgia, it’s called “Geechee.”
When the Civil War ended and enslaved people were freed, most plantation owners sold their lands to their formerly enslaved people and left the area. With no bridges and little contact with the outside world, these Native Islanders were isolated, left alone to maintain their culture and language.
National Heritage Areas Act
As the Lowcountry experiences increasing development, Gullah descendants continue to work hard to maintain their unique folklore and traditions. In 2006, the National Heritage Areas Act was signed into law establishing the federal Gullah/Geechee Heritage Corridor Commission to protect and promote this endangered culture. In recognition of their extensive efforts to research and record the Gullah culture, Hilton Head’s Heritage Library was awarded the 2016 Martin Luther King Community Service Award.
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park pays tribute to the period following the Civil War when formerly enslaved people learned to earn a living and govern themselves. The park is actually a collection of historic sites located across Beaufort County. At this time it includes four sites: Darrah Hall and the Brick Baptist Church, part of the Penn Center Historic District on St. Helena Island, the old firehouse in downtown Beaufort, and Camp Saxton and the Emancipation Oak on the Naval Hospital Beaufort in Port Royal. There are plans to expand the park to include the entirety of the city of Beaufort’s historic district and St. Helena Island, as well as historic reconstruction era sites county-wide.
Gullah Tours
To learn more about Hilton Head during the reconstruction era, join a guided tour conducted by the Coastal Discovery Museum.
The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head, located in a restored 1930s “haint blue” cabin, strives to preserve, protect and promote the Gullah culture. The museum received the esteemed 2012 National Preservation Honor Award by National Trust for Historic Preservation. Even though the museum is still in its early stages of development, it is open for tours (by appointment), conducted by Gullah storyteller Louise Cohen. Visitors will learn what life was like on Hilton Head before a bridge was built to the mainland in 1956. The museum is located at the historical marker on Gumtree Road (12 Georgianna Drive), between William Hilton Parkway (US 278) and Squire Pope Road (map).
Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island is a wellspring of Gullah culture and history. See the old homes, churches, cemeteries and museums that preserve the Island’s unique way of life.
Island Head offers passenger ferry service to Daufuskie Island, where you can join on of Daufuskie Difference’s guided history tours, or you can rent a golf cart for a self-guided exploration of the Island. You can also enjoy a Lowcounty lunch or dinner at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. Outside Hilton Head offers a daily guided Daufuskie History and Artisans Excursion. Vagabond Cruises’ ferry service allows you to bring your own bicycle at no extra charge. You could also rent a boat to “drive” yourself over for the day.
For more information, contact:
Coastal Discovery Museum (843-689-6767)
Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687)
Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island (843-681-3254)
Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560)
Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center (843-757-6293)
Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996)
The Vagabond (Vagabond Cruises) (843-363-9023)
Add to My Favourites
