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You may want a new good “beach read.” You might need a good way to entertain your youngsters. It’s raining. Or you may want to know more about Hilton Head’s history. Whatever your need, take time to visit one of the Island’s two popular libraries.
The Heritage Library
At the Heritage Library, which has one of the most comprehensive historical and genealogical collections of its kind, you can read Captain William Hilton’s report of his 1663 sighting of Hilton Head. Research the Patriots who fought and died here during the American Revolution. Learn about the antebellum plantations and the Gullah culture kept alive by the isolated descendants of sea island slaves. In fact, In recognition of these efforts to research and document the Gullah culture, the library was awarded the 2016 Martin Luther King Community Service Award.
Genealogy Research
If you are interested in researching your genealogy, the library has skilled volunteers to help you, plus access to extensive on-line sources. There are frequent classes and workshops.
Historic Sites
The Heritage Library owns and maintains two historic sites open to the public: Fort Mitchel (map), a Civil War earthworks relic in Hilton Head Plantation; and the antebellum Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery (map), at the intersection of Mathews Drive and William Hilton Parkway (US 278). Guided tours are available: historic bike tours on Wednesdays, Ft. Mitchel on Thursdays, and Zion Chapel of Ease on Fridays.
Location
The Heritage Library has two locations: on Hilton Head in the Professional Building at 2 Corpus Christi (Suite 100, 843-686-6560) (map), and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; and in Beaufort at the Santa Elena History Center at 1501 Bay Street (843-379-1550) (map), and is open Tuesday through Thursday,and every third Saturday, from 10:30 to 3:00. There is a nominal charge for research for non-members; a limited number of free one-hour genealogy checkup appointments are available.
Hilton Head Public Library
The Hilton Head Public Library has a number of offerings for visitors. You can purchase a library card for non-residents so books and movies can be checked out. They have computers available for public use, and the Wi-Fi is free. Don’t miss the Friends of the Library Bookstore where you can buy gently used books as low as $1. The library also hosts a number of free programs for children and adults, including monthly book clubs.
The Hilton Head branch is located at 11 Beach City Road (map), just off William Hilton Parkway (U.S. Hwy. 278) on the North End. For information about their hours, programs, and other branch locations, call (843) 255-6500. In addition, the Beaufort County Library system has numerous locations throughout the county, including Bluffton and Beaufort.
For more information, contact:
Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560)
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