Experience a powerful story of resilience, self-determination, and legacy. At Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, you’ll walk the sacred ground of the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States.
Read More
by Emory Shaw Campbell (Author)
Read More
by Thomas C. Barnwell Jr. (Author), Emory Shaw Campbell (Author), Carolyn Grant (Author)
The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island is a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the Gullah heritage and culture of the Lowcountry. The museum was established in 2003 by Hilton Head native Louise Miller Cohen and is located on land purchased by her ancestors after the Civil War.
Read More
Gullah Heritage Trail Tours provide a glimpse into the island’s culture before the development of resorts on Hilton Head Island. The bus tours are led by native islanders of Gullah descent who share their personal experiences and family history.
Read More
Binya Boutique is a Gullah and Lowcountry-focused gift shop on Hilton Head Island. The name "Binya" is a Gullah word that means "been here" and is used to affectionately describe native islanders or those with ancestral ties to the island. The shop sells gifts and local items while celebrating and educating people about Gullah heritage.
Read More
Gullah T's N' Tings is a Black-owned lifestyle brand that sells apparel and other items inspired by and celebrating Gullah culture. The company was founded by Sonya Jovan Grant, a direct descendant of the Gullah people.
Read More
The Reilley and Simmons families envisioned Fishcamp on Broad Creek as a community spot where neighbors could gather over delicious meals and share laughter. After restoring the original Simmons Fishing Camp building, Fishcamp on Broad Creek opened to rave reviews in October 2016. The land and the Camp boast a rich history rooted in Gullah culture. Today, we preserve that family spirit at Fishcamp on Broad Creek by honoring the history and significance of the site – in the original building offering great seafood, and in Cap’n Charlie Simmon’s memory through excellent service.
Read More
What could be better than the popular soul food and entertainment hot spot of Hilton Head Island, Ruby Lee's? We offer more of what patrons have come to love and expect in the past few years: delicious Southern cooking and a comfortable yet stimulating atmosphere that offers the perfect way to enjoy sports or outstanding blues, jazz, and soul from local and regional artists.
Read More
Burkes Beach holds a special place in the local Gullah community. It was renowned for "The Hideaway," a juke joint that operated daily, providing music and food to families. During events like Labor Day family reunions, the beach became a communal gathering spot where everyone was welcomed, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
Read More
Bradley Beach stands out as a prominent historic Black beach on Hilton Head Island. In 1949, Dr. Stephen Maxwell McDew Jr., a Savannah-based gynecologist, and his wife, Mary, purchased approximately 10 acres of land from the Gullah Christopher family. This property stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to what is now Highway 278, in the area currently known as Bradley Beach Road. Named in honor of Mary’s late brother, John Bradley, the beach became a cherished retreat for the McDew family and their community.
Read More
Driessen Beach Park is both a scenic retreat and a living testament to Hilton Head Island’s African American legacy. Named after Henry Driessen Sr., a prominent Black landowner who acquired part of the former Chaplin Plantation in 1921, the park honors a family lineage rooted in land stewardship and civic leadership, including Henry Driessen Jr., the island’s first African American town councilman.
Read More
Fish Haul Beach Park is adjacent to the historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the site of the first self-governing town of formerly enslaved African Americans in the United States. Established in 1862, Mitchelville was a symbol of freedom and self-determination. Today, Fish Haul Beach Park offers a serene environment for reflection and connection to this significant heritage.
Read More
Singleton Beach is named after the Singleton family, one of Hilton Head's original Gullah families. Namen Singleton, who purchased his first land at age 12 after emancipation, and his son Ezekiel, acquired over 200 acres, including the area now known as Singleton Beach. This beach became a popular destination for African Americans from cities like Atlanta, Charleston, and Savannah, offering a range of Black-owned establishments, including restaurants, diners, and nightclubs.
Read More
Standing for nearly three centuries, the Barnwell Tabby tells a story that continues to reveal its secrets. Once thought to date from the 1800s, this North Island landmark was actually built between 1730 and 1750 — predating the American Revolution and challenging earlier beliefs about Hilton Head Island’s colonial period.
Read More
The Husband and Wife team of Melly Mel’s are dishing up some good eats. Born from a true passion for cooking, their Food Truck is a Community staple serving the Lowcountry area for over a decade. They also provide custom menus for any special occasion or gathering.
Read More
The Heritage Library is a non-profit organization in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, dedicated to preserving and sharing the island's unique history and culture. It serves as a resource for both residents and visitors interested in local history, genealogy, and the region's historical significance.
Read More