From the oyster beds to the bateaux, from shrimp boats to the sentinel heron, Hilton Head Island’s waterways have shaped and sustained the Gullah way of life for generations. This post traces the intertwined stories of foodways, craftsmanship, and conservation—showing how oysters built communities, bateaux linked them, shrimp boats sustained them, and herons still guard them. Together these elements reveal a living culture of resilience, stewardship, and deep connection to the marsh. Dive in to experience the Gullah legacy that continues to define Hilton Head today.
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by Emory Shaw Campbell (Author)
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by Thomas C. Barnwell Jr. (Author), Emory Shaw Campbell (Author), Carolyn Grant (Author)
The Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association (NIBCAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic development and enhancing the quality of life for the native island community of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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