Places you must explore around Gullah Museum in Hilton Head

It is hard to find a place for a family vacation as the place has to meet the important criteria. However, a place surrounded by museums, culture, beaches, and heritage leaves no stone unturned. Hilton Head has everything and more for a perfect getaway by the beach surrounded by food and warm people.

The Hilton Head is recognized by the Gullah museum, housed in the little blue house. The small place was built by Duey, who was the grandson of a former slave at that time. The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and all its buildings represent to help the community restore, revive, preserve, and protect the Gullah century-old tradition. The Gullah culture is unique to the Lowcountry as it was developed during America’s period of slavery. It community held on to its traditions with little modification and now serves a mission of the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island to revive, restore and preserve the Hilton Head Island Gullah history.

More about Coastal Discovery Museum

If you are willing to explore some of the more expansive roots of Hilton Head islands, then Coastal Discovery Museum will be the best way to start. The museum depicts an amazing natural environment and cultural heritage of the Gullah people. There are tours available throughout the island but only a few tour services show you the real island. The museum isn’t the only place to explore, the surrounding location is equally beautiful and offers some great locations to explore.

Mitchelville Freedom Park

The Mitchelville Freedom Park, located off Beach City Road in the center of the old Mitchelville colony, is another must-see location for Gullah culture. Mitchelville, the first post-Civil War colony for freed slaves, led to the establishment of their independence as they constructed homes, chose their own politicians, enacted laws, and instituted required schooling.

Penn Center National Historic Landmark

The Penn School was established in 1862 as a facility for liberated Sea Island slaves to receive an education. In 1901, the school added an industrial arts program and continued to function until the conclusion of World War II. The Penn Center served as a refuge for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the 1960s Civil Rights Struggle, identifying it as a sacred site.

Charleston City Market

Make your way to the Charleston City Market as you arrive and do some shopping in the open-air market. Gullah artists may be found stitching sweetgrass baskets and speaking in a lovely mix of French, Creole, and African languages among the antiques and tiny stores.

The baskets are a true art that the Gullah community has retained over the course of 300 years. There are lovely soup bunches with a traditional mix of dried vegetables and spices for a Gullah-style homemade soup. Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and all the surrounding places have a different charm, which attracts tourists around the year.