By Bonnie and Bill Neely
Gullah-Geechee heritage is unique in South Carolina and is a fascinating way to learn about the people who grew world-famous Sea Island Cotton on plantations in the lower part of the state and shipped it to Europe from 1700’s until the Civil War. The newly preserved historic area of the plantation cotton farms was celebrated and dedicated in April 2025, at the heritage preserve.
Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, said “The discovery of this area of Coosaw that appeared to be captured in time and held for the appropriate use in the way foods are when we preserve them in the Gullah-Geechee Nation is not only significant to us but is a blessing.”The Gullah-Geechee Sea Island Coalition and the Gullah-Geechee Nation’s leaders are pleased that we can continue our ongoing coalition with the South Carolina Department of the Natural Resources, which was created in 1974.” This is the first land and historic preservation of its kind in the USA (in concert with other state agencies) and the local Gullah people were assisting with the research, to set aside a portion of the state’s rich natural and cultural resources in a system of heritage preserves to be protected for present and future generations.
Other places in the SC Sea Islands that are fascinating to visit while enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches for which SC is world renowned. The city of Beaufort is a jewel of history, delightful restaurants and many activities which include the old-timey carriage ride to learn the important history of the area. Unique shops abound and it is fun to watch the shrimp boats come in or to sit along the Bay in the swings and just enjoy the water activities in front of you, while the beautiful park provides lovely play areas. As a northern friend of ours remarked when visiting South Carolina, “I can’t believe how very friendly everyone is!”
Penn Center nearby has a wonderful museum commemorating the first school for African Americans, established just after the Emancipation of the plantation slaves. White teachers from the North began educating the children of former slaves in the surrounding area. You will want to spend several hours at the Penn Center.
On St. Helen Island, just 8 minutes across the bridge from Beaufort at 870 Sea Island Parkway, is another historical treasure you will not want to miss: It is open 10 – 5 Mondays through Saturdays: The Gullah-Geechee Cultural Visitors’ Center and Ly Bensons Gallery and Studio. This is a historical Gallery featuring the local African American history. This small museum has many amazing pieces in the rare collections of folk-art paintings and gifts and rare (extremely valuable) Zimbabwe Shona Verdite sculptures. This is the largest collection of this rare green rock sculpture in the world. There are also imported African baskets on display. All around these islands we saw local women beside the roadways weaving Sea Island baskets, copying the amazing talents and patterns of the older imported ones. These locally made baskets are quite valuable treasures to purchase as souvenirs.
We learned a lot in the Robert Smalls historic room, discovering the incredible life of the deeply respected first slave who became a Civil War Hero. He is known as the “face of reconstruction.”
Paintings and hand-woven textiles are also beautifully displayed here, artwork for serious collectors because of their high quality of craftsmanship and uniqueness to this area. We purchased a Gullah Bible which we so enjoy reading in the lyrical sounding words of the Gullah language (sometimes called Geechee), the creole vernacular, spoken primarily by African Americans living on the seaboard of South Carolina. Because slaves in the 1800’s came from different places with different languages in Africa, it was difficult for them to converse with each other. They developed this language based on English but modified and influenced by the many different languages of the various slaves. The language is still spoken by some today and we found it beautiful to hear.
Just across the street from the Cultural Center we found the Gullah Grub Cafe with special low country dishes which use the local fare and the historic recipes of the Low Country and Gullah-Geechee heritage. You can view the menu on the Internet.
For more information call 843 838 2402. Also contact the Beaufort Visitor Bureau: 843 525 8500.
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