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After Union occupation of the sea islands in 1861, Northern missionaries Laura Towne and Ellen Murray and abolitionists founded Penn Center in 1862 for the education of newly freed Sea Island slaves. The Penn School operated through the end of World War II when education was provided by the Beaufort County school system. The school preserved much of the Island's African-American history and culture through collections, historical documentation, oral histories, musical recordings and handicrafts (especially sweetgrass baskets). The facility also served as a meeting place for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prior to the March on Washington in 1963. The Penn School and Center is available today for tours, educational enrichment, conventions and group enrichment. More than 1,000 works on African American Gullah culture and Sea Island history are housed in the Laura Towne Library. Each year, the site is the setting for the Heritage Days Celebration, featuring Gullah song, dance and art. Introduced in 2005, the two week Gullah Studies Institute is designed to introduce audiences to the Gullah Culture and Penn Center.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Barefoot Farms

U-pick year-round (greenhouse)

Saint Helena Island, SC Farms

Captain Eddie's Fishing Charters And Sightseeing Cruises

Offshore and inshore fishing charters on the 27' "Glory Hallelujah II" or inshore on the 17' "Little Glory Hallelujah"

Saint Helena Island, SC Charters

The Gullah Grub

Originally a unique blend of African and European cooking methods, Gullah cuisine has evolved into a taste unique to the Lowcountry. At Gullah Grub we make our own spice blends, using all natural herbs and spices.

Saint Helena Island, SC Other Attractions

Penn Center Inc.

After Union occupation of the sea islands in 1861, Northern missionaries Laura Towne and Ellen Murray and abolitionists founded Penn Center in 1862

Saint Helena Island, SC Other Attractions

Gullah-N-Geechie Mahn Tours

This historical tour of St. Helena and the surrounding Sea Islands brings to life stories and contributions of enslaved Africans and their native cultures and how it significantly influenced the growth and development of South Carolina's and America's culture. Offers "receptive operators"

Saint Helena Island, SC Tours

Things to do near Saint Helena Island, SC

Fort San Felipe, Santa Elena, Charlesfort And San Marcos

This site covers the 1562 French settlement known as Charlesfort and the 1566-1587 Spanish village of Santa Elena. Remains of...

Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat

Offers Deep Sea and Night Shark fishing trips on board The Capt. Hook. Full galley; shaded and seated fishing areas; and clea...

Sea Pines Country Club

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...

Hilton Head Guest Services

Quality vacations at affordable prices. As Hilton Head's Official Vacation headquarters, we have access to the best prices o...

Hampton Inn

Located minutes from Historic Downtown Walterboro and the South Carolina Artisan's Center, children under 12 stay free. Poi...