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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

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

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

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

Shrimp Shack

A favorite among lowcountry residents for over 20

Saint Helena Island, SC Other Attractions

Barefoot Farms

U-pick year-round (greenhouse)

Saint Helena Island, SC Farms

Things to do near Saint Helena Island, SC

Haig Point Club -The Calibouge & The Haig

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 20Reserve Advance Tee Times: 30 days...

Cool Breeze Kayaking

This guided trip ventures into the calm, secluded salt marsh creeks of Hilton Head's barrier island ecosystem. Paddlers obser...

Harbourside III

Amidst the yachts, Palmetto palms, and tranquil harbor lies a little piece of paradise.Fabulous golf pkg. on 5 top notch isla...

Shuman's RV Park

For self-contained campers; picnic area. 20 sites available. 16 pull-thrus. 20-30-50 amp service. Sewer hook-ups. Canoeing ...

Moss Creek Golf Club -South

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 30 days...