Gullah Museum of Hilton Head
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: cultural heritage, museum
The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head preserves and shares the culture, history, and language of the Gullah people—descendants of West Africans enslaved on coastal plantations who maintained many of their ancestral traditions through art, food, and storytelling.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Tour Historic Homes and Artifacts – Explore restored buildings like the “Dewey House” and view 500+ artifacts illustrating Gullah craftsmanship, daily life, and community resilience.
- Hear Stories and Presentations – Attend storytelling sessions and educational talks that bring Gullah history, traditions, and language to life through community voices and experiences.
- Join a Gullah Heritage Trail Tour – Take a guided tour led by Gullah descendants highlighting key island sites that trace the culture’s deep roots and lasting influence.
- Explore the Gullah Geechee Corridor – Discover the multi-state corridor that honors Gullah Geechee heritage, language, and African traditions preserved along the coastal lowlands.
- Visit Daufuskie Island – Take a ferry to Daufuskie Islands to meet local artists, see sweetgrass basket weaving, and explore sites central to Gullah island life.
Itinerary Idea: Pair your museum visit with a guided Gullah heritage tour. Explore St. Helena’s landmarks, plantation sites, cemeteries, and praise houses. Powerful stories illuminate Gullah culture, island life, and Lowcountry history.
Photo Credit: Discover South Carolina