Hilton Head Island, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island will launch the Experience Gullah website and wayfinding app on October 2 at the Rowing & Sailing Center. Developed by the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods CDC and Solaos, Inc., the tools aim to highlight Gullah culture and support local businesses. The app features seven historic landmarks showcasing the African American heritage of the island, with plans for future updates.
Hilton Head Island is set to welcome the launch of the Experience Gullah website and wayfinding app on Thursday, October 2, at 5:30 p.m. The launch event will take place at the Rowing & Sailing Center, located at Squire Pope Community Park, 137 Squire Pope Road. Attendees will have the opportunity to preview the new website, dedicated to showcasing the rich history and culture of the Gullah Geechee community, and witness a live demonstration of the wayfinding app.
The Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (CDC) developed the website and app in collaboration with Solaos, Inc., a technology firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These tools aim to honor the Gullah culture, promote Gullah-owned businesses and events, and attract visitors to significant cultural sites on Hilton Head Island. The Experience Gullah wayfinding app is free to download and is currently available in major app stores.
The app features seven historic Gullah landmarks located on Hilton Head Island, providing users with insights into the island’s African American heritage and its significance. The highlighted sites include:
- Old School House Park: This park marks the site of Hilton Head’s first consolidated public elementary school, which opened in 1954.
- Robinson Junior High Historical Marker: This location commemorates a former school for African American students in grades 6-8.
- Driessen Beach Park: Once a popular beach spot for African American families and visitors.
- Fisherman’s Co-op: A former cooperative that united Black fishermen and significantly impacted the island’s shrimping industry.
- Fish Camp (Simmons Fishing Camp): This site operated as a launch point for transporting goods and ferrying Islanders.
- Barnwell Tabby: An early landmark reflecting West African traditions built between 1730 and 1750.
- Historic Mitchelville: Established in 1862, this was the first self-governed town for formerly enslaved people.
Looking ahead, the developers plan to include additional landmark sites in the app to further enhance the experience and education of users interested in exploring Gullah history and culture. The launch event provided an important platform for sharing the significance of preserving Gullah Geechee culture in Hilton Head Island’s historic neighborhoods, emphasizing the work being done to ensure this unique heritage is recognized and appreciated.
Background Context
The Gullah Geechee culture is a distinct African American heritage recognized for its unique language, traditions, and history. Spanning from North Carolina to Florida along the coast, the Gullah Geechee community has a rich legacy that includes their contributions to the arts, agriculture, and fishing industries. Preservation efforts, such as the initiative by the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods CDC, are vital for keeping this culture alive for future generations.
FAQ Section
What is the Experience Gullah website and app?
The Experience Gullah website and app are designed to showcase Gullah Geechee history and culture, promote Gullah-owned businesses and events, and attract visitors to cultural sites on Hilton Head Island.
When and where is the launch event?
The launch event is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at the Rowing & Sailing Center located at Squire Pope Community Park, 137 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island.
What landmarks does the Experience Gullah app cover?
The app features seven historic Gullah landmarks located on Hilton Head Island, including Old School House Park, Robinson Junior High Historical Marker, Driessen Beach Park, Fisherman’s Co-op, Fish Camp (Simmons Fishing Camp), Barnwell Tabby, and Historic Mitchelville.
Is the app free to download?
Yes, the Experience Gullah wayfinding app is free and currently available in app stores.
Will there be more landmarks added to the app?
Yes, additional landmark sites will be added to the app in the future.
Key Features of Experience Gullah
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website Launch | Showcases Gullah Geechee history and culture |
| Wayfinding App | Free download available in major app stores |
| Event Date | Thursday, October 2, at 5:30 p.m. |
| Historic Landmarks Featured | Seven key Gullah sites on Hilton Head Island |
| Future Updates | Additional landmarks to be added in the future |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort County Community Events This September
Beaufort County Hosts Vibrant September Celebrations
Hilton Head Island’s Fall Festivals Celebrate Food and Music
Beaufort County Unveils New Gullah Geechee Cultural Center Plan
Hilton Head Island Celebrates Groundbreaking of Research Facility
Exploring the Scenic Charms of South Carolina’s Towns
Hilton Head Island’s Overlooked Role in the Revolutionary War
Rediscovering Serenity on Hilton Head Island
Restoration Efforts at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Face Travel Restrictions
Additional Resources
- WTOC: New Website & Wayfinding App Spotlight Gullah Landmarks Hilton Head Island
- The New York Times: South Carolina’s Gullah
- Ebony: Hilton Head Bluffton Lowcountry Slow Travel Gullah History Guide
- WSAV: Gullah Museum of Hilton Head to Host Heritage Festival
- Island Packet: Gullah Culture in Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Gullah
- Google Search: Gullah Geechee culture
- Google Scholar: Gullah Geechee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah
- Google News: Gullah Geechee history
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
