Hilton Head Island, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island has launched a new website and mobile app to preserve the Gullah Geechee community’s rich culture. The platform, named ‘New Experience Gullah,’ promotes local heritage, features key historical landmarks, and aims to engage visitors with the Gullah traditions. The app allows users to explore significant sites by scanning QR codes, enhancing cultural education and community engagement.
Hilton Head Island Launches New Website and App for Gullah Geechee Culture
Hilton Head Island has taken a significant step in preserving the rich history and culture of the Gullah Geechee community by launching a new website and mobile app on October 2, 2025. The project, spearheaded by the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (CDC), aims to digitally document and promote the unique traditions of this historically significant group.
The launch event for the innovative platform, named “New Experience Gullah,” was held at the Rowing & Sailing Center located at Squire Pope Community Park. This digital initiative is established to highlight the contributions of Gullah-owned businesses, provide cultural education, and engage visitors with the island’s historical heritage.
The mobile app offers an immersive experience by allowing users to explore seven key historical landmarks associated with the Gullah Geechee community by scanning QR codes. The featured locations include:
- Old School House Park
- Robinson Junior High Historical Marker
- Driessen Beach Park
- Fisherman’s Co-op
- Simmons Fishing Camp
- Barnwell Tabby
- Historic Mitchelville
The CDC’s Executive Director, Thomas Boxley, highlighted the crucial need to establish a digital presence to promote local heritage and businesses. Plans are already underway to expand the app’s content beyond these initial seven locations, further enhancing the community’s narrative and educational outreach efforts.
The significance of the Gullah Geechee community, which stretches across coastal regions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, has been recognized through the establishment of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor by the National Park Service. This designation underscores the importance of acknowledging and preserving the culture, language, and traditions of the Gullah Geechee people, who have managed to maintain many African cultural practices despite historical challenges.
The digital preservation initiative is part of the CDC’s strategic action plan for Hilton Head Island, aiming to ensure that the community’s story is told and preserved in various formats. Collaboration with Solaos Inc., a technology firm from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was vital for the development of the app and website. High school students from Hilton Head also participated as research assistants, contributing valuable insights and gaining educational experience.
The app is designed not only to attract visitors interested in Gullah culture but also to support local businesses affected by tourism dynamics. This development comes at a time when the Hilton Head Gullah Geechee community has celebrated noteworthy legal victories concerning land and cultural heritage rights, signaling a renewed momentum for preservation efforts.
In summary, the launch of the “New Experience Gullah” website and app marks a pivotal moment for Hilton Head Island, reinforcing the commitment to preserving the Gullah Geechee culture and promoting its historical significance.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the “New Experience Gullah” website and app?
- The website aims to digitally preserve the history and culture of the Gullah Geechee community on Hilton Head Island.
- When was the website and app launched?
- The launch took place on October 2, 2025.
- Where was the launch event held?
- The launch event was hosted at the Rowing & Sailing Center at Squire Pope Community Park.
- What features does the mobile app include?
- The app features an immersive experience of the island’s historic landmarks by scanning QR codes at seven key locations.
- What historic landmarks are included in the app?
- The initial app includes seven historic landmarks: Old School House Park, Robinson Junior High Historical Marker, Driessen Beach Park, Fisherman’s Co-op, Simmons Fishing Camp, Barnwell Tabby, and Historic Mitchelville.
- Is there a plan to expand the app beyond the initial seven locations?
- Yes, plans are already underway to expand the app’s roster of locations beyond the initial seven.
- How does the project align with heritage initiatives?
- The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor was established by the National Park Service to highlight the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people from the coastal regions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
- What role did local students play in this initiative?
- Several high school students from Hilton Head participated as research assistants in the project, enhancing content authenticity and gaining educational experience.
Key Features of the New Experience Gullah Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Website | Digital platform for preserving Gullah Geechee culture and history. |
| Mobile App | Interactive experience with QR codes marking historic locations. |
| Historic Landmarks | Includes seven key locations significant to Gullah history. |
| Future Expansion | Plans to add more locations and features to the app. |
| Community Engagement | Local students involved in research for authenticity. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Hilton Head Island Hosts 3rd Annual Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival
Launch of Experience Gullah Website and App on Hilton Head Island
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
The Lasting Impact of the 1893 Sea Island Hurricane on Hilton Head
Beaufort County Prepares for Fourth of July Celebrations
Rediscovering Serenity on Hilton Head Island
Restoration Efforts at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Face Travel Restrictions
Additional Resources
- Black Enterprise: Hilton Head Island Website & App
- New York Times: South Carolina Gullah
- Post and Courier: Gullah Culture History
- WTOC: Wayfinding App Spotlight
- Ebony: Hilton Head & Gullah History Guide
- Wikipedia: Gullah
- Google Search: Gullah Geechee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah
- Google Scholar: Gullah
- Google News: Gullah Geechee
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.
