News Summary
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park in Hilton Head Island will host a hands-on archaeological event on May 31, allowing the public to uncover artifacts and learn about the history of the first self-governed town of freed slaves in the U.S. This family-friendly event involves supervised digging in archaeological test pits and aims to engage the community in preserving Mitchelville’s legacy. Funded by a grant from the Alice L. Walton Foundation, it also supports the development of a digital archive and future educational resources.
Hilton Head Island – Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park will host “Stories Surround Us: A Community Archaeological Experience” on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free hands-on event invites the public to engage with the rich history of the first self-governed town of freed slaves in the United States. Participants will work alongside professional archaeologists to uncover artifacts from the historic site and contribute to the preparations for a future Visitor Center.
The event is part of a larger initiative known as the “Stories Surround Us” project, which has secured funding from a grant provided by the Alice L. Walton Foundation. This grant will support the “Dig Mitchelville” program, a new digital archive aimed at sharing archaeological findings with the community and preserving the legacy of Mitchelville.
Attendees will have the opportunity to dig in actual archaeological test pits under expert supervision and search for historic artifacts that reflect the life and culture of the community that thrived there in the 19th century. Children will also have the chance to participate in a dedicated Kid’s Dig activity, ensuring that the experience is family-friendly and educational for all age groups. While no registration is necessary for general attendance, individuals interested in actually digging must sign up online in advance to secure their spot.
The event aims to foster community involvement in the historical preservation and education of Mitchelville’s important legacy. Established in 1862, Mitchelville emerged in the wake of Union military actions during the Civil War, forming the first community of freedmen and refugees who self-governed and built a thriving settlement complete with homes, churches, and schools.
Currently, the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is at the center of a significant restoration project designed to enhance public understanding of the area’s historical importance. The park has recently introduced new features, including Ghost Structures that illustrate where the original buildings once stood, creating a vivid representation of the past.
Leading the archaeological efforts at Mitchelville is archaeologist Katie Seeber, who has been excavating the site since 2018. Her work has led to the identification of critical locations and the unearthing of various artifacts that shed light on the lives of the people who once lived there. Notably, a substantial $22.8 million project is in progress, which seeks to ensure that Mitchelville’s history is preserved and integrated into broader historical narratives.
Future plans for the property include the development of a museum and interpretive center that will not only enhance educational resources about the Gullah Geechee culture, but also provide comprehensive insights into the history of Mitchelville. Landscaping projects are also planned to reflect the quarter-acre plots originally allocated to freed slaves, enhancing the historical authenticity of the park.
As part of the ongoing efforts at the park, further archaeological research will continue to unearth more information about the town’s past, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by its residents. The public is encouraged to participate in events such as the upcoming community archaeological experience to help keep the legacy of Mitchelville alive for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Mitchelville, South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Mitchelville archaeological experience
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google Scholar: Mitchelville history
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mitchelville
- The State
- Google News: Mitchelville archaeology
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.
