Celebrate Black History Month on the Grand Strand
South Carolina has a rich cultural history to draw on when we explore Black History Month every year in February, one that locals and visitors to the area can enjoy exploring and learning from. Here are a few opportunities coming up that you may want to take advantage of while you’re visiting Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort:
History Excursions at Brookgreen Gardens
Through March 6, Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, will be offering the opportunity to explore the cemeteries at Brookgreen, also known as “Silent Cities.” The tours will take guests on the back roads at the gardens with a tour guide to visit the site of the Oaks Plantation, as well as other former rice plantation sites. The tour will explore the life and times of the people who lived and worked in the area. The tour will venture into the graveyards of former slaves and plantation owners, and talk about burial customs of African and European origin. The two hour tours will take place Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2:30 p.m., and will cost $15 in addition to regular garden admission. Tickets may be purchased at keepsakes up to 10 minutes prior to departure time. Reservations are encouraged, and may be made by calling 843-235-6038.
Through March 7, tours will be offered through the Oaks Plantation History and Nature Trail, including through interpretive panels along the natural walking trail. Sites visited include archaeological sites that were former plantation owner and slave areas of the property. Transportation will be provided by a mini bus which will depart on the hour on tour days—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays—between noon and 3 p.m. Tickets are $3 per person and must be purchased at least 10 minutes prior to departure time.
Hobcaw Barony is a privately-owned research reserve with a history that includes Native American Waccamaw tribes people, English colonial history, and Southern plantations dependent on slave labor, both from Barbados and later, from West Africa. Tours highlight Hobcaw Barony’s history and ecology. The regular tour schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 10 and 11 a.m., but reservations are required, and can be made by calling 843-546-4623.
February 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a cemeteries tour will be given of the 5 cemeteries on the property, two of which were used by slaves and their descendents.
The Gullah culture is also an integral part of African American history in South Carolina and the Lowcountry, including the unique linguistic and cultural heritage that developed in this region and was inspired largely by African heritage. There is information on Gullah culture and people, as well as information about Gullah tours, available online, including at www.gullahgal.com and at www.nps.gov.