Visit the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island

The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island’s motto is “Dedicated to maintaining Gullah customs, traditions, language, stories, songs and structures on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.”

The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island aims to revive, restore, and preserve the rich Gullah history for everyone. Serving as a community catalyst, the museum provides valuable insights into how Gullah culture has influenced Hilton Head Island.

Meet the Founder: Louise Miller Cohen

Louise Miller Cohen, a native of Hilton Head Island, understands the Gullah culture firsthand. She grew up in Hilton Head Island’s Historic Gullah Neighborhoods.

 For the past decade, she has dedicated herself to preserving this unique heritage by embracing the role of a Gullah storyteller.

Embracing the teachings of community elders, Ms. Cohen safeguards the Gullah/Geechee legacy and traditions. Through storytelling, gospel songs, language instruction, medicinal plant knowledge sharing, culinary artistry, traditional “Ring Shout” performances, and homemade mulberry wine crafting alongside other seasonal fruits – Ms. Cohen ensures that these rituals are passed down through generations to maintain the essence of the Gullah/Geechee heritage perpetually.

Experience life on Hilton Head Island before the 1956 bridge.

The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head offers a unique insight for children, locals, and tourists. Founded in 2003 by Ms. Cohen, it aims to preserve and share the Gullah culture.

Ms. Cohen’s passion for preserving the Gullah language and lifestyle led her to establish the museum. Inspired by Hilton Head Island’s Annual Gullah Celebration, she decided to pursue her dream. Over the years, she has actively engaged in various Gullah heritage promotional events and programs. For said work, she received the Jean Laney Harris Folk Advocacy Award in 2007.

To visit the museum:

Source: ​http://www.gullahcelebration.com/gullah-magazine/culture/louise-miller-cohen