History Lecture Series: History and Culture of the Gullah on St. Helena Island

This presentation will cover the origin of the Gullah natives primarily located along the coastal areas of South Carolina, why they were concentrated in large numbers on the various isolated islands such as Dafuskie Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, Port Royal Island, Wadmalaw Island. 

Saint Helena Island, has the largest number of Gullah natives (6, 500) where a strong culture still exists. When did they arrive as slaves through the Port of Charleston, how they were dispersed throughout the State, how their labor contributed to the wealth of the Planters and what exactly happened to these natives after the “Big Gun Shoot”, November 7, 1861? 

How did they acquire the lands they now live on? What was the importance of the Praise Houses? How did the language develop? You'll learn what makes up a culture and how is it expressed among the Gullahs. 

Mary Rivers LeGree is a native of Saint Helena Island. Her early years were spent on the Rivers' family compound among her parents and other relatives. She was educated in NYC and University of Detroit (BA). After retirement in 2004, Ms. LeGree returned to Saint Helena Island and lives on the property that had been purchased by her ancestors shortly after the Civil War. She is eager to share their untold history and their practices from a genuine perspective, having been brought up in the culture. She is a past Planning Commissioner for Saint Helena District, and serves as a member of the Saint Helena Community Preservation Committee.

Advance registration advised!