3. Penn Center
Founded in 1862, the Penn Center is the site of the first academic school for freed slaves. Today, it is one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence and continues to be committed to the preservation of the Gullah Geechee culture. In addition to the museum, the site itself is available for tours year-round and is comprised of nineteen buildings related to and used by the Penn School, including Brick Church and Darrah Hall, one of the oldest buildings on St. Helena Island. It also hosts old burial grounds, Gantt Cottage (where Martin Luther King Jr. lodged), a Nature Trail, Chowan Creek and acres of pines, native flora and fauna. For more information and to plan your trip, please visit www.penncenter.com.
