During the years from 1760 to 1860 more than 250,000 Africans arrived in the United States. This unfortunate, but historic era will be the subject of the next three issues of The Tour Planner eMagazine. In future issues we’ll explore rice production and its heavy dependency on labor and freemen farming that followed the Civil War. Today’s itinerary focuses on the Gullah culture that African captives brought to the Sea Islands of South Carolina.
Gullah (or Geechee in northern Georgia) refers to both native islanders and the language they speak. These islanders are former slaves from the West African coastal countries of Senegal and Sierra Leone. They have been here for generations and their unique culture remains largely intact. The Gullah culture has survived by Gullah elders passing down the language and traditions to their children.
Unfortunately, over the past half century the Gullah culture has begun to disappear. Significant factors have influenced its demise. The development of resorts on the Sea Islands has displaced homes and encouraged descendants to relocate in search of employment. Meanwhile the language has seen a steady downfall as education teaches not to speak “broken English.” To the Gullah culture it’s not broken English but an art form that serves as the link between Africans and African-Americans.
Day 1 – Arrive in Myrtle Beach, SC
· Check in at your host hotel. We certainly encourage you to consider Days Resort, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, or Oceana Resorts. Each specializes in service to groups.
· Savor delectable dishes at any one of Myrtle Beach’s restaurants, but we certainly recommend Seafare Restaurant or Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse.
· Of course an evening of live entertainment at Alabama Theatre, Legend’s In Concert or The Carolina Opry is a perfect way to end your day.
Day 2 – Myrtle Beach area, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island
· Breakfast at your host hotel
· Visit Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet: In 1931, Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington founded Brookgreen Gardens. Today it is a National Historic Landmark with the most significant collection of figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting by American artists in the world. A half-dozen Cultural & Gullah programs are offered at the Lowcountry Center Auditorium by Gullah native and historian Ron Daise. Each traces the history of the Gullah people from Africa to South Carolina’s coast. Programs range from 50 to 75-minutes and there is a slight charge above the normal admission cost. Programs are tailored for adults and various grade level student groups. For more information or to schedule a visit call 800-849-1931 or direct at 843-235-6021. E-mail mmercer@brookgreen.org or visit online at www.brookgreen.org
· Lunch at Brookgreen Gardens
· Shop the Gullah O’oman Museum & Gift Shop, Pawleys Island: Shop for cultural arts and crafts including, quilts, sweet grass baskets, dolls, woodcarvings, collectibles and memorabilia. The shop is home to the Michelle Obama Family History Quilt. Bunny and Andrew Rodiques will greet your group with a warm Gullah “Hunnah!” (Welcome!) Call 843-235-0747 or visit online at www.gullahoomanshop.com
· Return to your Myrtle Beach host hotel. Enjoy dinner and a show, but get some rest in preparation for a day of exploring the history of rice and slavery in South Carolina.
