Who We Are
About Us
Our Mission
Honoring the Legacy of the Lowcountry
The Black Heritage Trail SC Lowcountry exists to honor the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities across the region. We are dedicated to ensuring that the rich and complex history of Black life in South Carolina's Lowcountry is preserved, celebrated, and shared with the world.
Through education, community engagement, and historical storytelling, we illuminate a legacy that shaped this land and continues to inspire generations. From the Gullah Geechee cultural traditions to the stories of freedom fighters and community builders, the Lowcountry's Black heritage is a vital thread in the fabric of American history.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Preservation
We are committed to documenting and safeguarding the historical sites, stories, and cultural traditions of Black communities throughout the Lowcountry.
Education
Through programs, resources, and partnerships with schools and institutions, we bring this history to life for learners of every age.
Community
We believe history belongs to the people who lived it. We center the voices, families, and descendants of the Lowcountry in everything we do.
Inspiration
By illuminating the past, we empower future generations to understand their roots, take pride in their heritage, and shape what comes next.
Our Story
Rooted in the Lowcountry
The Lowcountry of South Carolina is home to one of the most distinctive and historically significant Black cultural landscapes in the United States. From the Gullah Geechee people — direct descendants of enslaved Africans who preserved a unique language, culture, and spiritual tradition — to the freedom fighters, educators, and community leaders who shaped the region, this land carries stories that deserve to be told.
The Black Heritage Trail SC Lowcountry was founded to create a living, accessible record of these stories — connecting historic sites, oral histories, and community voices into a trail that anyone can follow, learn from, and be inspired by.
Based in Summerville, SC, we serve communities across the Lowcountry and welcome all who wish to engage with this vital history.
Join Our Society
Become a member and help us preserve and celebrate Black heritage in the SC Lowcountry. Your support makes our work possible.