Beaufort Gears Up for November 8 History Symposium Celebrating Gullah Geechee Heritage

Beaufort Prepares for an Exciting History Symposium!

The city of Beaufort, South Carolina, is buzzing with anticipation as it gears up for the 2024 History Symposium: Where It All Began. Scheduled for Friday, November 8, the event promises to be both enlightening and enjoyable, taking place at the Frissell Community House on the Penn Center campus.

Uncovering the Rich Heritage of Gullah Geechee Culture

This year’s symposium shines a spotlight on the formidable impact of the Gullah Geechee culture. With roots tracing all the way back to Africa, the symposium aims to connect the past to the present day in Beaufort. Participants will have the chance to hear from a variety of speakers who specialize in different aspects of African and African Diaspora history.

Registration Details

Registration for this exciting day begins bright and early, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.. The first session kicks off at 9:00 a.m., offering a full day packed with important discussions and performances. Interested attendees can register in advance or at the door for $35. This fee includes a light breakfast and a delicious lunch to keep everyone’s energy up throughout the day.

If you’d like to secure your spot ahead of time, you can find registration details online.

Star-Studded Lineup of Presenters

Expect a dazzling lineup of presenters this year! Notable speakers include:

• Dr. Louis Venters, a professor of African and African Diaspora History at Francis Marion University.
• Michael B. Moore, who is not only a candidate for the SC House of Representatives but also the great-great-grandson of the legendary Robert Smalls.
• Dr. Valinda Littlefield, Associate Professor of History at the University of South Carolina.
• Bradley Tarrance, the principal of the Robert Smalls Leadership Academy.

The enthusiasm doesn’t stop there! Participants can also look forward to heartwarming performances from:

• The St. Helena Elementary School African Drumming Ensemble
• The Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Choir
• Gary Sterling, an internationally acclaimed St. Helena native
• Louis Venters, who will dazzle attendees with his solo performance.

A Warm Welcome and Special Presentations

To set the tone for the day, Mrs. Deloris Pringle, the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Penn Center, will kick things off with a warm welcome to all participants. Attendees can also look forward to a special video presentation by the esteemed Dr. Emory Campbell, featuring the documentary titled Gullah Geechee Celebration: 40 Years of Heritage Days at Penn Center.

In addition to community members and local leaders, special guests like SC House Representative Michael Rivers and Dr. Frank Rodriquez, Superintendent of Beaufort County School District, will be in attendance, enhancing the community spirit of this event.

Book Signings and Information Booths

The day will include a book signing session organized by the Pat Conroy Literary Center, where attendees can meet and greet the presenters and other special guests, including Lynn Bryant and Dr. Emory Campbell.

Moreover, various information tables will be set up by organizations, including the Beaufort County Awareness Group, Beaufort History Museum, Penn Center, and the Beaufort County School District, to share insights and resources about the Gullah Geechee culture and local history.

Celebrate 40 Years of Heritage Days!

This year’s symposium marks an incredible milestone, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Heritage Days. It provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore, understand, and appreciate the cultural legacy of the Gullah Geechee people from their ancient beginnings to their present-day contributions right here in beautiful Beaufort.

So, mark your calendars for November 8! It’s going to be a day filled with learning, community, and celebration of the rich history that makes Beaufort so unique.