In honor of its 40th anniversary and in partnership with the South Carolina 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission, the Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina proudly announces the debut of Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Village Exhibition, a groundbreaking new attraction that uncovers the untold stories of Gullah people during America’s fight for independence.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, the exhibit will run from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25, 2025, as part of the Festival’s weekend-long celebration of Gullah culture, heritage, and history.
“Too often, the Gullah story in the American Revolution has been left out of the narrative,” says Thomas “Roy” Hicks, President and CEO of The Original Gullah Festival. “This exhibit brings those voices to the forefront through hands-on learning, historical demonstrations, and powerful storytelling.”
Exhibition Features:
Historical Artisans: Watch live demonstrations by renowned Gullah artists and craftspeople—including an indigo artist, rice farmers, a woodworker, and a blacksmith—as they showcase skills passed down through generations.
Special Performance
On Sunday, May 25 at 4:20 p.m., the Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc. will present a sneak peek of their brand-new production, Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience, featuring acclaimed performer Anita Singleton Prather as Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk. This special performance will be the first of three free previews leading up to the show’s world premiere on July 19, 2025, at the May River Theater.
Featured Festival Artisans:
• Arianne King Comer, Indigo Artist (Wadmalaw Island, SC)
• Hank Herring, Woodworker & Found-Object Artist (Beaufort, SC)
• Rollen & Frances Chalmers, Heritage Rice Farmers (Hardeeville, SC) • Julian Williams, Blacksmith (James Island, SC)
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore this educational, engaging, and culturally significant experience. Admission to the exhibition is free with festival entry.
Friday, May 23, 2025, is Student Day at the Festival. Many of the demonstrations and activities will be focused on supporting the engagement of children and youth with Gullah history, culture and, arts.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact The Original Gullah Festival at (843) 525-0628 or info@originalgullahfestival.org.
Other Festival Highlights
Caribbean All White Party – Friday, May 23,2025, 8pm – 12midnight
Decoration Day Full-Stage Musical – Thursday, May 22, 7pm and Saturday, May 24, 2025, 3pm Sunday Evening Concert starring The Promise Land Band – May 25, 2025, 7pm For more information or tickets: https://www.originalgullahfestival.org/
About The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, Inc.
Founded in 1986, The Original Gullah Festival celebrates and preserves the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people of coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Through music, art, storytelling, food, and history, the festival honors the legacy of the Gullah Geechee Corridor and its global significance.
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