Penn Agricultural school

Penn Center or Penn School by the locals was founded in 1862. Issued by General Saxon and led by mostly white

the early years

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Quaker unitarian abolitionist. The first School for Black people in the south after emancipation was either outside or in a leaky building. It was called Penn Agricultural and industrial school. Many local residence received education in the areas of farming, tractor repair agricultural engineering, and science of the land and the seas. Skills were taught to further develop the lives of newly freed African peoples. The schools first African American teacher was Mr. Charlotte Forten Grimkie. She was the daughter of a well known Philadelphia abolitionist who volunteered to teach the newly freed African people for free.
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Today Penn Center is a historical site. No longer in use as a school. The las classes ended in the 60's. Today is is a national reconstruction era land mark under the  supervision of the National Park Service.

Things to do on St. Helena island

Fort Freemont Beach is a secluded off the beaten path beach. Its situated at the back of the Island about 4 miles from Penn Center. meet locals and spark up a conversation.
Fort Freemont Battery was a defense point during the Spanish American war, 1898. I don't think it ever saw battle but its is a must see if you are in the area. picnic and cooking areas available.
Sun sets at Fort Freemont are spectacular, colorful and calming. People travel from all over the state just to take a glimpse of the sunsetting behind the Gullah Islands.

           gullah cuisine                                      Gullah Grub

Bill Green and his family have been preparing authentic Gullah meals at his restaurant for over 15 years. Bill follows the rules of Gullah traditions when it comes to preparing food. First, eat in season. Each season brings a special harvest and when you eat in season you help protect the earth and maintain balance. Be sure to see their open days because the season for Gullah Grub is by the almanac.
                   Bill Green founder of Gullah Grub.