Field Trip: History and Birding at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

(Member registration opens 10/5; nonmembers on 10/12)

Visit Historic Mitchelville, America’s first freed men’s village, with longtime resident, writer, storyteller and naturalist Rosemary Staples.  You will hear how former slaves merged their West African traditions into American culture to form “Gullah”, unique to the southeastern coast. You will learn about the Gullah language, customs, spiritual beliefs and their historical significance and reverence for birds. Then, walking through the maritime forest to the beach, you will see resident songbirds, shorebirds and maybe a Bald Eagle soaring overhead.  

Most of the walk will be protected by the forest, so this trip will run rain or shine as long as we don’t have a nasty storm. The beach will be open, likely windy, and probably chilly in early November. Dress accordingly: Bug spray, boots or close-toed shoes. Restrooms at the parking lot. There are a few picnic tables, so if the weather is fine consider bringing a picnic lunch.

Directions:  229 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head SC 29926.  From Rte 278 on Hilton Head, take a left onto Beach City Rd. Mitchelville is nearly at the end of Beach City Road on the right.