Gullah Cultural Center

Park Description

The St. James Foundation purchased 7.5 acres of urban land located on Grimball Road, James Island. The foundation plans to construct a 12,000 sq. ft. Gullah Cultural Center to preserve and carry on the Gullah culture in this area. The Gullah Cultural Center will allow individuals and community residents to participate in outdoor recreational activities such as walking and wildlife observation. The project plans include an interpretive walking trail with signs along the way that describe Gullah-Geechee history from its roots in Serra Leone to Charleston and the lowcountry enabling participants to gain an understanding of what the environment was like during this historic time period. This property is located near the Stono River and was formerly the Grimball Plantation. The James Island County Park and the Dill Plantation are within 5 miles of the site. The property is also located near two public schools, Septima P. Clark Corporate Academy and James Island Elementary School. The students, faculty and families will have full access to all of the center’s facilities.

Charleston County Council awarded $617,454 in Greenbelt Program funding to purchase this property for public use.

Amenities

• The planned walking trail is currently open. Future amenities will include interpretive signs along the walking trail, the Gullah Center, offering Gullah related crafts, fine arts, music, culinary arts, theater productions and conference center.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact: The St. James Foundation c/o St. James Presbyterian Church USA 1314 Secessionville Road, Charleston, SC 29412 Phone (843) 795-3959 Email info@thestjamesfoundation.org