Donations and Financial Support Programs

"When I first came to Penn Center as a young lieutenant in the Civil Rights Movement, I was captivated by its beauty and inspired by its history. As one of the only places in the segregated South where bi-racial groups could meet, Penn Center not only provided a safe haven in which we planned many strategies of the Movement, but provided a reflective atmosphere which affirmed our crusade for social justice. I'm proud that more than a century since its founding, Penn Center still remains at the forefront in the fight for human dignity."

Congressman John Lewis, Honorary Chair, Friends of Penn Center.

It's no surprise Penn Center is recognized as one of the nation's most significant historical and cultural institutions. Without a doubt, this landmark institution has created a proud history by recognizing and addressing a people's most fundamental needs even as those needs evolve and change with time.

Since its founding in 1862, as the first academic school for African Americans newly freed from slavery, Penn has played a major role in education, the Civil Rights Movement and in creating community and individual self-reliance throughout our Southern coastal communities.

Today, programs at Penn Center support the education of Sea Island children, help native coastal landowners protect their land and fragile environment and preserve the unique African American Sea Island Gullah culture, vigorously promoting its influence on our nation's collective heritage.

By supporting Penn Center, you will share in this institution's proud history and help it continue to stand and serve as a nurturing haven for the economic, social and moral well being of our coastal communities and of our nation. Donations are tax-deductible.

To help maintain this important cultural center, contributors can donate to the history and mission of Penn Center through four programs:

1. Friends of Penn – Friends receive free admission to the York W. Bailey Museum and a 10% discount at the Museum Gift Shop. Levels of giving are Chairman’s Roundtable $10,000 and above, Friends for Life, $5,000-$9,999, Leading Friends, $2,000-$4,999, Benefactors, $500-$1,999, Supporting Friends, $100-$499, and General Donation, under $100. Make checks payable to Penn Center, Inc. and mail to Penn Center, Inc., PO Box 126, St. Helena Island, SC 29920. Donations can be made in monthly installments and charged to your credit card.

2. York W. Bailey Museum Fund – Individuals may become museum members and receive free admission and a 10% discount on purchases by donating $50 per year. To support specific museum projects, such as exhibition development, program promotion and general support, donations are gladly accepted. Donations can be made in monthly installments and charged to your credit card. Make checks payable to the York W. Bailey Museum and mail to York W. Bailey Museum Penn Center, PO Box 126, St. Helena Island, SC 29920.

3. Corporate Giving – Each year Penn sponsors its Annual Heritage Days Celebration to showcase the history and culture of the Gullah people of the Sea Islands and to share the history of Penn School. Attendance averages approximately 20,000 people during this three day celebration. Corporations may sponsor specific functions and become presenting sponsors. Please call for more information.

4. Penn Club – The Penn Club, Incorporated is an organization comprised of Penn Alumni and friends whose primary purpose is to support Penn Center. Penn Club sponsors activities throughout the year and distributes the quarterly publication Penn Pals to members. Levels of giving are as follows: Corporate ($100 +), Organization ($50), Penn Bell Ringer ($100 +), Penn Builder ($50-$99), Penn Supporter ($25-$49.99), Penn Pal ($15-$24.99). Memberships are for the calendar year. A membership card will be sent upon receipt of the membership fee. Make check payable and mail to Penn Club, Inc., PO Box 246, St. Helena Island, SC 29920.