Celebrate Gullah/Geechee Family Day 2026 at Penn Center

Gullah/Geechee Family Day is the annual family reunion for the worldwide Gullah/Geechee community. Join us on historic St. Helena Island, South Carolina, at the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park for a weekend celebrating Gullah/Geechee heritage, culture, and community.

Friday, July 24, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Dr. York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center

Kick off the weekend with a special reception hosted by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, featuring artist Bruce Ingram and the Gullah/Geechee CREATE Artists Collective. Artwork and books will be available for purchase.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 | Noon | Penn Center’s campus

Return for an afternoon of authentic Gullah/Geechee language, music, food, art, books, and family fun. DJ Kwame Sha of All Mobile Productions (AMP) will keep the celebration going throughout the day, joined by performances from the Wona Womalan African Dance Group and Beth Inabinett and For the Funk of It Band.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the York W. Bailey Museum and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, shop for one-of-a-kind Gullah/Geechee artwork and traditional crafts directly from local artists, and savor authentic Gullah/Geechee cuisine.