Passport to Freedom Celebrates 250 Years of African American History

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, USCB’s 2026 African American History Month series highlights 250 years of African American history, heritage, and cultural impact in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The centerpiece of the series is a 25-site "Passport to Freedom" booklet, inviting participants in and around the USCB community to explore local sites, reflect, and collect commemorative stamps.

For the past 10 years, USCB has hosted a comprehensive series of events for its campus and Beaufort community members in celebration of African American History Month.

2026 Passport to Freedom Sites - 25 Locations

1. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
   40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

2. Harriet Tubman & Robert Smalls Monuments at Tabernacle Baptist Church
   901 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902

3. Daufuskie Island Historic District
   Daufuskie Island, SC

4. Garvin-Garvey House
   63 Wharf Street, Bluffton, SC 29910

5. The Emancipation Oak at Camp Saxton
   27 Pinckney Boulevard, Port Royal, SC 29935

6. Penn Center National Historic Landmark District
   16 Penn Center Circle East, St. Helena Island, SC 29920

7. The Mather School Interpretive Center at Technical College of the Lowcountry
   921 Ribaut Road TCL Campus, Building 1 Beaufort, SC 29901

8. Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
   43 W. K. Alston Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906

9. Cherry Hill School
   210 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

10. USCB Historic Beaufort Campus Mural & Historical Markers
    801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC 29902

11. Central Oak Grove Baptist Church
    161 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

12. Gullah Geechee Welcome Center / LyBensons' Gallery
    870 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC 29920

13. Wesley United Methodist Church
    701 West Street, Beaufort, SC 29902

14. Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
    12 Georgianna Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

15. Ma Daisy's Porch
    1255 May River Road, Bluffton, SC 29910

16. Harriet Tubman Combahee Riber Memorial Bridge
    US-17, Yemassee, SC 29945

17. Grand Army Hall
    706 Newcastle Street, Beaufort, SC 29902

18. Beaufort National Cemetery
    1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902

19. Historic Fort Howell
    160 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

20. Cecil Williams SC Civil Rights Museum
    1865 Lake Drive, Orangeburg, SC 29115

21. International African American Museum
    14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401 & Virtual

22. Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
    Virtual only

23. Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce
    711 Bladen Street, Beaufort, SC 29902

24. Gullah Geechee Futures Project
    Virtual Only

25. Lands End Woodland Beach
    Lands End Woodland Beach, SC 29920 & Virtual 

Series Kickoff Events

Pick up your passport • Learn about the sites • Contest participation details • Reception with refreshments Monday, Feb. 2 | 6–7 PM Beaufort Campus — Newcastle Building, 2nd Floor Meeting Room.

Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 6–7 PM Bluffton Campus — Hargray Lobby.

Series Closing & Awards Receptions

Celebrate participation • Awards & recognition• Reception with refreshments Thursday, Feb. 26 | 6–7 PM Bluffton Campus — Hargray Lobby

Friday Feb. 27 | 6–7 PM Beaufort Campus — Newcastle Building, 2nd Floor Meeting Room.