Campus Vibes: March Campus Gatherings and Historical Moments
Penn Center continued its tradition of serving as a gathering place for culture, community, and purpose throughout March, welcoming organizations and leaders from across the region and beyond. From powerful retreats to meaningful conversations rooted in history and progress, each visit reflected the enduring legacy and living mission of this sacred space.
Community Sing Program – Women’s History Month
Penn Center hosted a Community Sing Program in honor of Women’s History Month at Frissell Community House, bringing together voices from across the community in a powerful celebration of heritage and song. The evening blended music, fellowship, and cultural reflection, highlighting the enduring role of women in preserving and carrying forward Lowcountry traditions.
SAAFON Retreat at Penn Center
The Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, SAAFON, hosted a three-day retreat at Penn Center, marking their first in-person gathering after years of planning and reaffirming the power of community and shared purpose.
Penn Center was honored to welcome SAAFON as they realized their long-held vision of gathering together, with reflections on the institution’s deep agrarian roots and historic ties to leaders like SNCC activist Hollis Watkins.
The organization works to elevate the visibility, prosperity, and sustainability of Black farmers through ecologically responsible practices.
The retreat highlighted Penn’s enduring role as a convening space for culture, leadership, and community-building.
Maude Callen Book Signing and Community Gathering
As part of Women’s History Month, Penn Center welcomed author Lindsay Street for a powerful book talk and signing of Maude Callen: Legendary Midwife of South Carolina. Held in historic Frissell Hall, where Callen once taught, the event was attended by family, local birth workers, and former midwife trainee Mother Knighton who will soon celebrate her 92nd birthday.
The event served as a deeply moving tribute to Callen’s enduring impact on maternal care and Penn Center’s history of supporting midwifery.
Pat Conroy Literary Center – March Forth Event
As part of the Pat Conroy Literary Center’s 10th annual March Forth festival, Penn Center hosted a vibrant literary event featuring authors including Michael Moore, great-grandson of Robert Smalls, and Sallie Ann Robinson of Daufuskie Island. The program drew an enthusiastic crowd and extended beyond its scheduled time, reflecting the strong community connection to Conroy’s legacy.
De Gullah Shipp Workshop with UGA
De Gullah Shipp provided University of Georgia students with a fully immersive workshop experience at Penn Center, engaging students in hands-on cultural learning rooted in Gullah heritage. The week reflected the strength of community support and intergenerational knowledge-sharing, investing meaningfully in the next generation.
Penn Center Represented at Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast
Penn Center was represented at the annual Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast in Port Royal, a key fundraising event supporting local nonprofits. Community members from St. Helena Island were well represented, and Trustee Darryl Owens was recognized for his leadership and presence as a Port Royal elected official. The event highlighted the strong network of partnerships and shared support across the region
Wellness Retreat Participants Experience Penn Through Nature Walk
Penn Center welcomed a wellness retreat group led by Mama Ifetayo, a Reiki healer and birth worker, for a guided nature walk on campus. The visit connected participants to the land, history, and spiritual grounding that define Penn Center’s environment.
Cruise Ship Tourism Returns to Penn Center on Sundays
Penn Center has resumed welcoming weekly cruise ship visitors, with Kelley Tours bringing guests to campus each Sunday. In response to growing demand, Director of Operations Kevin Holman has expanded access by opening the site for limited hours, capturing an often-overlooked tourism market. These visits continue to generate consistent revenue while introducing new audiences to Penn Center’s history and mission.
Save the Date - Upcoming Events
March 22-28 - World Doula Week | A pop-up event will be held March 24 at the Palmetto Playhouse in Beaufort hosted by Energy Evolution. Details.
March 28 - Gullah/Geechee CREATE at Darrah Hall | Queen Quet and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition bring together art, environmental stewardship, and cultural education through a partnership with South Carolina Sea Grant. The program transforms coastal debris into powerful works of art. 12-3 PM. Details.
March 28 - Penn Center 5th Annual Easter Extravaganza | 1-4PM Bring your own Easter basket and come out and celebrate and win prizes.
April 15 - Community Sing at Frissell Community House | This monthly event unites the community together in a joyful celebration of song and culture. 5:30 PM.
June 13 - Penn Center Honors Area Veterans | Details forthcoming.
June 19 - Penn Center’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration 10 AM - 2 PM