May 21 2021
Realizing Community Roots of Gullah-Geechee Heritage: An Evening of Storytelling & Song

Realizing Community Roots of Gullah-Geechee Heritage: An Evening of Storytelling & Song

Presented by Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and St. Johns Cultural Council at Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

After the Civil War, a group of Gullah-Geechee people migrated from Edisto Island, South Carolina to a new community they named Edisto, today near Mandarin on Old St. Augustine Road. Julington Baptist Church is one of the surviving structures that remains from that period.

Author Greg Estevez is the great-great-grandson of Henry Hutchinson, a former enslaved African who built the Hutchinson House on Edisto Island, South Carolina in 1885. He will share some of the oral histories of Edisto Island as told to him by past elders, long-time residents and present historians, and the rich Gullah history, culture, and customs of Black Edistonians past and present.

The Hallelujah Singers are celebrated as South Carolina’s ambassadors with high-energy performances interwoven with storytelling and song. Gullah and West African Culture of music is a significant part of the heritage of the Sea Islands and the Hallelujah Singers invoke this through blues, jazz, gospel, and contemporary musical performances. They have performed across the country and internationally as distinguished performers for political summits, festivals, and formal concerts. The all-female ensemble began over thirty years ago by Dr. Marlena Smalls and continues to educate and entertain to keep the Gullah message alive.

Refreshments will be available and guests will receive a complimentary drink ticket with additional drinks available for purchase. This is a fundraising event hosted by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation with support from sponsors. Ticket prices are donations and will benefit the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve, promote and perpetuate over 450 years of the African American story through the arts, educational programs, lectures, live performances, and exhibits.

Virtual live streaming event: $10 (link to the webinar will be emailed on the day of the event)

In-person attendance: $50 (limited to 40 guests)
Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
102 M.L. King Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084

The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Presents:
Greg Estevez, author of “Edisto Island: The African American Journey” and "Edisto, the Migration to Florida" and the Halleluja Singers from Beaufort, S.C.

Admission Info

Virtual live streaming event: $10 (link to the webinar will be emailed on the day of the event)

In-person attendance: $50 (limited to 40 guests)

Dates & Times

2021/05/21 - 2021/05/21

Location Info

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

102 Martin Luther King Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Parking Info

Parking is available for museum guests along either side the museum building, behind the building (Via Pomar St), and across from the building (grass lot).