ways to Honor black history
in myrtle beach (with kids)
In honor of Black History month we wanted to round up all the incredible opportunities to educate ourselves and our kids about local African American history. Here are a few things you can explore year-round plus some special events happening during February.
special events & tours
Hobcaw Barony – Tales of the Villages Tour | This 2-hour tour will take visitors through plantation life in the villages occupied by enslaved Africans. It happens each Monday in February. Registration is required and the cost is $10 for adults and children.
Hobcaw Barony – Villages Tour | This tour visits each of the four villages plus an additional rarely seen hidden village. There will be discussion of the history of each village and historical photographs of them. Here are the tour times for the winter/spring: Feb 28, March 28, April 18. All are from 9:30a–12p and cost is $25 per person.
Gullah Geechee Community Day | Feb 25, 10a–4p. Downtown Conway. Enjoy live music, performances, art workshops, crafts, artisan market, and amazing food.
Brookgreen Gardens – Silent Cities Tour | These 2-hour long tours explore the back roads of Brookgreen. Learn about the burial customs of European and African origin through the hidden cemeteries of these former plantations. Tours happen daily from Jan 7 to March 3 at 12pm and 2:30pm.
Black History Month Business & Family Expo | Feb 26, 1–5pm at Robert H Reed Rec Center.
This free event promotes minority-owned businesses and is very family-friendly with face painting, kid karaoke, a coloring contest and more.
historical places to visit
Charlie’s Place | This was a popular African American nightclub and hotel that operated from the 1930s to the early 1960s. Black performers and patrons were welcome and knew they would be welcomed and safe. The city is preserving the site with a small museum, classroom space and shops. Tours are offered for free on Tuesday by contacting Alfreda Funnye at afunnye@cityofmyrtlebeach.com or (843) 918-1056.
Freewoods Farm | The only African American historical living history farm museum in the country!!!
We visited last year for a self-guided tour and just loved everything about how authentic it is. You’ll find farm animals, replica buildings, produce for sale and other events/demonstrations.
Myrtle Beach Colored School & Museum | We just visited this place and will write a full review soon. I found it so interesting and I think kids 6+ would do best here. There are some very powerful images in the back room and it is disturbing to see how much hate and violence was perpetrated on African Americans in the south. The site has been reconstructed as a museum and is staffed by a group of former students/city employees who welcome guests from 10a–12p on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Tours of Sandy Island | Do you know about Sandy Island? It is a 12,000 acre island that is still home to direct descendants of formerly enslaved Africans who continue to live with their rich Gullah culture away from much outside influence. Tours are offered by boat then by bus for $45 per person.