Each February, The Children’s School’s eighth graders embark on a transformative four-day trip to St. Helena Island, South Carolina. This immersive experience is the culmination of weeks of dedicated research on Gullah-Geechee history and culture, blending classroom learning with real-world exploration.
Why St. Helena Island?
St. Helena Island is home to the historic Penn Center, a site with deep roots in American history. Established during the Civil War, it became one of the first schools for formerly enslaved people and later served as a crucial meeting place for civil rights activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, Penn Center continues its mission by preserving and promoting Gullah-Geechee culture.
Connecting Curriculum to Experience
The eighth-grade curriculum at TCS challenges students to explore the complex relationship between history and culture. Through their Gullah-Geechee research projects, students identify the origins of the community, explore cultural practices, and examine the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Gullah-Geechee people. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for a deeper, more meaningful engagement during the trip.
Highlights of the Trip
At Penn Center, students expand their understanding through:
- Museum Artifacts: Exploring historical items that shed light on Gullah-Geechee life.
- Artist Demonstrations: Learning wood burning and painting techniques from a Gullah artist and practicing the art of sweetgrass basket weaving, a skill tied to their research on rice cultivation.
- Native Plant Tour: Discovering traditional uses of local plants for food and medicine.
- Land Ownership Workshop: Engaging with National Park Service Rangers to discuss the history of land dispossession and current land politics on the Sea Islands.
- Community Engagement: Visiting the Black Chamber of Commerce in Beaufort, where Tendaji Bailey guided us through a presentation and program called “Tide to the Land” about politics connected with land ownership and loss for Gullah-Geechee communities.
- Historic Sites: Reflecting at the Harriet Tubman and Robert Smalls Memorials in downtown Beaufort.
Student Leadership and Reflection
Students always demonstrate maturity and leadership by asking thoughtful questions, managing cooking and cleaning duties, and showing respect for the historic significance of the spaces they visit. Their ability to make connections between historical research and real-world experiences is a vital skill that will serve them well in high school and beyond.
After the trip, students revisit their research and trip documentation to create projects that capture their learning. These artifacts are shared with the broader TCS community, ensuring that the impact of this journey extends beyond those who attended.
Looking Ahead
This trip is an opportunity for students to witness history come alive, deepen their understanding of social justice issues, and develop critical thinking skills. As they prepare for high school, these experiences will continue to shape their perspectives and inspire them to engage with the world around them!
