Former Home of William Simmons: Gullah Museum of Hilton Head

This house, built in 1930, is typical in materials and methods of construction of those built on the sea islands from the end of the Civil War to the mid-20th century. It was built on land bought by William Simmons (c. 1835-1922), who was born a slave and served in the 21st U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. His granddaughter Georgianna Jones Bryan built this house in 1930 for her brother. It illustrates everyday life and the persistence of Gullah culture in an African American farm community. It was renovated in 2010-11 as the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island.

KEYWORDS: MUSEUM, GULLAH, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, BEAUFORT COUNTY, GULLAH GEECHEE CULTURAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR