In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s 2026 African American History Month series in February highlights 250 years of African American history, heritage, and cultural impact in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
The centerpiece of the series is a 25-site "Passport to Freedom" booklet, inviting participants in and around the USCB community to explore local sites, reflect, and collect commemorative stamps.
In 1986, the U.S. Congress passed legislation that designated February as African American History Month, with three primary purposes: (1) raise awareness of African American history (2), acknowledge contributions of African Americans to the American story; and (3), stimulate interest in learning and apply lessons from African American history for all Americans.
For the past 10 years, USCB has hosted a comprehensive series of events for its campus and Beaufort community members in celebration of African American History Month.
2026 Passport to Freedom Sites - 25 Locations
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Harriet Tubman & Robert Smalls Monuments at Tabernacle Baptist Church
901 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Daufuskie Island Historic District
Daufuskie Island, SC
Garvin-Garvey House
63 Wharf Street, Bluffton, SC 29910
The Emancipation Oak at Camp Saxton
27 Pinckney Boulevard, Port Royal, SC 29935
Penn Center National Historic Landmark District
16 Penn Center Circle East, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
The Mather School Interpretive Center at Technical College of the Lowcountry
921 Ribaut Road TCL Campus, Building 1 Beaufort, SC 29901
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
43 W. K. Alston Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906
Cherry Hill School
210 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
USCB Historic Beaufort Campus Mural & Historical Markers
801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Central Oak Grove Baptist Church
161 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Gullah Geechee Welcome Center / LyBensons' Gallery
870 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
Wesley United Methodist Church
701 West Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
12 Georgianna Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Ma Daisy's Porch
1255 May River Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Harriet Tubman Combahee Riber Memorial Bridge
US-17, Yemassee, SC 29945
Grand Army Hall
706 Newcastle Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Beaufort National Cemetery
1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Historic Fort Howell
160 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Cecil Williams SC Civil Rights Museum
1865 Lake Drive, Orangeburg, SC 29115
International African American Museum
14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401 & Virtual
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
Virtual only
Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce
711 Bladen Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Gullah Geechee Futures Project
Virtual Only
Lands End Woodland Beach
Lands End Woodland Beach, SC 29920 & Virtual
Series Kickoff Events
Pick up your passport • Learn about the sites • Contest participation details • Reception with refreshments Monday, Feb. 2 | 6–7 PM Beaufort Campus — Newcastle Building, 2nd Floor Meeting Room.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 6–7 PM Bluffton Campus — Hargray Lobby.
Series Closing & Awards Receptions
Celebrate participation • Awards & recognition• Reception with refreshments Thursday, Feb. 26 | 6–7 PM Bluffton Campus — Hargray Lobby
Friday Feb. 27 | 6–7 PM Beaufort Campus — Newcastle Building, 2nd Floor Meeting Room.
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