1. HomepageHomepage
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Beaufort
  5. Current: York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center
  Manage this page
No ratings yet
  Save museum

York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center and its collection

York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center
Source

The Penn Center, previously known as the Penn School, is a significant African-American cultural and educational center. It is situated in the Corners Community on Saint Helena Island. Founded in 1862 by Quaker and Unitarian missionaries from Pennsylvania, it was the first school established in the Southern United States specifically for the education of African-Americans. Today, it continues to fulfill an educational mission and serves as a cultural hub.

Historic Recognition of the Penn Center

The Penn Center campus was recognized as a National Historic Landmark District in 1974. Two of its buildings, Darrah Hall and Brick Baptist Church, were declared part of the Reconstruction Era National Monument in January 2017. In the spring of 2019, the Penn Center, along with Fort Sumter, was elevated to the status of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park.

Current Role of the Penn Center

The institution evolved into the Penn Center, continuing its educational mission for the island's preschoolers and adults. In addition to its educational role, the Penn Center also maintains a museum, a cultural center, and a conference meeting space, making it a multifaceted institution.

Read more…

ENYork W. Bailey Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Ethnology Historic house Religion

#2 History & Anthropology in Beaufort #12 Free museums in South Carolina #65 History & Anthropology in South Carolina #8 Ethnology museums in South Carolina #53 Historic houses in South Carolina #3 Religion museums in South Carolina

#2 History & Anthropology in Beaufort #12 Free museums in South Carolina #65 History & Anthropology in South Carolina #8 Ethnology museums in South Carolina #53 Historic houses in South Carolina #3 Religion museums in South Carolina
York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center
16 Penn Center Cir E
SC 29920 Beaufort
South Carolina

Images of York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center

Visitor information York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 16:00
Thursday
10:00 – 16:00
Friday
10:00 – 16:00
Saturday
10:00 – 16:00
Sunday Closed
More opening hours

Admission

0 – 5Free

Self-guided tour with documentary: $15.
Docent-guided tour with documentary: $20.
Campus map: $5

More ticket prices

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center.

Location & Map

16 Penn Center Cir E, Beaufort

Discover all museums in Beaufort

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center have been found.

York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center Reviews

York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center has no ratings yet 😢

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center offers visitors an informative look into the history of the Gullah culture and the Civil Rights movement in the Lowcountry. Located on St. Helena Island near Beaufort, this small museum provides a wealth of historical artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the story of the Penn School, one of the first schools for freed slaves in the South.

    Visitors appreciate the museum's role in preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people. The exhibits are well-curated, offering insight into the lives of the formerly enslaved individuals who settled in the area after the Civil War. Many reviewers mention the knowledgeable staff who are eager to share information and answer questions.

    While the museum receives praise for its historical significance and educational value, some visitors note that the facility is relatively small and could benefit from updates or expansion. The limited size means that a thorough visit can be completed in a short amount of time, which may disappoint those expecting a more extensive museum experience.

    Despite its size, the York W. Bailey Museum is generally regarded as an important stop for those interested in African American history and the unique Gullah culture of the Sea Islands. The peaceful grounds of the Penn Center add to the overall experience, providing a serene backdrop for reflection on the area's complex past.

    In summary, while the museum may be compact, it offers a meaningful and educational experience for those seeking to understand the local history and cultural significance of the Gullah people and the Penn Center's role in education and civil rights.

    Read more…

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.

Nearby and in or around Beaufort

Discover museums near York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center in or around Beaufort.

Discover all museums in Beaufort