Mitchelville was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 (as the Fish Haul Archaeological Site). The Chicora Foundation excavation uncovered 25,000 objects resulting in this site being called “the richest African American archaeological site in the Southeast.”

In 1995, the Town of Hilton Head and the State of South Carolina recognized the
historic value of the Mitchelville site and erected the official State historical marker at the corner of Beach City and Fish Haul Roads.

In 2005, a diverse group of local Hilton Head Island citizens took up the cause to
preserve and promote the heritage of Mitchelville. These individuals approached Mr. Thomas C. Barnwell to become Chairman. Their intent was to renew the efforts to preserve what was left of the Historic Mitchelville site, interpret its heritage, and
commemorate its story.

In 2010, the “Mitchelville Preservation Project, Inc. (MPP)” was officially organized as a nonprofit South Carolina corporation with Mr. Barnwell as Chairman, with By-laws, 501(c)3 status, and an initial site architectural design.

In 2018, MPP started doing business as Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park (HMFP), Inc. And recently, HMFP became the official non-profit South Carolina corporation with the IRS. HMFP focuses on stewarding the rich history of Mitchelville and its connection to local Gullah culture.

Vision
To create an imaginative and exciting place, that celebrates the American spirit and the first town of self-governed formerly enslaved people in the United States. And, to share the story of Mitchelville to inspire and strengthen our shared heritage and belief in freedom, democracy, citizenship, and opportunity.

Mission
To preserve, promote, and honor Historic Mitchelville, the first town of self-governed formerly enslaved people in the United States…the place where freedom began!

In addition to HMFP’s vision and mission statements, we aim to “fill the gaps” in America’s history. We educate the public on the compelling story of the Mitchelville inhabitants and their quest for education, self-reliance, and inclusion as members of a free society.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park helps visitors understand Mitchelville as it existed in the 19th century in comparison to the modern world we live in.

This historic site is a unique experience in the United States. It attracts cultural and heritage travelers to Hilton Head Island, thereby economically strengthening local and regional communities. HMFP also generates global recognition for Native Islanders and the Gullah Geechee culture.

Therefore, Mitchelville is a story of the triumph of freedom over slavery. It is a pivotal point in American history where citizenship rights guaranteed to other Americans, were finally bestowed on “America’s builders,” the formerly enslaved.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is a guidepost informing us we still have much to learn and much to do. HMFP reminds us that our country, which was established upon the noblest and highest ideals, has yet to fully achieve them.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s Federal Tax EIN is 272308109. Mitchelville Preservation Project Inc. dba Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 organization.

Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided by HMFP in return for this contribution.

Through Federal and State grants including accommodations tax grants (Beaufort County, Town of Hilton Head Island). Public and corporate foundation grants. Program and event income. Gifts-in-kind and charitable donations.

Yes. One of the most impactful and easiest ways to support HMFP is by joining TheCitizen’s Club. Your monthly recurring donation of $18.62 sustains Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, its facilities and amenities, and the important story of Historic Mitchelville…the place where freedom began.

You receive a donor digital badge with a PDF certificate of citizenship. And you are recognized monthly in the HMFP Donor Recognition email.

Join here

Giving Levels & Donor Recognition 

Here are examples of how donations produce positive impact.

• $10 helps one (1) student learn more history and culture with a park guided tour.
• $50 provides journals to four (4) History Hike program participants.
• $18.62 per month ($223.44/year) provides history learnings for 22 students.
• $250 supports History Hike facilitators and outreach to two (2) Lowcountry schools.
• $1,000 allows History Hike staff to deliver two 2-day programs.
• $4,000 sustains software and 3 program evaluations each year.
• $5,000 covers one (1) year of training and development for program volunteers.
• $10,000 underwrites a part-time MAGIC program facilitator for one (1) year.
• $25,000 delivers the HMFP children’s literacy program, Griot’s Corner, to
  Lowcountry schools for one (1) year.
  

  Donate Now

Yes. You can save capital gains tax and income tax by gifting stock. You also preserve your cash-on-hand and produce a bigger impact for Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. You can donate stock online safely, easily, and securely here.

When you put money or non-cash assets into your DAF, you get an immediate charitable tax deduction from the sponsoring organization. And your money grows tax free.

You then have time and flexibility to recommend a grant to your DAF Sponsor for or a cause, like HMFP, that is near and dear to your heart.

Start Here

No, not yet. But we are in discussions with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

The easiest way is to visit HMFP’s website here.

While on the website, you can learn more, “like, follow, and/or share” any social media post, subscribe to our monthly e-Newsletter, purchase tickets to attend an upcoming event, volunteer, donate, and/or contact us.

•  Ahmad Ward, Executive Director: award@exploremitchelville.org
• Joyce Wright, Director of Programs & Interpretation:
  jwright@exploremitchelville.org