Opening in the summer of 2025, the Bluffton Gullah Cultural Heritage Center on May River Road will become an educational and community engagement center, with the goal of cultivating experiences that promote learning about Bluffton’s distinctive Gullah heritage through programs, events, and exhibitions.
A key initiative for the upcoming Center is the development of an interactive facility with interior and exterior exhibits that will immerse visitors in the rich history of the contributions of Black Americans to Bluffton’s history while also highlighting the significant impact Gullah Geechee history and traditions have had and continue to have in Bluffton and the surrounding areas.
The Center also plans to unveil two massive twin bottle trees, standing at 15 feet tall with 75 limbs on each tree. These were designed by renowned Gullah artisan Julian Williams, a fifth-generation Gullah descendant and former apprentice of legendary blacksmith Philip Simmons. Julian has been featured on PBS, Travel & Leisure, Charleston Magazine, and other esteemed media outlets for his work in preserving Gullah ironwork traditions.
This twin bottle tree project is the largest of its kind in America, reinforcing the enduring presence of Gullah artistry. Bottle trees according to Gullah beliefs serve as a protectant against evil spirits. The Center is set to make history with the unveiling of the tallest and largest custom bottle tree ever crafted in the United States as part of the lead-up to the grand opening.
“For the first time, Bluffton will have a place respectfully tailored to tell the awe-inspiring stories of a people whose influence has shaped the world,” said Bridgette Frazier, Founder of the Bluffton Gullah Culture Heritage Center and fifth generation Gullah descendant.
“These magnificent bottle trees are not just art; they are symbols of resilience, culture, and history—rooted in the West African traditions that birthed Gullah/Geechee culture,” she added.
“They will now stand just a short distance from where Secession Oak once stood, a site where the Confederacy declared its intent to fight for the institution of slavery. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated.”
The Center was founded in 2021 as a non-profit organization with Bridgette Frazier, Founder and CEO, Queen Marquetta Goodwine, Chieftess of the Gullah-Geechee Nation as Vice Chairwoman, and Executive Director Giovanni Glover. Rounding out the organization staff are Dr. Amir Toure, Nathaniel Pringle, Christine Wrobel, and Lisa Sulka, former Mayor of Bluffton.
According to its website, the Center’s creation has been aided by the support of Watterson Brands, a $550,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to expand programming and capacity, a $12,000 contribution from the Palmetto Electric Co-op “Operation Round-Up” grant, and the many individuals, businesses, and community partners committed to ensuring that the formidable stories of Bluffton Gullah are hidden no more.
As part of the celebration, the community is invited to leave their mark on this historic exhibit by purchasing a commemorative indigo blue bottle to be placed on the twin bottle tree. Only 150 bottles are available for purchase, and you can visit here for more information.
The Center will be located at 1255 May River Road in Bluffton.
