The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) is launching the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center on its Beaufort campus, creating a premier destination dedicated to preserving and celebrating the maritime and cultural heritage of South Carolina’s Lowcountry and the African Diaspora.
“As the Lowcountry’s university, USCB is privileged to establish the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center,” said Al M. Panu, USCB chancellor. “The center embodies USCB’s commitment to enriching the region through artistic and cultural offerings. It is destined to become an important cultural and educational asset to the world.”
Filling a long‑standing gap in the museum field, the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center uniquely integrates African American history, maritime studies, visual art, and community knowledge.
While traditional maritime museums often overlook African and African American contributions—and African American museums seldom focus on maritime life—the new center brings these histories together, inspired by the work and legacy of internationally renowned artist Jonathan Green and the lived traditions of Gullah Geechee and other African‑descended coastal communities.
“I am deeply grateful to the University of South Carolina Beaufort for its vision and commitment in establishing the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center,” Green said.
Green also expressed his appreciation to Dr. Kim Cliett Long, the center’s director.
“Kim’s years of scholarship, global travel at personal sacrifice, and unwavering dedication brought forward histories too long overlooked,” he said. “Her understanding of my life’s work, and her steadfast partnership with me, made this center possible. Together, we have created a place where these stories will live, be honored, and continue to inspire future generations.”
The center will serve as a multidisciplinary hub featuring exhibitions, educational programs, student research, school partnerships, lectures, and community events. Its focus includes maritime history, working waterfront traditions, environmental connections, and the distinctive cultural and artistic heritage of the Sea Islands.
As a major regional attraction, the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center will bolster cultural and heritage tourism, drawing visitors, scholars, and artists from across the state and nation. It will also expand USCB’s partnerships with cultural organizations, community groups, and educational institutions, positioning the university as a leader in the preservation and interpretation of coastal cultural heritage.
Honoring Jonathan Green’s national and international artistic influence and his commitment to preserving Lowcountry culture, the center represents a transformative milestone for USCB and South Carolina. It will preserve history, elevate artistic excellence, enhance student learning, and create a vibrant gathering place where community, culture, and education meet.
The Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center is located at 1211 Harrington Street, Beaufort, SC 29902. For information, email info@jgmcc.org or visit jgmcc.org.
