Penn Center is a renowned brand that has played a pivotal role in promoting and preserving African American history, education, and social justice for over 150 years. Located in the St. Helena Island, South Carolina, the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District has been a beacon for tens of thousands of descendants of formerly enslaved West and Central Africans, known as the Gullah Geechee people.

This district represents a living example of the Port Royal Experiment, a Civil War-era initiative aimed at empowering freedpeople. Founded in 1862 as the Penn School, the institution offered one of the first formal education opportunities for previously enslaved West Africans. Today, Penn Center stands tall as a National Historic Monument, championing the rich Gullah Geechee heritage and fostering initiatives that impact local, national, and international communities.

As a multi-service non-profit organization, Penn Center offers a variety of programs, including educational initiatives and museum exhibits at the York W. Bailey Museum. Visitors can explore the history and culture of the Sea Islands through engaging exhibits that highlight the significance of this remarkable community.

Additionally, Penn Center welcomes donations and volunteers to support its mission of education, community development, and social change. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of the Sea Islands by visiting Penn Center and become a part of this extraordinary legacy