Historic Harrington School | Saint Simons Island GA

St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about African American history on St. Simons Island, Georgia, preserving ancestral lands and homes, and revitalizing Gullah Geechee heritage. Formed in 2000 at First African Baptist Church, the coalition brings together African American property owners and concerned citizens committed to protecting the island’s original African American communities and their history amid development pressures.

The organization shares this heritage through historic tours, educational programs, community gatherings, and seasonal festivals. Its work includes tours of the historic Harrington School, which serves as a treasured community center and gathering place for Gullah Geechee celebrations. Public events explore subjects such as civil rights, voting rights, education, family history, cemeteries, and heritage preservation. The coalition also hosts the annual Taste of Gullah, celebrating the flavors and living culture of Gullah Geechee communities, and supports cultural events that bring people together. Through these activities, it helps preserve local stories, places, and traditions for future generations.