Founded in 1862 by Laura Towne and Ellen Murray, Penn School was established as one of the first schools for freed African-American slaves living on St. Helena Island and the surrounding Sea Islands. Even though Penn was rooted within the Gullah/Geechee community it also served as a retreat for prominent civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.

For King, St. Helena Island offered an escape from the outside world. To keep this a private retreat, King would often not announce his presence on the island.

Penn Center offered a sanctuary for King; however, he would often meet with his staff on the campus grounds to strategize during the Civil Rights Movement.

On April 4th, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis Tennessee. In 1971, cities across America established annual holidays in order to honor King; however, on November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor the life of the Civil Rights Leader.

Penn Center remains active in the Gullah/Geechee community. In 1974, Penn Center was added to the National Historic Landmark District. January 12th, also brought phenomenal news to the Penn Center, as President Barack Obama announced the creation of a national monument on Penn Center’s campus, including the Brick Church and Darrah Hall.

To find out more information concerning Penn Center please visit their official website: http://www.penncenter.com.

Looking at Penn Center through the mossy trees.
Penn School historical marker. (1/2)
Penn School historical marker. (2/2)
Located on the Penn Center Campus is a museum dedicated to the history of the campus and the Gullah / Geechee culture.
Located on the Penn Center campus is a Museum dedicated to the history of Penn and the Gullah/Geechee culture.
Located on the Penn Center campus is a Museum dedicated to the history of Penn and the Gullah/Geechee culture.
The Great Sea Island historical marker. (1/2)
The Great Sea Island Storm historical marker. 2/2
Pine Grove Cottage is also located on the Penn Center Campus.
Darrah Hall has now been preserved as a national monument, which is located on the Penn Center Campus.
Darrah Hall has now been preserved as a national monument, which is located on the Penn Center Campus.
Darrah Hall has now been preserved as a national monument, which is located on the Penn Center Campus.
Darrah Hall has now been preserved as a national monument, which is located on the Penn Center Campus.
Cedar Cottage
The Arnett House is also located on Penn Center’s Campus next to the Gantt Cottage.
Peering through the trees at the Gantt Cottage where Martin Luther King Jr. would stay will retreating to the Penn Center Campus.
Gantt Cottage where Martin Luther King Jr. would stay will retreating to the Penn Center Campus.
Gantt Cottage where Martin Luther King Jr. would stay will retreating to the Penn Center Campus.
Gantt Cottage where Martin Luther King Jr. would stay will retreating to the Penn Center Campus.
Those moments.
Painted handprints from children of the Penn School.