Celebrating the Legacy of Birthwork

Penn Center hosted a moving tribute to legendary nurse-midwife Maude E. Callen as part of Women’s History Month programming. Author Lindsay Street presented her new biography, Maude Callen: Legendary Midwife of South Carolina, in Frissell Hall—the very space where Callen trained generations of midwives.

The event brought together local birth workers, community members, and special guests, including Mother Knighton, a Penn-trained midwife approaching her 92nd birthday. The gathering served as both a celebration of Callen’s enduring legacy and a reminder of Penn Center’s historic role in advancing maternal health across the Lowcountry.

Campus Vibes: Music, Art, and More

Penn Center had a full and vibrant March, hosting a range of events that honored its legacy while engaging the community in meaningful ways. Highlights included Women’s History Month programming celebrating figures like Maude Callen, Floyd Gordon’s powerful portrait exhibit, cultural and environmental initiatives led by the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, and gatherings like SAAFON’s historic first in-person retreat. From art and education to agriculture and advocacy, March reflected Penn Center’s continued role as a living space for culture, community, and connection.

Penn Center in the News

Watch: Charleston's ABC-4 News Features Penn Center

ABC News 4 recently spoke with Penn Center Executive Director Dr. Robert Adams Jr. about the site’s history and lasting impact as part of its Amazing America 250 series highlighting significant American landmarks.

Located on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, Penn Center was once home to one of the first schools in the South for formerly enslaved people. Established in 1862 as the Penn School, it served students from first through twelfth grade and continues to welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Read: The Post and Courier Features Gullah Fiber Artist Cookie Washington

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Read: Ifetyo White on The Presence of a Doula as seen in Lowcountry Weekly

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This Month on Campus

Floyd Gordon Exhibit at the York W. Bailey Museum

Penn Center is currently hosting a powerful art exhibit by acclaimed Orangeburg-based artist Floyd Gordon, on display through March 31. The collection features four striking portraits honoring individuals who played a vital role in shaping Penn Center’s legacy, blending history, storytelling, and visual artistry. Visitors are invited to experience this moving tribute to leadership and cultural preservation on Penn Center’s historic campus before the exhibit closes. Exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 4PM.

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SAAFON Hosts Three-Day Retreat

The Southeastern African American Farmers' Organic Network held its first in-person retreat at Penn Center, marking a long-awaited milestone for the organization.

The cousins, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Courtney P. Siceloff visited Penn Center. Siceloff was a dedicated educator and former director of Penn Center whose work helped preserve its mission and strengthen its connection to the St. Helena Island community.

Community News

Can You Tell the Penn Center Story? Become a Docent Today!

The York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center is seeking volunteer docents to help share the rich history of Penn and the Gullah community with visitors from around the world.

This is a unique opportunity for those passionate about African American history, education, and community engagement to join a dedicated team and receive specialized training. Interested individuals should contact Carla Rabb DeRosa at 843-838-2474 or cderosa@penncenter.com, as training spots are limited.

Indigo: Variations in Blue

Penn Center's Exhibition and Interpretive Lead Monique de La Tour's work is featured at a new exhibit at the Aiken-Rhett House in Charleston.

Indigo: Variations in Blue is part of The Charleston Festival and Charleston by Design 2026, Historic Charleston Foundation's annual fundraisers celebrating Charleston's history, architecture, culture, and people, running March 13 through April 11, 2026.

The exhibit will remain up through June 28 and is available for view.

More info.

St. Helena Island Conversations at USCB

The Institute for the Study of Reconstruction Era Spring Symposium brought together speakers with deep ties to St. Helena Island and the broader Lowcountry. Dr. Robert Adams highlighted Penn Center’s legacy of land ownership and cultural preservation through the story of Hastings Gantt. Morning Glory Homestead Farm shared powerful stories of generational land stewardship rooted in Gullah heritage. The National Park Service also contributed to the dialogue.

Next time you are on campus be sure to check out the NPS exhibit at Darrah Hall where you can learn more about how Reconstruction-era history continues to shape identity, land, and opportunity in the Sea Islands today.

Preserving Black Stories

The 2026 South Carolina African American Heritage Commission Annual Conference brought together scholars, students, and community leaders to explore Black history, land preservation, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression across the state.

James E. Clyburn delivered a powerful keynote alongside Dr. Bobby Donaldson, reflecting on the importance of preserving Black stories and their relevance today.

Save the Date: Upcoming Community Events

March 22-28 - World Doula Week | A pop-up event will be held March 24 at the Palmetto Playhouse in Beaufort hosted by Energy Evolution. Details.

March 28 - Plant the Seeds: Yoga and Vision Board Workshop at Ma Daisy's Porch in Bluffton hosted by The Joyous Womb. 11 AM - 2PM

March 28 - Gullah/Geechee CREATE at Darrah Hall | Queen Quet and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition bring together art, environmental stewardship, and cultural education through a partnership with South Carolina Sea Grant. The program transforms coastal debris into powerful works of art. 12-3 PM. Details.

March 28 - Penn Center 5th Annual Easter Extravaganza | 1-4PM Bring your own Easter basket and come out and celebrate and win prizes.

April 15 - Community Sing at Frissell Community House | This monthly event unites the community together in a joyful celebration of song and culture. 5:30 PM.

June 13 - Penn Center Honors Area Veterans | Details forthcoming.

June 19 - Penn Center’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration 10 AM - 2 PM