(Hilton Head Island, SC) – A powerful new chapter in the story of Mitchelville is about to begin.
On Wednesday, August 27 at 9:30 AM, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its long-awaited Archaeological Research Facility and Auditorium, a state-of-the-art space dedicated to preserving, studying, and celebrating the legacy of the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States.
Located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, this groundbreaking marks a historic moment in the Park’s mission to expand public understanding of African American history through research, education, and cultural engagement.
“For over 25 years, and for many in our community, a lifetime, this project has been a deeply held goal,” said Ahmad Ward, Executive Director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. “This is a victory for our ancestors, our supporters, and our shared future.”
The new facility will serve as a hub for archaeological discovery, community programs, and educational outreach, inviting scholars, students, and the public to explore the deep roots of Mitchelville’s past—and its continued relevance today.
📍 Event Details:
- Event: Groundbreaking Ceremony – Archaeological Research Facility & Auditorium
- Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
- Time: 9:30 AM
- Location: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926








