Step into the past and uncover the stories, people, and events that have shaped Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry. Coastal Chronicles brings history to life through engaging programs exploring Indigenous cultures, early settlements, folklore, the Civil War, Gullah heritage, and the island’s most fascinating tales of triumph, tragedy, and transformation.
History of Honey Horn
September 3 and November 19 | 3 to 4 pm
Discover the remarkable history of one of Hilton Head Island's most treasured historic sites. From the Native Americans who first called this land home and the earliest European settlers to John Hanahan's purchase of Honey Horn in 1789. Tracing the property's evolution through generations of owners, you’ll explore the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked here, and Honey Horn's later transformation into a hunting preserve.
- Ages 7 and older, please.
- $15 per adult (ages 13+) | $7 per child (ages 7–12)
- $10 per museum member
Native Americans
September 24 and October 22 | 3 to 4 pm
Learn how Indigenous peoples thrived by hunting, fishing, and gathering the island's natural resources while adapting to its ever-changing landscape. Through archaeological discoveries, you’ll explore the rich cultures of the Cusabo Nation, including the Escamacu and later the Yemassee, and gain a deeper understanding of the historical events and experiences that shaped Native American and colonial South Carolina.
- Ages 7 and older, please.
- $15 per adult (ages 13+) | $7 per child (ages 7–12)
- $10 per museum member
Lowcountry Lore
October 1 | 3 to 4 pm
Step into the world of South Carolina folklore and tales that have captivated generations across the Lowcountry. Hear stories, local superstitions, and timeless traditions and learn how folklore preserves history, reflects cultural values, and strengthens community identity. Discover how the Federal Writers' Project helped safeguard many of these treasured narratives.
- Ages 7 and older, please.
- $15 per adult (ages 13+) | $7 per child (ages 7–12)
- $10 per museum member
Santa Elena
October 8 | 3 to 4 pm
Journey back to the 16th century and discover the remarkable story of Santa Elena, the Spanish colony on present-day Parris Island that helped shape the history of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Learn about one of North America's earliest European settlements, the daily lives of its colonists, and Santa Elena’s lasting impact on the region and the Indigenous communities who already called it home.
- Ages 7 and older, please.
- $15 per adult (ages 13+) | $7 per child (ages 7–12)
- $10 per museum member
Hilton Head Island: Tales Through Time
October 15 | 3 to 4 pm
Explore the fascinating history of Hilton Head Island, from the earliest Indigenous communities more than 4,000 years ago to the development that began in the 1950s. Through historical photographs, artifacts, and interactive trivia, explore the island's evolution—from the plantation era of indigo and Sea Island cotton to the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the days when Hilton Head was accessible only by boat and known as
a world-class hunting retreat. Learn about the vital role of Gullah culture and history in shaping the island we know today.
- Ages 7 and older, please.
- $15 per adult (ages 13+) | $7 per child (ages 7–12)
- $10 per museum member
Mystery & Tragedy
October 29 | 3 to 4 pm
Uncover the darker side of Hilton Head Island's past. From the 1923 murders of merchant W.D. Brown and his wife to the island-wide search for the killer of the beloved deer known as Sugar, and the devastating hurricane of 1893, these stories reveal moments of heartbreak, resilience, and survival.
- Ages 7 and older, please.
- $15 per adult (ages 13+) | $7 per child (ages 7–12)
- $10 per museum member
Civil War on Hilton Head Island
November 5 | 3 to 4 pm
Discover Hilton Head Island's pivotal role during the Civil War as a major Union stronghold and the Headquarters of the Department of the South. Learn about the importance of the Battle of Port Royal Sound, the construction of forts and a massive military hospital, and the rise of a bustling wartime community that brought tens of thousands of people to the island. Hear stories of notable figures who passed through Hilton Head, including Harriet Tubman and Jefferson Davis, and what daily life was like for soldiers stationed here.
- Ages 7 and older, please.
- $15 per adult (ages 13+) | $7 per child (ages 7–12)
- $10 per museum member
