HH Honors

HALL OF FAME

Hutchinson Heritage Honors

Honoring those that came before us and paved the way.

Henry James Hutchinson

Henry Hutchinson, who we affectionately call “Nu-Nu”, was named after his Great Grandfather of the same name.  He is the only living person who was actually born inside the Hutchinson House in 1937 to parents, Laura Hutchinson and Prince McKelvey.

Henry (“Nu-Nu”) has very vivid memories of his Great Grandparents, Henry Sr & Rosa Hutchinson as well as other close relatives who lived in the Hutchinson House during the 20th Century.  He loves to share and reflect on those precious memories with other family members.  He serves as our family’s window into the past who experienced daily life in days gone by.  Henry also has the distinction of being the last direct Hutchinson descendant who lived in the Hutchinson House until it finally fell into disrepair.

VIEW WORK & STORIES

1917-2014

Myrtle Hutchinson Esteves

Myrtle Hutchinson Esteves, affectionately known as "Grandma Myrtle," was a remarkable figure deeply rooted in her Edisto Island heritage.

 As the middle daughter of Eugenia and Rich Hutchinson, she embodied the legacy of her great-grandfather, Jim Hutchinson, and the values instilled by her grandparents, Henry and Rosa Hutchinson. A dedicated community activist and a staunch advocate for family, Grandma Myrtle's professional life as a social worker was a reflection of her passion for helping those in need.


Her heart resonated with politics and the causes of the marginalized, leading her to earn accolades for her tireless efforts in registering voters in Manhattan during the pivotal year of 1958.

Her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement placed her on the frontlines of history, where she played a pivotal role as a key delegate at the "March on Washington." On that memorable day of August 28, 1963, she had the privilege of hearing Rev. Martin Luther King deliver his iconic "I Have A Dream" speech in person, an experience that forever etched her name into the annals of history. Though she moved to New York City in the 1940s, Grandma Myrtle never severed her ties to her beloved Edisto Island roots. In 1974, following the loss of her first husband, she returned to Charleston, SC, to be closer to her cherished grandchildren. Her unwavering commitment to her faith, various organizations, and causes kept her spirit vibrant and her legacy enduring.


A defining aspect of Grandma Myrtle's life's work was her relentless dedication to seeing the Hutchinson House restored to its former glory. Her vision and tireless efforts were instrumental in transforming it into the historic educational center it is today. In fact, Grandma Myrtle, along with her son, Steve, coined the term "Hutchinson House," forever preserving its legacy as more than just a family home on Clark Road. Her advocacy also played a crucial role in the Hutchinson House being recognized and placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1987. Born in 1917, Grandma Myrtle's remarkable journey continued until her passing on October 2, 2014, at the age of 97. Her indomitable spirit, unwavering dedication, and lasting contributions to her community and heritage will forever be remembered and celebrated.

VIEW WORK & STORIES

1932-2023

Emily Hutchinson Meggett

Emily Hutchinson Meggett was born and raised on Edisto Island.  Most islanders affectionately knew her by her nickname of “MP.”  At an early age, MP had a love for cooking that was instilled in her through watching her mother and her grandmother prepare delicious meals made from scratch.

She is the great-great-granddaughter of Jim Hutchinson who was known as one of the ‘Black Kings of Edisto.’  Growing up, she lived right across the field from what is now called the Hutchinson House.  In 1951, she married Jessie Meggett, and they raised ten children together. Her husband grew up in the slave cabin that was donated by the Edisto Island Museum to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. This slave cabin is one of the most significant exhibits in the museum that opened in 2016.

MP earned the distinction of being known as, “The Matriarch of Edisto Island” due to the fact that she nurtured and cared for countless individuals during her lifetime. With a heart of love that knows no bounds, she cooked meals daily for the elderly and shut-in persons on Edisto Island.  Family heritage and caring for others are at the core of who she was.   She was a devoted lifetime member of New First Missionary Baptist Church on Edisto Island. Having a very infectious personality, she shared her laughter and wisdom with all who knew her.  She was known as an outstanding Gullah cook, she was featured in many cooking magazines, blogs, videos and television programs. In 2022, MP published a cookbook that featured her mouth-watering recipes as well as recounted stories about the Gullah culture on Edisto Island.  For over 70 years of dedicated service in taking care of others. Mrs. Emily “MP” Meggett was awarded the prestigious President's Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award by President  Joe Biden in May of 2022.  On April 21, 2023, we collectively experienced a monumental loss when Mrs. Emily “MP” Meggett, The Matriarch of Edisto Island, slipped away from us.

1961-2016

Arlene Ebon Esteves

Arlene was full of life and made everyone feel like family. She loved to entertain, travel and enjoy life.

Arlene was born in New York City on March 22, 1961. She was one of four children born to Mr. Steve Esteves and Mrs. Nora Moody. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Henry and Rosa Hutchinson.

Arlene’s family relocated to Edisto Island, South Carolina in the early 70’s. She attended Jane Edwards Elementary and Schroder Middle School. Arlene was a graduate of the Baptist Hill High School Class of 1979. After high school, she attended the Transitional Year Program at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Arlene earned her Cosmetology License at Farah’s Beauty College and also completed the Certified Nurse Aide Training Program at Trident Technical College.

Arlene worked in a number of fields throughout her life including time as a cosmetologist, home child care provider, thrift store owner, nursing assistant, school secretary, political campaign organizer, and caretaker. Arlene was extremely proud of her work as a political campaign organizer for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. She was dispatched to Ohio where she worked as a field organizer and canvas leader, going door-to-door to engage and encourage people to get out and vote. 


Arlene was full of life and made everyone feel like family. She loved to entertain, travel and enjoy life. Along with her grandmother,

Myrtle Hutchinson Esteves, Arlene was instrumental in helping shape some of the early efforts to document Edisto Island's Black history; which included coordination of an oral history project with senior citizens, ongoing work to restore the Hutchinson House, and the 2013 deconstruction and move of the Point of Pines cabin now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

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