OUR IMPACT
Our Imprint. Our History.
In the crucible of the Reconstruction Era, a transformational chapter unfolded on Edisto Island. It was a time when black individuals, once shackled in the bonds of slavery, finally seized the opportunity to claim their own swaths of land. Among those who emerged as a beacon of hope was our beloved ancestor, the illustrious Jim Hutchinson, revered as one of the Black Kings of Edisto.
With unwavering determination, he acquired two sprawling plantations encompassing approximately 650 acres, a precious inheritance he selflessly distributed among the burgeoning ranks of newfound Black independent farmers on Edisto Island. Jim Hutchinson understood that landownership was the pivotal key to bestowing genuine independence and economic empowerment upon his community. This bold stride towards self-sufficiency and self-determination laid the foundation for a profound transformation. It was the birth of an economic stronghold that reverberated through the generations, endowing black families on Edisto Island with the bedrock of generational wealth and the promise of a brighter future.
This website stands as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our ancestors, featuring a treasury of historical photographs and narratives that transcend the confines of conventional education. Here, you will encounter extraordinary stories—stories concealed by the annals of time and often overlooked in mainstream education. These tales encapsulate the resilience, brilliance, and triumph of a people who defied adversity to shape their destiny.
Furthermore, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable history of other influential African American families on Edisto Island, families whose ancestral roots trace back to the late 1600s. Their narratives, interwoven with the rich tapestry of Edisto Island's past, form an integral part of our collective heritage. Join us in unearthing and celebrating these narratives, for in their historical depths, we discover the echoes of our shared legacy and the enduring power of our heritage.
THE HUTCHINSON HOUSE
Still Standing.
Unearth the power of living history, often overlooked in dusty pages or overshadowed in grand galleries. Our shared past is the cornerstone of a more inclusive, warm, and compassionate community. The Hutchinson House, built in 1885, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Edisto Island African American Community. This historic treasure represents one of the oldest freedmen homes that is still standing today on Edisto Island, S.C. The Hutchinson House importance is underscored by its location being only a 1/8 mile away from a slave cabin, in which our family lived, that was taken and reassembled as one of the crown jewel exhibits at the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC.
This custom well-crafted home was built in 1885 by Henry Hutchinson, his brother, Jack Miller, and his Uncle, John Pearson Hutchinson as a wedding gift to his bride, Rosa Swinton. The Hutchinson House, listed on the National Register in 1987, represents one of the oldest homes on Edisto identified with the African American community after the Civil War. Today, The Hutchinson House serves as shining example of the trailblazing spirit defined by a very proud family whose history has stood the test of time. Their strength and perserverance is reflected in the hardwork, self-reliance, and success of Edisto's emerging African American community.
In 2016, the Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT) purchased the Hutchinson House that included 10 acres surrounding the property. The EIOLT's acquisition ensured that this dilapidated home, at the time, did not crumble to the ground or become demolished by a developer unaware of the home's important historical significance. The descendants of the Hutchinson Family are extremely proud to PARTNER with the EIOLT in the complete restoration and future operation of the Hutchinson House. This outstanding preservation organization, led by John Girault, has literally been an answer to the Hutchinson family's prayers and fulfilled our Grandmother's lifelong wish to see this "Camelot" home to become a museum to help to educate future generations. Working in tandem, the EIOLT has made the Hutchinson Family an integral part of the decision making process by family members serving on various committees or boards. We are excited that this special partnership will continue as we work closely together to share this important part of American History to the world. We encourage you to visit the EIOLT official website.
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Contact Us
The Hutchinson Heritage Foundation
Address: P.O. Box 871
Edisto Island, SC 29438
Email: info@hutchinsonheritage.org