Museums
Hilton Head Island and Bluffton offer visitors and residents numerous opportunities to expand their knowledge of the local history, culture and ecology.
A stellar showcase of the history and ecology of Hilton Head Island is on display daily at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Featuring programs, displays, tours and activities year round, the museum is a fantastic way to become familiar with the story of Hilton Head Island and the majesty of its environment. In the Fall 2007, the Museum opened the historic Honey Horn property to the public. Located at the corner of Gum Tree Road and William Hilton Parkway (look for the Honey Horn signs) this 69 acre property has some of the oldest trees and buildings on the Island. While visiting this spectacular Lowcountry jewel on Jarvis Creek, be sure to stop by the renovated Discovery House to view all new permanent exhibits, experience the KidsZone, take in the temporary exhibition there, or sign up for one of the many Museum sponsored tours/programs. Take a walk on the designated trails complete with colorful interpretive panels detailing the flora and fauna of the region, or, try your hand at crabbing or casting a shrimp net into Jarvis Creek.The museum's store and satellite location shares space with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center and is located one mile from the bridge on the right coming onto the island. The Coastal Discovery Museum is open Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM.
The Sandbox: An Interactive Children's Museum:
The Sandbox is a hands-on interactive museum filled with unique entertaining, and educational play areas to explore. Children can sail away on Captain William Hilton’s ship of discovery or find their Passport to the World in the international airport terminal with a plane ready for little pilots to fly. Explore our web site to see all that The Sandbox has to offer! Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Heritage Library:
The Heritage Library is devoted to the study and preservation of history and genealogy. It provides researchers with the tools to study their ancestors. The Heritage Library is one of the most comprehensive in the region, with microfilm readers and a vast collection of books, microfilm, microfiche, CD-ROM databases, vertical files, periodicals, VHS, audio tapes and maps. The Heritage Library is open 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Mon/Thurs/Fri/Sat.
The Penn Center:
The Penn Center, a national treasure, was established during the Civil War to educate newly freed slaves. Today, the Penn Center houses the York W. Baily Museum and is one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today. Located on St. Helena Island, a short drive from Hilton Head Island, Penn Center sits on the 50 acres of the historical campus of Penn School. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM with an admission fee of $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors. Group rates are $2 per person.
View a listing of all museums & libraries in the Hilton Head Island area.
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