In 2017, Mayor John Tecklenburg requested the Gullah Society’s assistance in the reburial of thirty-six individuals discovered in 2013 during construction at the Gaillard Center on George Street in downtown Charleston. Over the next two years, we collaborated with the City of Charleston, the College of Charleston, the University of Pennsylvania, and other partners to honor these individuals and their legacy.
Research and Community Engagement
Our work focused on several key initiatives, including a series of ‘Community Conversations’, ancient DNA research, and an educational and arts program. These efforts were aimed at preparing the community for the respectful reinterment of the remains. The project included studies into the ancestry of the thirty-six ancestors and an exploration of genetic diversity in Charleston today. Through these efforts, we gained valuable insights into the lives of these individuals and the African-descended community that once thrived in Charleston.
Ancient DNA and Genetic Studies
The thirty-six individuals, likely of African descent, represent some of the earliest known burials in Charleston, dating from 1760 to 1800. To deepen our understanding, we were awarded three grants from the National Geographic Society to conduct ancient DNA analyses. This research allowed us to learn more about the ancestry of these individuals and their connections to Africa, as well as to study the genetic diversity in Charleston today.
Reburial and Community Involvement
The remains of the thirty-six ancestors were reburied on May 4th, 2019. This marked a significant moment for both the Gullah Society and the broader Charleston community. The discovery and subsequent reburial were not only a vital part of honoring these ancestors but also an opportunity to reconcile Charleston’s past and acknowledge the sacred ground they were buried on. Through the Community Conversations, which were held at various venues across Charleston and open to all, we engaged the public in conversations about history, heritage, and healing.
This project served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and respecting the people who shaped the history of Charleston, especially those whose stories were lost to time.
