Echoes of Heritage: Honoring the Living History of St. Simons Island and Fort Frederica

Beneath the ancient, moss-draped live oaks of St. Simons Island lies a rich landscape of American history. While many know Fort Frederica National Monument as a 18th-century British colonial stronghold, its soil also holds deep, enduring ties to African American resilience, culture, and triumphs.

Join us for our Annual African American Heritage Festival. Note: time may vary just a bit, will update you soon!

This coming February, Fort Frederica National Monument invites the entire community to honor these deep traditions and celebrate the vibrant cultural tapestry of St. Simons Island at the Annual African American Heritage Festival.

Experience a soul-stirring live performance by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters. Dressed in striking, colorful historic attire, the group brings centuries of West African and Lowcountry heritage to life through rhythmic song, hand-clapping, and counter-clockwise movement. Beyond the dance, they share the profound meanings, hidden messages, and spiritual significance behind each song and movement. Enjoy inspiring guest speakers and historians. Listen to engaging talks detailing Gullah Geechee roots, colonial-era African contributions, and the enduring legacy of local visionaries like Robert Abbott.