Resources for Educators
The Barnwell Tabby welcomes students of all ages
The Barnwell Tabby offers educators and history buffs a rare opportunity — a chance to engage directly with 300 years of American history through a single, tangible structure.
The Barnwell Tabby is bringing textbooks to life, allowing learners to:
Witness construction techniques that blend African, European, and Native American traditions
Understand how archaeologists use material evidence to reconstruct the past
Trace the complex patterns of ownership, labor, and land use that shaped coastal communities
Learn more about the enduring impact of the Gullah Geechee cultural heritage on the Carolina Lowcountry
We're in the process of developing classroom resources designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking:
Lesson resources aligned with state and national standards
Illustrated timelines connecting local developments to broader historical events
Primary source collections with guided analysis activities
Virtual tour options for remote classrooms
Educational Visits
Experience 300 Years of History
Though privately owned, the Barnwell Tabby welcomes scheduled groups who seek to understand Hilton Head Island's rich past and the diverse peoples who shaped it.
Tabby visits offer:
Guided interpretation of the structure's architectural features
Insights into tabby construction techniques
Discussion of archaeological findings and their significance
Connections to broader themes in American history
The opportunity to stand where generations before have stood
The site accommodates school groups, historical societies, community organizations, and media teams interested in sharing this important story.
Contact us to arrange an educational visit that brings history to life for your group.
The site has already welcomed hundreds of students, including nearly 200 third-graders who experienced the thrill of participating in actual archaeological fieldwork under professional guidance.
Students assisting the excavation in 2020
