Where history inspires hope: Mitchelville is changing how people see freedom

Photo courtesy of Mitchelville Freedom Park

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While history is often fractured, told from one or limited perspectives that do not flesh out the full story, stepping onto the ground of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park (HMFP), located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, highlights the untold story of resilience and self-determination during one of the most unsettling periods in American history. HMFP calls attention to the first self-governed community of freed African Americans in the country, emerging as a monument that reflects the ideals America claims to uphold: freedom, self-determination, and community. 

A forgotten town

Mitchelville, named posthumously after its founder, General Ormsby Mitchel, was founded during the Civil War, becoming a vibrant, self-governed community of formerly enslaved individuals in the United States. Yet, while the town became a radical experiment in democracy, education, and self-sufficiency, Mitchelville remains largely absent from mainstream narratives. However, HMFP, which serves as a historical and cultural monument, aims to bring this history to the forefront, serving as a symbol of American ideals such as freedom, democracy, citizenship, and opportunity.

Leading HMFP is Executive Director Ahmad Ward, who has made it his mission to restore Mitchelville’s prominence and resurrect significant history that has been deliberately buried. Through his work at HMFP, Ward also aims to inspire and educate heritage visitors, families, educators, students, and more through HMFP’s engaging programming, groundbreaking archaeology, and dedication to preserving this important story for future generations. 

With the American landscape fraught with national conversations about historical erasure, racial justice, and cultural tourism, HMFP is doing more than bringing to life accurate history with Mitchelville’s story and cultural contributions — it highlights universal themes of community, opportunity, and hope. 

The pillars of HMFP

Freedom, Democracy, Citizenship and Opportunity. These are the pillars of HMFP, which stands as proof of the survival and ingenuity of the freedmen who established their own thriving town. Emphasizing the resilience of Mitchelville’s community and its enduring human spirit, HMFP chose the Adinkra symbol “Aya,” which represents resilience and endurance, as the park’s motto and logo.

HMFP is grounded in archaeological findings, historical records, and community storytelling, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the lived experiences of the past. Through the park’s programming and education, HMFP serves as a catalyst for reimagining African American history and cultural literacy in schools and institutions while empowering the next generation of leaders. HMFP endeavors to be a site where all Americans can reflect on what freedom really means, establishing an inclusive environment for others to explore their connection to freedom and democracy, regardless of their background.

Tangible resilience

Physical sites, like HMFP, challenge the abstraction of history and offer tangible evidence of the resilience of this community. With Mitchelville’s story being an essential part of American history, HMFP offers immersive learning experiences. Looking ahead, the park aims to offer interactive exhibits and a world-class interpretive center, as well as expand its digital archives.

Since 2022, HMFP has raised $9.5 million for park development, with its story featured in The New York Times, HGTV.com, and other high-profile outlets. HMFP has set a goal to reach an additional $12 million in funding, which is the key to helping the park reshape Americans’ collective understanding of freedom while offering visitors an unforgettable connection to the past.