African American Heritage

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Visit Dorchester Academy, a school founded after the Civil War for freed slaves. By 1917 this school was fully accredited and had 300 students. The academic program ended in the 1940s, however, the building remained in use. It was a retreat during the Civil Rights Movement and was even visited by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Take a short detour off Islands Highway, and visit the Midway Museum. The Midway Museum was built in the raised cottage-style structure, typical of 18th century plantation homes. It houses numerous exhibits, documents and furnishings that were used in coastal Georgia homes between colonial days and the onset of the Civil War. The Museum also features a historic Church and Cemetery.

Stop for lunch at The Smokin’ Pig. You and your family will get the full southern experience eating your BBQ sandwich at a picnic table!

Geechee Kunda is great stop representing the vanishing Geechee culture. You won’t just learn at this living history museum, you’ll be entertained as well. It houses multiple exhibits and events held year-round along with a gallery and gift shop and even stay for lunch!

Wind down with a walk through the Historic Baptismal Trail. For almost 100 years this site was an active holy place where the ancestors of the local Geechee communities baptized new members into their faith. This sacred trail provides a peaceful walking path for visitors to unplug from daily life.

Head into Hinesville for a delicious dinner at Izola’s Country Cafe. Enjoy good ol’ fashioned Southern home cooking at this local favorite.

Included in this itinerary

• Dorchester Academy

  8787 East Oglethorpe Highway
  Midway, GA 31320
  Phone: (912) 884-2347
  Price Range: Free, Donations accepted

• Midway Museum

  491 North Coastal Highway
  Midway, GA 31320
  Visit Website
  Phone: (912) 884-5837

• Smokin’ Pig The BBQ Joint

  13711 East Oglethorpe Hwy
  Midway, Georgia 31320
  Visit Website
  Phone: (912) 884 - 4495
  Price Range: $

• Geechee Kunda Cultural Center

  622 Ways Temple Road
  Riceboro, GA 31323
  Visit Website
  Phone: (912) 884-4440

• Historic Baptismal Trail

  8805 E.B. Cooper Highway
  Riceboro, GA 31323
  Visit Website
  Phone: 912-884-2986
  Price Range: Free Admission

• Izola’s Country Cafe

  809 Willowbrook Drive
  Hinesville, GA 31313
  Visit Website
  Phone: 912-463-4709
  Price Range: $