Plantersville Cultural Complex to Highlight Gullah Geechee Heritage and Regional History

Georgetown County, South Carolina, is moving forward with the development of the Plantersville Cultural Complex (PCC), a new community hub designed to honor the region’s unique culture and history, particularly its Gullah Geechee heritage and its past as a major rice-producing area. The project aims to create opportunities for recreation, education, and community gathering.

Preserving a Historic Landscape

The 10-acre site for the PCC is located in the Pee Dee Planters Historic District, once the heart of the largest rice-producing region in the nation during the 1700s and 1800s [1]. The property, situated at the corner of Exodus Drive and Highway 701 in Plantersville, was acquired by The Village Group nonprofit, with support from the Open Space Institute (OSI), after being threatened by potential development [1].

A Hub for Culture and Community

The PCC is envisioned as a vibrant center that will celebrate the stories and sacrifices of generations of Plantersville residents. The project aligns with Georgetown County’s Comprehensive Plan and the Waccamaw Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy [1]. It similarly supports the new Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail, an initiative focused on gathering oral histories along the South Carolina coast to highlight Gullah culture [1].

Related Developments in the Region

Nearby in Myrtle Beach, the city is developing an Arts & Innovation District, which will include new city offices, a library, museums, a performing arts center, a co-operate space, and a city square [2]. Coastal Carolina University is also planning a full lineup of cultural arts events for the Spring 2026 semester, including concerts, lectures, and performances [3].

Community Engagement and Planning

A meeting regarding the Plantersville Cultural Center was scheduled for February 20, 2026, at Plantersville Elementary, focusing on plans to preserve and promote Plantersville’s Gullah Geechee heritage, including the cultural center, Hasty Point Plantation, and a new mixed-use bike trail [4].