Campaign Launches to Preserve Daufuskie Island Gullah Home Places

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S.C., March 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Daufuskie Endangered Places Program (DEPP), an initiative to preserve the original Gullah-built dwellings on Daufuskie Island, S.C., is launching a fundraising campaign via GoFundMe to continue its work of restoring and preserving these historic Gullah dwellings while allowing supporters to vacation on Daufuskie at discounted rates.

DEPP, Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation initiative, leases homes at risk of falling beyond repair from the families of the original Gullah owners, rehabilitates the homes, and then rents the home to travelers who want to experience the Gullah heritage, unique to South Carolina's coast, and Daufuskie Island's natural beauty. When the organization has recouped the costs it endured for historical renovations through rentals, the Gullah heirs, who have retained full ownership, are free to use the property as they wish.

While there are incentives for small donations, for gifts of $175 or more, supporters can reserve nights staying in the fully refurbished Frances Jones House or the Hinson-White/Lesesne House and enjoy a relaxing stay on Daufuskie Island at these special campaign rates, only available March 24 – May 25, 2015:

• The Frances Jones House: For donations of $175/night, this comfortable two-bedroom, one-bathroom home completely restored with a modern kitchen sits beneath massive oaks minutes from the beach on picturesque Daufuskie Island. While relaxing, visitors can learn more about Frances Jones, a leader among the Gullah people who served as the first teacher at the island's school.
• The Hinson-White/Lesesne House: For donations of $230/night, this one-bedroom house features two porches for taking in the home's ideal location and spectacular views on the edge of a Lowcountry marsh. With a sleeper sofa, this home is perfect for gathering family and friends to relax on Daufuskie Island.

"The Daufuskie Endangered Places Program is a totally new way of looking at historic preservation," said Michael Bedenbaugh, executive director of Palmetto Trust. "With public support, we'll be able to preserve more Gullah home places, which are such an important part of our South Carolina heritage, are largely dilapidated and close to being beyond repair."

To contribute, go to http://www.gofundme.com/savinggullahhomes. To learn more about the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program and The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, visit DaufuskieEndangeredPlaces.org or call (803) 922-9979 and follow Daufuskie Endangered Places Program on Facebook.

CONTACT:
Katie Alice Walker
[email protected]
(803) 250-5292

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150326/194746

SOURCE Daufuskie Endangered Places Program (DEPP)