Gullah Geechee — Travelrags

Smithsonian MagazineMay 19, 2026

From Basket Weaving to Oyster Reef Conservation, Gullah Geechee Women Are Preserving a Living Heritage

Along America’s southeastern coast, descendants of enslaved Africans pass down traditions and knowledge of crafts, ecology and food through generations

13 things in this story

Smithsonian American Art MuseumMuseumMuseum holding examples of Gullah Geechee basketry.
Smalls Cultural ResourcesPlaceCultural preservation consultancy.
Casual Crabbing With TiaPlaceCrabbing excursion company founded by Tia Clark.
BrambleRestaurantAmethyst Ganaway's pop-up dining concept.
EaterPlaceAmethyst Ganaway is a chef, food writer, recipe developer, and content creator.
Serious EatsPlaceAmethyst Ganaway is a food writer and chef who focuses primarily on Southern and African-American foodways and the…
Garden & GunPlaceIn South Carolina, a tasty butternut squash pie brings generations together Keep up with Subscribe today and save.
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor CommissionPlaceCommission established to preserve Gullah Geechee heritage.
Victoria SmallsPlaceFormer executive director of Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
Marilyn W. DinglePlaceMaster basket weaver and mother of Lynette D. Youson.
Tia ClarkPlaceCharleston-based crabber and oyster conservationist.
Amethyst GanawayPlaceChef and writer exploring Southern food history.
Edna LewisPlaceChef who developed a duck and red rice recipe.

Read the full piece at Smithsonian Magazine →