Heritage Days

42nd Annual Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration

November 12-14, 2026

2026 Heritage Days Symposium

This year, Historic Penn Center is bringing those stories forward. The 2026 Penn Center Heritage Days Symposium, People, Places and Promises of the American Revolution in the Lowcountry and Beyond, is a free, day-long gathering celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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Held in November, Penn Center’s Heritage Days Celebration is a three-day cultural event celebrating Penn School/Penn Center, and the Gullah Geechee history, folk arts, food, music, crafts, and West and Central African cultural legacy of the region.

There is still time to register to be a vendor and enter the parade at the 2026 Heritage Days Celebration.

Application deadline extended to October 15.

Vendor Market Application

Non Profit Application

Farmers Market Application

Donate to the 42nd Heritage Days Celebration

Artist & Authors Row

Sponsorship Package

Parade Application

RV/Camper Application

Thursday, November 12

The celebration opens with a warm welcome to the Historic Penn Center Campus.

Welcome Reception
Gullah Roots Village
Lowcountry Supper
Old Fashioned Praise House Service
Road to Remembrance, a youth play
2026 Penn Center Heritage Days Symposium
Frissell Hall - Penn Center Campus 16 Penn Center Circle West St. Helena Island , SC
People, Places and Promises of the American Revolution in the Lowcountry and Beyond (9AM - 3PM)

Friday, November 13

Friday is all about learning, fellowship, and good food.

Heritage Days Opening Ceremony
Youth Day with cultural learning events
Old Fashioned Fish Fry
Traditional Prayer Service
Food and Craft Vendors

Saturday, November 14

Saturday is the big day, and the one many families plan their whole weekend around.

Heritage Days Parade
Center Stage Performances
Artist and Authors Row
Food and Craft Vendors