Chosen By God

Dr. Louise Miller Cohen  is a native of Hilton Head Island.   Mrs. Cohen was chosen, called and anointed by God.  She has become the renowned authentic Gullah – Geechee Storyteller, historian, entertainer, teacher, and preserver of Gullah-Geechee  Heritage.

Education

Ms. Cohen  has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood  Education from the University of South Carolina.

In 2016, Ms. Cohen received an  Honorary Degree of Humane Letters from the University of South Carolina for her leadership in preserving the Gullah Culture, commitment to serving the citizens of the Lowcountry,  and dedication to the restoration of the “Little House”.

Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island

In 2003, Ms. Cohen founded the Non-Profit Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island.

The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island is to revive, restore and preserve the Hilton Head Island Gullah history for the benefit of all-lest we forget.

Achievements

In 2007, she received the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award.

In 2010, she earned  the Governor’s Award from the South Carolina Palmetto  Trust.

In 2012, she was honored  by the National Trust for Historic Preservation  for her work on restoring the “Little House”.

In 2014, Ms. Cohen served as the primary consultant,  and was also featured in the award winning documentary “Hilton Head Island back in the Day”.

In 2016, Ms. Cohen received an  Honorary Degree of Humane Letters from the University of South Carolina for her leadership in preserving the Gullah Culture, commitment to serving the citizens of the Lowcountry,  and dedication to the restoration of the “Little House”.

In 2017, she was recognized  by the National Civil Rights Library through the presentation of a 2017 Community Service Award  and a Commendation Award from Mayor David Bennett of Hilton Head.

In 2018, Ms. Cohen was among 11 notable Palmetto state residents to be featured in the South Carolina African American History Calendar.

It was a pleasure meeting Ms. Cohen. I love her stories.

J. Speller

I never knew "Gullah" existed until meeting Dr. Louise Cohen. She surely is a pleasure to know and has a wealth of knowledge.

Jeff Gemm

I'm wondering why I never contacted Ms. Cohen and the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island sooner. I enjoy the stories, songs, and tours.

Mark L.
Words that our Ancestors passed down to us

Gullah Words

Nothing brings the fish out of the water but his mouth!
Nuttin bring de fish out de warta but ee mout!
Every closed eyes you see isn’t sleeping!
Ebby shet eye ain’t da sleep!
If someone said “good night” when they left your house, that doesn’t  mean that they really left!
Ebby good night ain’t gone!

Gullah Foods

Gullah Foods:
Shrimp and Grits
Orka umbo with Rice
Collard Greens with Neckbone or Hamhock
Sweet Potatoe Pie
Bread Pudding