The Deer Tongue building in Bluffton is now home to an exhibit presented by the Bluffton Gullah Heritage Center. The rich Gullah heritage of Bluffton remains an under explored and often unmentioned cornerstone of local history. This exhibit combines physical and digital elements to illuminate these vital stories and their ongoing influence on the community.

The story wall features a chronological journey through Bluffton’s history, beginning with indigenous peoples and flowing through the plantation era, Civil War, Reconstruction, and into contemporary times. The timeline is enhanced by photographs housed in frames crafted from reclaimed wood from the historic Deer Tongue building. Against a textured indigo backdrop, ethereal white silhouettes of Lowcountry icons—live oaks, oyster shells, herons, and a praise house—evoke the aesthetic of traditional cyanotype photography. This artistic technique, which creates white impressions against deep blue backgrounds through sun exposure, mirrors how Gullah culture has left its lasting imprint on Bluffton’s identity.

The exhibit extends into the digital realm through a QR code which unlocks layers of additional content. These digital gateways lead visitors to detailed explorations of specific themes, beginning with contextual overviews before delving into focused topics and local narratives. The supporting website serves as a dynamic repository, designed for continuous expansion as new stories emerge and perspectives evolve. This approach acknowledges history as a living narrative, one that grows richer as fresh discoveries surface and interpretations shift to reflect contemporary understanding and values. Through this dual physical-digital approach, the exhibit creates an enduring, adaptable platform for preserving and sharing Bluffton’s Gullah legacy.