Construction of Mitchelville, the first self-governing community for formerly enslaved people in the country, started in 1862, shortly after Union troops drove Confederate defenders from coastal Beaufort County. A new construction project is now underway that will ultimately shed light on the Hilton Head community that lasted for about 30 years.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is hosting a ground-breaking ceremony for an archeological research facility and auditorium on Aug. 27. It’s a step toward realizing a vision that’s been a quarter-century in the making.

“For over 25 years, and for many in our community a lifetime, this project has been a deeply held goal,” said Ahmad Ward , executive director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, in a news release. “We’re creating a place w

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