A New Center for the Study and Preservation of Soul Food

The Muloma Heritage Center has acquired 38 acres on St. Helena Island and is preparing to build a space dedicated to culture, cuisine, sustainability, agriculture, and ecology. This is what I'm talking about!

Press Release:

The Muloma Heritage Center is pleased to announce a grant of $1,765,000.00 generously awarded by the Mellon Foundation. This significant funding bolsters the center's ongoing initiative to establish the Muloma Heritage Center on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

The Muloma Heritage Center envisions an institution dedicated to research, archiving, preservation, education, and awareness of agriculture and Black foodways. Through this pivotal endeavor, the center aims to facilitate broader understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry associated with these vital aspects of heritage.

Chef Tonya Thomas, Board Member and Executive Pastry Chef and Partner of H3irloom in Baltimore, is excited about the center’s possibilities.

“The Muloma Heritage Center will be a world class space where the African Atlantic history and heritage is preserved,” she said. “Where the contributions of our ancestors to food, to culture, and to the cultivation of this land will not be erased. It will be a space where all are educated, and the next generation is inspired."

The Muloma Heritage Center is pleased to team up with Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, who is acting as the fiscal sponsor of the Muloma Heritage Center grant. Adrian Lipscombe, Muloma Board Member and Founder of 40 Acres Project, envisions the Heritage Center as a sacred space - a culinary haven that honors the resilient spirit and enduring legacy of Black culinary and agricultural traditions. 

“It's a place where our ancestral flavors, techniques, and stories are revered and shared, ensuring that the tapestry of our culinary heritage is woven into the fabric of our collective memory,” she said. “Through this center, we aim to celebrate the richness, diversity, and contributions of Black foodways and agriculture, fostering a deep sense of pride and unity within our community and beyond. We also have the opportunity to delve into our roots, exploring traditional farming methods and culinary practices, and illuminate the vital role of African and African American contributions to the very foundation of Southern cuisine and farming.”