Friends of the Old Walnut Schoolhouse

In September 2020, we learned of development plans for the property adjacent to the Kiawah Island Municipal property. These plans would have included a miniature golf complex and the renovation of the Walnut Hill School House, which itself dates back to 1868. These plans were rejected by the County in 2021 and along with that, all hope for renovation of the schoolhouse were sidelined.

Recently we created The Old Walnut Schoolhouse Partnership, which has raised enough money to buy the property from the developer, and we are now raising funds to renovate the schoolhouse.

After doing some historical research on the building, we learned that the schoolhouse was opened for freed slaves after the Civil War. The one room building, one of 11 such school houses in the State of South Carolina from the late 1800’s, was still used for classes until the 1930's when it was converted into a courthouse.

Despite being saved once from demolition in 1991, the building has been neglected and is in major need of renovations.

Our plans are to move the renovated schoolhouse closer to the road, landscape the property, and build ample parking for visitors behind the building. Our dreams (vision) include(s) working with other neighboring property owners and providing a safe walking path along that side of Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

Please visit https://discoversouthcarolina.com/products/28150 for a brief description and history of the school.

The Old Walnut Hill Schoolhouse team has spent in excess of $ 500,000.00 to acquire the property and is now reaching out to members of the community for involvement to chip in so that we can restore what a true John’s Island Historical treasure for students of all ages and for generations to come.

Please consider a donation today.