South Carolina State University recently announced that its 1890 Research and Extension Program will take over management of Freewoods Farm, a historic Black heritage site located in Myrtle Beach off Highway 707.

The farm had been managed for decades by O’Neal Smalls, who told WPDE that despite the leadership change, the mission remains the same.

“Board members can change from time to time, but the mission remains the same. The work remains the same,” Smalls said.

Smalls, who grew up at Freewoods Farm, said the site has deep historical roots.

“It’s important to look at what those farmers did during that first century of freedom, and that’s why Freewoods Farm exists — to tell their story,” he said.

Dating back to the 1860s, many formerly enslaved people turned to farming, though their resources were limited.

“Totally illiterate, no money, no land, and in a hostile region,” Smalls said.

Freewoods Farm was established as a safe haven for Black families following the end of slavery.

“They grew almost everything they ate. They bought very little,” he said.

The farm also served as a foundation for broader societal involvement. According to Smalls, they built churches and schools, as well as fraternal societies and sororities.

Now operating as a nonprofit museum, Freewoods Farm attracts visitors interested in the history of African American farming. But preserving that history hasn’t been easy.

“Finding a workforce that’s willing to do at least a substantial part of the work the way it was done in the old days — so that the public can see — is a challenge,” Smalls said. “Because what we’re trying to do here at Freewoods Farm is to show and tell. Show them how they did it, and tell them how they did it.”

Smalls said he hopes SC State can help find the workforce needed to continue that mission.

“I think it’s a remarkable part of history, a remarkable story, and I don’t think it should be forgotten.”

The university has not yet released details about its plans for the property. According to Smalls, the farm will remain open to the public. He plans to stay involved with operations while focusing on writing a book about the farm’s unique history.

For more information about Freewoods Farm, visit www.freewoodsfarm.com.