Drums and Shadows Private Tour

Drums & Shadows Tour: A Journey Through The Lowcountry’s African American Heritage

Explore the lowcountry with the Drums & Shadows Tour, an unforgettable journey that uncovers the rich history, folklore, and culture of the South's African American community. This private tour, led by expert storyteller Shannon Scott, offers a deep dive into the traditions, resilience, and spiritual practices that have shaped the lowcountry into the sultry, inticing region it is today. Inspired by the WPA’s Drums and Shadows interviews and book of the same name, which captured the oral histories of African American elders in the 1930s, this immersive tour brings these voices and stories to life.

What to Expect on the Drums & Shadows Tour

The Drums & Shadows Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the enduring legacies of Gullah-Geechee culture, hoodoo practices, and the spiritual resilience of the South’s Black community. The Gullah-Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans who lived along the Sea Islands and coastal regions, have maintained a rich cultural identity through language, customs, and traditions that are still celebrated today. On this tour, you will uncover the layers of history that have been passed down through generations, through stories and practices that connect the past to the present.

At the heart of the tour lies the Gullah-Geechee heritage—often referred to as the “language of the soul.” You’ll learn about how Gullah, a Creole language that blends African and English roots, played an essential role in maintaining communication and preserving African traditions in a time when enslaved individuals were denied the ability to openly practice their culture. Along the way, you’ll also hear about the cultural and spiritual practices unique to the Gullah-Geechee community, including food, music, and family traditions that continue to thrive.

As you journey through several fascinating lowcountry areas, you will travel through the shadows of history, revealing the untold stories of resistance, survival, and resilience. 

Exploring Hoodoo and Spiritual Resilience

One of the standout features of the Drums & Shadows Tour is its focus on hoodoo, a spiritual practice that originated in West Africa and has been passed down through generations in the African American community. Hoodoo is a blend of African traditions, Native American healing practices, and European folk magic. While it’s often mistaken for voodoo, hoodoo is distinctly rooted in the cultural and spiritual needs of African Americans during and after the era of enslavement.

During the tour, Shannon Scott will take you through the mystical aspects of hoodoo, sharing stories of its powerful connection to the land, nature, and ancestors. You’ll hear about the ways in which this spiritual practice provided strength, protection, and healing for those who were oppressed, and how it continues to resonate in the lives of people today. Through evocative storytelling, you will uncover the hidden rituals, symbols, and traditions that have shaped the South's Black community, and gain insight into how hoodoo remains a living, breathing part of the city’s cultural tapestry.

A Regional Journey Across Four Counties

The Drums & Shadows Tour doesn’t just focus on Savannah—it spans across four counties, each with its own unique ties to the history of African American culture in the Lowcountry. As part of the tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the following areas:

• Beaufort, South Carolina – This city holds deep historical significance for the African American community, with connections to the Gullah-Geechee people and a history of resilience during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
• Jasper County, South Carolina – A region rich in folklore and traditions, Jasper County is a living testament to the cultural strength of its African American inhabitants.
• Hampton County, South Carolina – Known for its strong ties to African American communities and their role in shaping the region, Hampton County offers a window into the experiences of those who lived through the trials of the past.
• Colleton County, South Carolina – A county that has long been home to African American heritage, Colleton County is a place where the echoes of Gullah-Geechee traditions continue to resonate.

This expansive tour takes you beyond the urban landscape of Savannah, offering a broader view of the African American experience in the Lowcountry region. Each of these counties tells a unique story, and together, they create a powerful narrative of endurance and cultural pride.

Why Take the Drums & Shadows Tour?

The Drums & Shadows Tour is not just another historical tour—it’s an opportunity to experience the soul of the South. Led by Shannon Scott, this immersive journey gives you access to hidden stories, powerful traditions, and cultural insights that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or simply someone who wants to connect with the the South's past, this tour will leave you with a profound understanding of the resilience, strength, and creativity that defines the city’s Black community.

By delving into the spiritual practices of hoodoo, the cultural richness of the Gullah-Geechee people, and the untold stories of survival, the Drums & Shadows Tour invites you to connect with the roots of a vibrant and enduring heritage. Experience Savannah as you never have before, and walk in the footsteps of those who shaped its cultural and spiritual identity.

Tour Pricing

• Leaving Savannah: $1450.00
• Pickup from Beaufort or Bluffton: $1650.00
• Pickup from Hilton Head: $1750.00

This tour is designed for those who seek a deeper connection to Savannah’s African American heritage. Whether you are local or visiting, the Drums & Shadows Tour will provide an unforgettable experience, rich with history, culture, and spirituality.

Step into the soul of Savannah and uncover its hidden stories. Book your Drums & Shadows Tour today, and discover the enduring legacy of African American culture in the heart of the Lowcountry.