Hobcaw Barony

Hobcaw Barony A private, nonprofit foundation created in 1964 by Belle W. Baruch to conserve Hobcaw Barony’s nature The Belle W. Mr.
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Baruch Foundation is a non-profit organization and owner of the over 16,000-acre wildlife refuge, Hobcaw Barony. Made as a royal land grant in 1718, it was eventually subdivided into 11 individual plantations. It became the home of Wall Street millionaire and presidential adviser, Bernard Baruch. Baruch's daughter, Belle, purchased all of the barony over a period of several years, and at her death a foundation was created to use the land for education and research.

Today, the “Tide To Table Program” participants, not only did some foraging, but, learned some basics of cast iron cooki...
06/20/2026

Today, the “Tide To Table Program” participants, not only did some foraging, but, learned some basics of cast iron cooking, and stepped back in time to gain some knowledge of traditional medicine practiced in the early years of South Carolina. And, let’s not forget tasting a few recipes gathered and made from some area plants. The next “Tide to Table Program” will be in the fall. Come out and join us!
hobcawbarony.org.

🌿🏛️ Explore Georgetown at Hobcaw Barony – June 29! 🏛️🌿Join us for Explore Georgetown and discover the history, culture, ...
06/19/2026

🌿🏛️ Explore Georgetown at Hobcaw Barony – June 29! 🏛️🌿

Join us for Explore Georgetown and discover the history, culture, and natural beauty of Hobcaw Barony on Monday, June 29.

The Discovery Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with exhibits and knowledgeable docents available throughout the day. Families are invited to enjoy a scavenger hunt, coloring activities, and more for children.

🚐 Discovery Tours
• 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• 2-hour guided van tour
• $30 per person

Travel down Old Kings Highway (Francis Marion), visit Friendfield African American Village, and learn about rice cultivation in the early years of our nation and the vital role enslaved Africans played in shaping the region’s history.

⭐ Revolutionary Explore Tour
• 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• 3-hour guided tour
• $40 per person

This special tour includes a visit to Oyster Landing on the salt marsh, discussions about Native American presence on the property, and views across to North Island, where the Marquis de Lafayette landed during the Revolutionary era.

📍 Hobcaw Barony
22 Hobcaw Road
Georgetown, SC

Reservations are recommended and can be made through our website under “Plan Your Visit” or “Events.”

Learn more and reserve your spot at hobcawbarony.org.

Come explore the people, places, and stories that shaped Georgetown and our nation’s history!

The next time you visit Friendfield Village, take some time to see two recently installed interpretive panels that were ...
06/15/2026

The next time you visit Friendfield Village, take some time to see two recently installed interpretive panels that were created by Francis Marion University students.

"Like many visitors to Hobcaw, recent Francis Marion University graduates Artie Cunningham (2026) and Olive Challa (2026) felt a powerful connection to Friendfield Village. Working on a grant-funded public history project under FMU professors Charles Jeffcoat and Rick Almeida, they researched, designed, and commissioned two new interpretive wayside panels for the village.

One panel explores daily life in Friendfield Village, while the other highlights the history of Friendfield Church. Over the course of the project, Olive and Artie helped carry the panels from initial concept to final installation, contributing professional-quality historical research, interpretation, and graphic design to Hobcaw’s educational mission.

The finished panels are now installed at Friendfield, where they will help visitors engage with the history of the village and church for years to come."

We were honored to welcome the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) to Hobcaw Barony for a behind-the-scenes look at ...
06/10/2026

We were honored to welcome the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) to Hobcaw Barony for a behind-the-scenes look at our 16,000-acre research reserve and the important work taking place across the property.
From coastal ecology and wildlife management to forestry, conservation, and historic preservation, Hobcaw Barony serves as a living laboratory where research helps inform the stewardship of natural resources throughout South Carolina and beyond.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share the history and vision of Hobcaw Barony, as well as the groundbreaking work being conducted by researchers from the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and our other academic partners.
A special thank you to NESA for your visit and interest in the research, education, and conservation efforts that make Hobcaw Barony such a unique and impactful place.
If you have not yet experienced Hobcaw Barony, we invite you to join us for a tour and discover firsthand the history, beauty, and scientific discovery happening here every day.

Tween Ecology SeriesJune 12 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM$40 per childCalling all curious explorers! Rising 6th–8th graders are i...
06/09/2026

Tween Ecology Series
June 12 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
$40 per child

Calling all curious explorers! Rising 6th–8th graders are invited to dive into an unforgettable salt marsh adventure. Participants will trek along the salt marsh trail, discover the fascinating plants and animals that call this ecosystem home, and get hands-on experience with real ecological research techniques.

From squishing through pluff mud to spotting pickle grass and the wildlife that thrives among it, every step offers a new discovery. This immersive outdoor experience is perfect for tweens who love nature, science, and adventure!

Sandhills Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata) is currently putting on a colorful display throughout Hobcaw Barony , thriving...
06/08/2026

Sandhills Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata) is currently putting on a colorful display throughout Hobcaw Barony , thriving in the area's dry, sandy, sunlit habitats. This remarkable native wildflower plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a host plant for both Monarch butterfly and Queen butterfly. To protect itself from herbivores such as deer, rabbits, and many insects, the plant produces a thick white latex sap rich in naturally occurring compounds known as cardenolides. While these chemicals are toxic to most animals, monarch caterpillars have evolved to consume the plant without harm. They store the toxins within their bodies, providing a powerful defense that makes both the caterpillars and the adult butterflies distasteful—and often poisonous—to predators. In pictures 2 and 3 you can see the seed pods. They will split open to release the seeds attached to silk strands

Adding to the seasonal beauty, thistles are also blooming alongside the milkweed in many of the same open habitats. Their vibrant flowers are an important nectar source for a variety of pollinators, including bees, swallowtail butterflies, and numerous beneficial insects. Together, these native plants create valuable habitat that supports a rich diversity of wildlife and helps sustain healthy pollinator populations.

🌱💧 A Heartfelt Thank You! 💧🌱We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dimaggio Landscaping and Irrigationfor thei...
06/05/2026

🌱💧 A Heartfelt Thank You! 💧🌱

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dimaggio Landscaping and Irrigationfor their generous in-kind donation of sprinkler heads for the Victory Garden at Hobcaw Barony.

This thoughtful contribution will help us maintain a healthy and thriving garden, ensuring that this special space continues to serve as a place of learning, stewardship, and connection to the land. Support from community partners makes a meaningful difference in our ability to care for Hobcaw’s natural and cultural resources.

Please join us in thanking Dimaggio Landscaping and Irrigation for investing in the future of the Victory Garden and helping us grow something truly special!

School’s out, the days are longer, and summer adventures are calling! Looking for something fun, educational, and a litt...
06/02/2026

School’s out, the days are longer, and summer adventures are calling! Looking for something fun, educational, and a little different? Hobcaw Barony has a variety of special programs coming up for all ages.

For young explorers, Wild Wednesday: Autotroph Art (June 10) offers a creative opportunity to use the hidden colors and textures inside plants to make unique works of art.

Ready to get outside? Join a guided walk along Hobcaw Barony’s 2.5-mile stretch of pristine, undeveloped beach on June 12 and experience one of the coast’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

Or discover the how native plants were used for sustenance and healing during From Tide to Table: A Guided Foraging Tour on June 19, where you’ll learn about edible coastal resources and the connections between nature and food.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, outdoor exploration, or hands-on learning, Hobcaw Barony has something to make your summer memorable.

For details and registration information, visit the Events page at Hobcaw Barony

06/02/2026

We’re open again! 🎉
After several months of repairs following an unfortunate water leak, we are thrilled to welcome visitors back to the Discovery Center and Gift Shop at Hobcaw Barony!
Today marks the reopening of a space that helps connect our guest to the rich history, culture and natural beauty of Hobcaw Barony. We invite you to explore, and see the updates for yourself.
While you’re here, be sure to visit our gift shop, where you’ll find a wonderful selection of unique treasures and locally inspired gifts, including
🌟Beautiful jewelry
🧺Handcrafted sweet grass baskets
📚Books on local history
🎲Fun and educational games for all ages
🎁Unique gifts, souvenirs, and much more!
Every purchase supports Hobcaw Barony’s mission of education, research and conservation.
We are grateful for your patience and support during the restoration process and look forward to welcoming you back through our doors.

Have you heard of Hendrik Van Loon's Wide World Game? Our education staff found this 1933 game within the Foundation’s a...
05/26/2026

Have you heard of Hendrik Van Loon's Wide World Game? Our education staff found this 1933 game within the Foundation’s archives and learned how to play. After undergoing some trial games, we are now ready to try it out with you! Sign up for the Vintage Games program on July 23rd to test your skill at this and other games that the Baruchs and their guests played! (Note: We will be using game copies; archived versions will be on display.)

Reservations can be made at https://hobcawbarony.org/event/an-afternoon-of-vintage-games-at-hobcaw-house/

Address

22 Hobcaw Road
Georgetown, SC
29440

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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