The Threat to Cultural Heritage

A recent internal review ordered by the White House could lead to the removal of a Lowcountry sweetgrass basket maker’s work from the Smithsonian museums. This review, initiated by the Trump administration, aims to eliminate what it deems “divisive” content. Among the institutions under scrutiny is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where several works by Corey Alston are currently displayed.

Corey Alston, a native of Mount Pleasant, has dedicated 22 years to preserving his cultural heritage. His craft involves weaving four natural grasses—pine needle, palmetto, bulrush, and sweetgrass—to create handwoven tools known as sweetgrass baskets. This art form, unique to the Carolina coast, has been passed down for over 300 years.

“Every community has its own identity,” Alston explained. “We have cast-net making, canoe making, storytelling, spices and cooking, religion and language, and we’re part of the weaving tradition.”

The origins of this tradition trace back to the 17th and 18th centuries when Africans from the Windward Coast, the Gold Coast, and the Rice Coast of West Africa were brought to the New World. Their knowledge of rice cultivation played a crucial role in shaping the region’s economy.

“The act of throwing raw rice in the air with this tool was a way of threshing or cleaning the rice,” Alston said. “This crop made Charleston one of the richest cities for over 90 years, built on the backs of enslaved people.”

These cultural practices—language, food, religion, and medicinal traditions—were deeply rooted in African heritage and evolved into what is now known as Gullah Geechee culture. In 2006, the U.S. Congress recognized this cultural identity by establishing the Gullah Geechee Culture Heritage Corridor, stretching from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Saint Augustine, Florida.

Michael Allen, a retired National Park Service official and historian, emphasized the importance of preserving these stories. He believes that all voices should be included in the American narrative.

“There’s a resiliency in the culture, a willingness to preserve and protect our heritage,” Allen said.

In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for an internal review of some Smithsonian museums to ensure no “divisive or race-centered ideology” is present. The focus initially includes eight museums, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

For Alston, the possibility of removing certain items from the Smithsonian is disheartening. He sees it as an erasure of history that contributed to the foundation of America.

“You see a massive piece in a museum in another state, and it sparks curiosity about who created it,” Alston said. “It brings attention to the Gullah community.”

Along Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, also known as Sweetgrass Makers Highway, there are sweetgrass basket stands at nearly every intersection. This area is considered the heart of Gullah sweetgrass basket preservation.

“I’m proud to see the stands along Highway 17,” Alston said. “There’s no other town in America with them.”

He believes the community is determined to keep these stands, ensuring that anyone can still purchase an elegant Charleston relic that represents the Gullah bloodline. This legacy continues to thrive, building from the center and reflecting the enduring spirit of the Gullah Geechee culture.

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