The Dataw Historic Foundation is governed 100% by volunteers! We need you! We offer many ways to participate and contribute, from volunteering to help with our annual events to becoming a Docent to helping with research. Perhaps you have an interest in serving on our Board. To learn more, please contact us at datawhistory1783@gmail.com.
Welcome to Dataw Island, where history comes to life!
We invite you to join us for guided tours of the Sams Plantation Complex Tabby Ruins, led by our knowledgeable resident docents. These volunteers are proud to share the remarkable history of our island and the stories behind this National Register site — including its standing tabby walls, chimneys, and foundations from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Dataw Island is a gated residential community, and self-guided tours by non-residents are not permitted.
To visit, you must be accompanied by one of our resident docents. Since our docents are volunteers, and a gate pass must be arranged in advance, we kindly request that tour requests be submitted at least three days before your desired visit.
Please note that we are typically available for tours every day of the year.
We understand that visitors may discover us while vacationing nearby, but same-day or next-day requests are rarely possible. Thank you for your courtesy and understanding toward our volunteers who generously give their time to keep this history alive.
To schedule a tour, complete the form below and select ‘TOUR.’ We’ll work with you to arrange the date and time (give us a few days’ advance notice) and provide a gate pass for your guided historic tour of our Sams Plantation House Tabby Ruins. Our tours are free of charge, though we gratefully accept free-will donations.
If you need help with the form, please contact us directly here.
Residents and their guests have two options: email us to request a guided tour or embark on a self-guided tour.
Start your journey at the History and Learning Center (H&LC), conveniently situated within our community (refer to the map below). Here, you’ll find a wealth of artifacts, photographs, paintings, and an informative diorama highlighting Dataw’s rich history. Additionally, you can grab a self-guided tour book from the table near the front door.
If you need help with the form, please contact us directly here.
Feel free to inquire about any aspect of Dataw’s captivating history through the form below or via email. Our team is eager to share insights and answer your questions.
To maintain and preserve the Sams Plantation Ruins and expand the offering of our History and Learning Center, we are 100% reliant on Memberships and donations. Your tax-deductible donation will help us remain responsible custodians of our historic treasure. Only members can attend special events such as lectures and our famous Oyster Roast and Lowcountry Boil.
Anyone can donate to the Dataw Historic Foundation via this payment page.
You can buy a brick and have it personalized. The bricks are installed in the walk leading to the ruins.
Click here to learn more and to order an engraved brick:
Check your current membership status
Membership in the Foundation is open to Dataw Island property owners or members of the Dataw Island Club. A member is a person who is current in payment of membership dues established by the Board of Directors.
Our Bylaws address three special categories of membership.
As a resident, property owner, or DIC club member, please consider joining the Dataw Historic Foundation today!
Click here to access our membership/donation form:
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