Project Information


DR. BENJAMIN E. MAYS HISTORICAL BIRTHPLACE SITE The Benjamin E. May Historical Birthplace Site is located on the campus of GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission. This site includes a 1000 square foot Visitors Center and a one room school similar to the one that Dr. Mays walked seven miles to begin his education journey. Dr. Mays, the son of a sharecropper, who was the President of Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia for twenty year. He was also an advisor to U.S. Presidents, Spiritual and Educational Mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Chairman of the Atlanta Public School Board for many years. This site will be open to the public as a National Historical Museum.

Previously listed as one of South Carolina Eleven Most Endangered Properties, the Mays birthplace has been threatened with collapse because of numerous years of neglect. Until recently, the structure was used for the storage of hay in a cow pasture. Individuals and various organizations have been working to preserve the Mays Birthplace for over thirty years. In 2002 Palmetto Conservation Foundation negotiated a contract to purchase and move the Mays Birthplace from its current location—ensuring its long term preservation and protection.
According to the terms of the contract, Palmetto Conservation Foundation was required to relocate the structure to another site, a minimum of 5 miles from its current location. Working with local, state, and regional leaders Palmetto Conservation Foundation chose the Old Brewer School as the site for the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site. Currently owned by GLEAMS Human Resources Commission, the site was the location of Greenwood’s African American hospital and school before desegregation.
	The required relocation of the Mays House allows for the creation of the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site. Although the Mays childhood home will be the focal point of the site, an original one room, African America schoolhouse will be relocated to the site and an interpretive center will be constructed to serve as a gathering point and education center.
The completed Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site will be the destination for individuals and groups interested in learning about the life of Dr. Mays and African American experience in South Carolina . School Children, tour groups and individuals can tour the birthplace of one of the nation’s most influential Civil Rights leaders, experience how African-American share croppers lived and understand the monumental rise of Dr. Mays from a share cropper’s son to the President of Morehouse College.
Mays House
Project Updates

Moving the house to it's new location.

Setting things up for display.

The Addition of the Old School House

The Mays House Welcome Center.





About Palmetto Conservation Foundation Palmetto Conservation Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve South Carolina's natural and cultural resources, preserve historic buildings and landmarks, and promote outdoor recreation and active living.
Mays Main Page About Benjamin Mays Project Information Links of Interest Contact information