The Barnwell Tabby
On Hilton Head Island, a 300-year-old mystery stood waiting to tell its story. The Barnwell Tabby, once thought to be from the 1800s, is actually much older — dating back to around 1730-1750, making it the island's oldest standing structure.
Thomas Barnwell Jr., whose family has preserved this tabby ruin for over 80 years, partnered with Brightstocking to bring this important piece of history to light.
Working alongside historians, we helped develop the website, marketing strategy, and historical timelines. By connecting the tabby to documented island events, we helped fill critical gaps in Hilton Head Island’s complex history.
Located near Mitchelville, the first self-governing town of formerly enslaved people, the site offers a unique window into pre-Revolutionary War life.
When cultural stewardship meets digital strategy, growth happens
Brightstocking's approach centered on creating community-focused educational resources that engage diverse audiences while respecting the ongoing archaeological discoveries that continue to reveal new chapters in this remarkable story.
Brand identity development
Drawing inspiration from the original structure's distinctive window design, we crafted a refined brand identity that thoughtfully reflects The Tabby's historical legacy, architectural character, and unique location.
Website design
We completed and refined the website with a clean layout that balances educational content with compelling imagery, creating a memorable experience that brings history to life. Central to this educational mission, we developed the only comprehensive timeline of Hilton Head Island spanning back to 1690, providing visitors with an unprecedented chronological journey through the region's rich historical narrative from its earliest documented periods to the present day.
AIO
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Optimization (AIO), the website became the top search result within the first 48 hours of site launch.