---
title: "SC State Takes Over Freewoods Farm Management in Myrtle Beach"
url: https://www.heremyrtlebeach.com/2026/10/17/sc-state-takes-over-freewoods-farm-management/
date: 2026-10-17T06:49:20-04:00
modified: 2026-10-17T06:49:20-04:00
author: "Candy Reyna"
categories: ["Business"]
site: "HERE Myrtle Beach"
attribution: "HERE Myrtle Beach"
---

# SC State Takes Over Freewoods Farm Management in Myrtle Beach

> MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Freewoods Farm near Myrtle Beach is now under South Carolina State University's 1890 Research and Extension program after an Oct. 16 dedication, keeping the 40-acre living-history site open while founder O'Neal Smalls steps back from daily oversight. University President Alexander Conyers said the partnership fits the school's long ties to the

*Source: [HERE Myrtle Beach](https://www.heremyrtlebeach.com/2026/10/17/sc-state-takes-over-freewoods-farm-management/) — October 17, 2026 by Candy Reyna*

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Freewoods Farm near Myrtle Beach is now under South Carolina State University’s 1890 Research and Extension program after an Oct. 16 dedication, keeping the 40-acre living-history site open while founder O’Neal Smalls steps back from daily oversight.

University President Alexander Conyers said the partnership fits the school’s long ties to the farm. Guests can still walk working rows of fall greens such as collards and mustard and tour historic homes that show how Black farm families lived after emancipation.

Smalls, who still helps run day-to-day work, plans to stay involved and finish a book on the farm’s history. The site is recruiting volunteers so he can eventually retire from ops.

The farm recreates Southern family farms founded after emancipation and has sold produce, hosted tours and school groups for about 25 years. Officials say marketing and staffing will grow while historical farming methods stay in place.