Savannah History Museum | Savannah

Historical Context and Location

The Savannah History Museum is located at 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Savannah, Georgia. The museum is housed within a historically significant building that was originally constructed as the Central of Georgia Railway passenger depot. This structure dates back to the mid-19th century, with sections built between the 1850s and 1870s, serving as a crucial transportation hub for Savannah and the surrounding region.

The railway depot played a vital role in Savannah’s development, facilitating commerce, travel, and industrial growth for over a century. Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976. In 1990, the Coastal Heritage Society took stewardship of the site and transformed it into the Savannah History Museum, preserving both the physical space and the rich stories contained within.

The location also situates the museum within Tricentennial Park, a cultural district that includes other historical and family-friendly attractions, making the museum a key destination for those interested in Savannah’s heritage.

Museum Architecture and Setting

The museum occupies the former Central of Georgia Railway passenger shed, a long, open building with soaring ceilings and brickwork reflective of industrial-era construction. This distinctive setting offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Savannah’s transportation past while providing a versatile space to house extensive historical exhibits.

The juxtaposition of the historic railway architecture with modern museum amenities creates a unique atmosphere, where visitors can appreciate both the story of the city’s infrastructure and the broader historical narrative the museum presents.

Exhibits and Collections

The Savannah History Museum boasts a collection of over 10,000 artifacts that span nearly three centuries of Savannah’s history. These artifacts and exhibits offer an immersive, chronological experience, highlighting significant events, people, and cultural shifts that have shaped the city.

Key themes and exhibits include:

Colonial and Revolutionary Periods:
The museum begins its narrative with Savannah’s founding in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. Exhibits include artifacts from early settlers, Native American cultures, and Savannah’s role as a strategic port during the American Revolution. Displays illustrate the city’s establishment, its colonial economy, and participation in revolutionary efforts against British rule.

Civil War and Reconstruction:
Savannah’s importance during the Civil War is highlighted through military artifacts such as uniforms, weapons, and personal effects belonging to soldiers. The museum explores Sherman’s March to the Sea, the city's capture, and the challenges faced during Reconstruction. This section reflects on the social, political, and economic upheavals of the era.

Industrial and Economic Development:
The museum presents Savannah’s transition into an industrial and commercial hub. Exhibits include a rare 1902 Crestmobile automobile and an antique cotton gin, symbolizing the city’s agricultural and industrial roots. This section also features the rise of shipping, railroads, and manufacturing, highlighting Savannah’s economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Notable Savannah Figures:
The museum celebrates individuals who have contributed significantly to Savannah’s cultural legacy. Among these are Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, with artifacts that tell her story and impact. The collection also honors Johnny Mercer, a legendary songwriter born in Savannah, showcasing memorabilia that connects visitors to the city’s artistic heritage.

Pop Culture and Media:
Adding a modern cultural touch, the museum displays a replica of the iconic bench from the film Forrest Gump, symbolizing Savannah’s role in popular culture. This exhibit bridges historical storytelling with contemporary cultural recognition.

The Great Savannah Exposition Mural:
A large-scale mural depicts scenes from the 1984 Savannah Exposition, a major event that celebrated the city’s tricentennial anniversary. The mural serves as both an artistic centerpiece and a visual summary of Savannah’s rich and diverse history.

Educational and Interpretive Programs

The Savannah History Museum offers a variety of educational programs and interpretive tours designed to engage diverse audiences, from school groups to history enthusiasts and tourists. Programs include:

Guided Tours: Knowledgeable docents provide in-depth tours that contextualize exhibits, explain artifacts, and share lesser-known stories about Savannah’s history.

Workshops and Lectures: The museum hosts special events featuring historians, authors, and community leaders who explore specific historical themes or contemporary issues related to Savannah’s heritage.

School and Youth Programs: Tailored educational activities align with curriculum standards, helping students learn about local history through interactive and experiential learning.

Temporary Exhibits: Rotating exhibits highlight particular aspects of Savannah’s history or broader historical topics, encouraging repeat visits and ongoing community engagement.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The museum is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors with the following amenities and considerations:

Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except for major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $12

Children (ages 2–12): $8

Families receiving SNAP EBT benefits are eligible for free admission upon presenting proof of assistance.

Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and equipped with facilities such as restrooms, ramps, and seating areas to ensure comfort for all visitors.

Parking: Free parking is available on-site for the first hour, with a nominal fee for additional hours, facilitating convenient access.

Gift Shop: Offers books, souvenirs, and locally made crafts related to Savannah’s history and culture.

Self-Guided Tour Materials: Visitors can use maps and brochures to explore exhibits at their own pace.

Relationship to Other Local Attractions

The Savannah History Museum is part of a larger cultural hub within Tricentennial Park. Nearby attractions include:

Georgia State Railroad Museum: Featuring restored locomotives and railcars, this museum complements the Savannah History Museum’s focus on transportation history.

Savannah Children’s Museum: An outdoor, interactive museum designed to engage young visitors in hands-on learning experiences about history, nature, and creativity.

Battlefield Memorial Park: Commemorates the 1779 Battle of Savannah, providing historical context to the Revolutionary War exhibits at the museum.

This proximity creates a rich, multifaceted historical and cultural experience for visitors exploring Savannah’s heritage.

Summary

The Savannah History Museum stands as a vibrant repository of the city’s deep and diverse past. Housed in a National Historic Landmark building, it combines architectural heritage with extensive collections and engaging exhibits. The museum covers major historical periods from the colonial era through the Civil War, Reconstruction, and into the modern age, highlighting Savannah’s role in regional and national history.

With its educational programs, carefully curated exhibits, and strategic location within Savannah’s cultural district, the museum provides a comprehensive, accessible, and enriching experience. It serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a center for community learning, preservation, and celebration of Savannah’s unique historical identity.