Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum | Savannah

Overview and Historical Context

The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a distinguished cultural institution located in Savannah, Georgia, dedicated to preserving and presenting the city’s rich maritime heritage. It is housed in the historic William Scarbrough House, situated at 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.

The William Scarbrough House itself is an important historical landmark, constructed in 1819 and recognized as one of the earliest and finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the southern United States. William Scarbrough, for whom the house is named, was a prominent Savannah merchant and shipping magnate. He played a key role as a principal owner of the SS Savannah, the first steamship to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1819, marking a major milestone in maritime history and innovation.

Founded in 1966, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum aims to showcase Savannah’s vital role in maritime trade, shipbuilding, and naval history from the late 18th century through the early 20th century. It is a hub for maritime education and heritage preservation, attracting scholars, tourists, and local residents alike.

Architectural Significance

The William Scarbrough House is an architectural masterpiece designed by architect William Jay, who is credited with introducing refined classical elements into Savannah’s residential architecture. The house embodies key features of the Greek Revival style, which was popular in America during the early 19th century and symbolized democratic ideals through its evocation of classical Greek forms.

Facade and Structure:
The house is a two-story stuccoed brick building with symmetrical proportions, a heavy cornice, and distinctive pilasters. Its façade is marked by elegant windows with intricate moldings and a prominent entryway framed by fluted columns.

Interior Details:
Inside, the house contains spacious rooms with high ceilings, decorative plasterwork, and original woodwork that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of the period. The interior design emphasizes light, balance, and harmony, consistent with Greek Revival aesthetics.

Preservation:
The museum has carefully maintained and restored the building to preserve its architectural integrity, offering visitors an authentic experience of early 19th-century Southern grandeur.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum's permanent collection includes over 300 artifacts spanning maritime history, with a strong emphasis on model ships, maritime art, and historical documents. These items tell the story of Savannah’s seafaring legacy, Atlantic trade, naval warfare, and the social history connected to the port city.

Ship Models:
The museum boasts one of the most extensive and meticulously crafted collections of ship models in the Southeastern United States. Models range from early sailing vessels to steamships and famous ocean liners, each showcasing the evolution of naval architecture and maritime technology. Notable models include:

SS Savannah: A detailed scale model representing the first steamship to cross the Atlantic, commemorating Savannah’s pioneering role in steam navigation.

RMS Titanic: An intricate replica of the legendary Titanic, offering insight into early 20th-century ship design and luxury ocean travel.

Historical Exhibits:
Several galleries focus on significant maritime events and themes:

The Wanderer Exhibit: This exhibit explores the history of the Wanderer, the last known slave ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States in 1858, highlighting a complex and painful chapter in American and maritime history.

Civil War Naval History: Artifacts, maps, and narratives shed light on Savannah’s naval engagements and blockade-running activities during the American Civil War.

Atlantic Trade and Commerce: Displays explore Savannah’s role as a bustling port in the transatlantic trade network, including commodities, shipbuilding, and maritime commerce.

Maritime Art and Memorabilia:
The museum also houses paintings, prints, navigational instruments, ship’s gear, and personal items belonging to sailors and merchants, enriching the storytelling with visual and material culture.

Educational Outreach and Online Exhibits:
The museum provides online resources and virtual exhibits, broadening access to its collections and educating a wider audience about maritime history and heritage.

Gardens and Grounds

Surrounding the William Scarbrough House are approximately two acres of meticulously maintained historic gardens, considered the largest privately owned gardens within Savannah’s Historic District.

Design:
The gardens are designed in the style of a 19th-century parlor garden, featuring formal pathways, geometric flower beds, and ornamental plantings that complement the architectural elegance of the house.

Features:
Highlights include a reflecting pool, a pergola covered in seasonal blooms, and benches nestled among fragrant flowers and mature trees. The landscaping provides a tranquil setting for contemplation and enhances the visitor experience by connecting nature with history.

Horticultural Significance:
The gardens maintain historically appropriate plants and are carefully managed to reflect the botanical tastes and gardening practices of the era in which the house was built.

Visitor Experience and Educational Programs

Visitors to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum can enjoy a well-curated and immersive experience, gaining a deep understanding of Savannah’s maritime past.

Guided Tours:
Knowledgeable docents lead guided tours of the museum, sharing insights into the architecture, collections, and historical significance of the site. Tours typically include access to both the house and the surrounding gardens.

Exhibitions:
Rotating special exhibitions supplement the permanent collection, often focusing on contemporary maritime themes, local seafaring stories, or partnerships with other cultural institutions.

Events and Programs:
The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including family-friendly activities like Set Sail for Adventure, which celebrates National Maritime Day with interactive exhibits, crafts, and educational programming. Other events include lectures, art installations, and fundraisers such as Supper at Sea, which blends coastal cuisine with maritime heritage.

Accessibility and Facilities:
The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, with accommodations to ensure accessibility for all visitors. It offers amenities such as gift shops featuring maritime-themed merchandise and educational materials.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum serves as a vital cultural institution in Savannah, preserving and interpreting the city’s identity as a port with a storied maritime tradition.

Savannah’s Maritime Heritage:
As a major Atlantic port, Savannah played a central role in the economic, social, and naval history of the United States. The museum illuminates these connections and highlights the city’s contributions to shipping innovations and global trade.

Educational Role:
By fostering awareness of maritime history, the museum encourages preservation of coastal heritage and inspires future generations to appreciate the ocean’s influence on culture and commerce.

Commemoration of Complex Histories:
The museum’s honest treatment of topics such as the transatlantic slave trade and the Civil War provides important context for understanding the region’s history and its ongoing impact.

Summary

The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a remarkable institution combining historical architecture, rich collections, and educational programming to tell the story of Savannah’s maritime legacy. Through its impressive ship models, artifacts, and immersive exhibits housed in the elegant William Scarbrough House and its surrounding gardens, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of sea travel, commerce, and naval history.

Visitors gain not only a sense of the technological advances that shaped the modern world but also an appreciation for the human stories-of sailors, merchants, and communities-that define Savannah’s enduring relationship with the sea. This museum stands as both a guardian of heritage and a vibrant cultural resource within Georgia’s historic coastal landscape.

This detailed description covers all aspects of the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, providing a thorough understanding suitable for educational, cultural, or tourism-related purposes.