Savannah Museums
There are so many different museums in Savannah from art to civil rights there are so many different topics to study and enjoy while in Savannah. Here are some of the most popular museums in Savannah:
• Ralph Gilbert Mark Civil Rights – There are three floors of displays that fill this museum that is devoted to Savannah’s African American heritage and civil rights movement. The museum offers a look into the past through photographs and various exhibits; it is named in remembrance of a famous Savannah civil rights leader and pastor, for 16 years, of Savannah’s First African Baptist Church.
• The Telfair Museum of Art – This is the oldest art museum in the South. This mansion of classical Regency designed by William Jay in 1819. It was built for Alexander Telfair, and was home to the Telfair family until 1875. Now it functions as the national and regional source for art, culture and history. The museum’s permanent compilation of paintings, beautiful furniture, Savannah made silver, and all the original mantelpieces, moldings etc. of the house make this museum a wonderful and educational experience.
• Roundhouse Railroad Museum – This railroad roundhouse complex is the oldest and most complete antebellum railroad manufacturing and repair facilities that still exist today. The thirteen original structures that were created in 1845 survive to this day. Some of these structures which you can visit in the museum include the roundhouse, the turntable, work buildings, the 125ft smokestack and the sheds.
• Ships of the Sea Museum – This museum site is in the William Scarborough mansion. William Jay is the architecture of this stunning home for William Scarborough, the president of the Savannah Steamship Company. Museum features an awesome collection of ship models, paintings, as well as maritime antiques. You can even take classes on the art of scrimshaw. They also have a great gift shop related to the maritime theme.
• Historic Isaiah Davenport House Museum – This house is the classic Federal style architecture. The home is made of English brick and brownstone and has a gorgeous iron railing double entry stairway. The beautiful woodwork, plasterwork and hanging staircase have all been authentically restored to its amazing origins. It was restored in 1962 and is now a museum and has guided tours every day. It also has a charming English garden in the courtyard that has an 18th century design as part of the ambience of this historical museum.
There are so many more museums in Savannah Georgia; these are just a few highlights of some of the popular museums to visit while in Savannah. For more information on the museums go to: www.visit-historic-savannah.com/savannah-museums.html
