News Release Date: March 1, 2016
Contact: Joel Cadoff
2016 marks the 50th anniversaries of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Savannah’s designation as a National Historic Landmark, and the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Enacted after the destruction of numerous buildings and sites in the years following World War II, the NHPA encourages Americans to identify and preserve our nation’s cultural and historic resources. National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Join the Historic Savannah Foundation, the City of Savannah, the National Park Service, and their partners in celebrating these historic anniversaries with a series of exciting events.
Anniversary Event Schedule
March 5: Davenport House Museum’s Low Country Boil
3:00 to 6:00 p.m. | Delta Plantation, Hardeeville, SC| Historic Savannah Foundation
Join us for this lovely spring event and help us continue to preserve the Davenport House Museum! The low country boil, oyster sampler, and chicken buffet features Country Jazz by the Johnny Octane Band, Silent Auction and a Tour.
March 31 – April 3: 81st Annual Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens
Savannah, GA | Historic Savannah Foundation
Presented by the Women of Christ Church Anglican and Historic Savannah Foundation, the Tour of Homes & Gardens offers a rare opportunity to enter some of Savannah’s finest private homes. In addition to walking tours, you can also enjoy some exclusive special events and the best hospitality the South has to offer.
April 16: Junior Ranger Day
9:00 to 5:00 p.m. | Fort Pulaski National Monument | National Park Service
National Park Week kicks off with Junior Ranger Day. With the assistance of Savannah Technical College, Fort Pulaski will offer free, fun, hands-on activities for Junior Rangers and their families all day long inside the fort. As the National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary, let the kids lead the way and learn about preservation efforts at this nineteenth century marvel.
May 5 – 7: Savannah Preservation Festival
Savannah, GA | Historic Savannah Foundation
This educational festival demonstrates what makes Savannah unique. Event programming will include the annual Preservation Awards ceremony; an opening lecture and reception; a house and wine tour; and will conclude with a neighborhood-wide “Block Party.”
May 30 – June 3: Hands on History Camp
Savannah, GA | Historic Savannah Foundation
Hands on History Summer Camp is an interactive day-camp which is geared towards giving students an overview of the field of historic preservation and rehabilitation through lectures and tours while providing hands-on experience through various practical workshops.
July 7: Elementary School Art Exhibit Opening
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Savannah City Hall | City of Savannah
An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held for the winning artists of the City’s elementary school art contest, during which students were asked to submit original artwork that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District. The exhibit will be on display through December 2016 in Savannah’s historic City Hall.
August 25: Founder’s Day – The National Park Service Turns 100
9:00 to 7:00 p.m. | Fort Pulaski National Monument | National Park Service
Fort Pulaski will celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service with a special day of events. Fort Pulaski will offer special programs, artillery firings, and music, highlighted by an evening performance by the Third Infantry Division Band. Join the celebration and party like it’s 1916.
September 19 – 23: WW Law Historic Preservation Week
Savannah, GA | City of Savannah
Celebrate the contributions of Westley Wallace “W. W.” Law to the preservation of Savannah’s history, culture and historic sites.
September 24: National Public Lands Day
Fort Pulaski National Monument | National Park Service
National Public Lands Day is an annual event that aims to educate Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues while providing an opportunity to give back to the community. Fort Pulaski National Monument will provide a number of volunteer opportunities aimed to improve public use areas within the park. In addition to free admission, every participating volunteer on National Public Lands Day will receive a coupon for a fee free return visit. Savannah Technical College will participate and look at preservation issues existing in the park.
October 7-9: Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Fall Ramble
Savannah, GA | Historic Savannah Foundation
“River to River: Georgia’s First City.” Join us for the Fall 2016 Ramble in Savannah, featuring exclusive tours and social events in historic properties not usually open to the public. A wide variety of sites will be on display from the Savannah River to Moon River.
October 15: HSF Annual Gala
Savannah, GA | Historic Savannah Foundation
The Annual HSF Gala promises to be one of Savannah’s most exciting and elegant fundraising events of the year. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring dinner and live music with many of Savannah’s most prominent community influencers, business leaders and dignitaries.
Ongoing throughout 2016: “My Historic District” Series
Savannah, GA | City of Savannah
Monthly spotlight of Savannah’s neighborhood historic districts featured on the City of Savannah’s SGTV Channel 8. Each month we will visit a different district and speak with residents about what makes their district special, along with their favorite memories of the past and images from the City’sMunicipal Archives. Past episodes can be viewed online at
www.savannahga.gov.
For More Information: (Please Contact)
Historic Savannah Foundation
321 East York Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912.233.7787
Fort Pulaski National Monument
P.O. Box 30757
Savannah, GA 31410
912.786.5787
City of Savannah, Research Library & Municipal Archives
City Hall, Room 103,
Bay St. at Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401
912.651.6411
Metropolitan Planning Commission
110 E State Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912.651.1440
Savannah Technical College
5717 White Bluff Road
Savannah, GA 31405
912.443.5700
