Historic Savannah Foundation

10/20/2026

HSF is delighted to welcome Dr. Chad Newsom, film historian and professor at SCAD - The University for Creative Careers, as the November speaker for our lecture series. Dr. Newsome will be presenting "Making Film History on West Broad Street" on Thursday, November 19th.

From the 1910s to the 1960s, Savannah’s West Broad Street was home to a lively movie theater district that served the city’s African American community during the Jim Crow era. The West Broad theaters, however, mattered far beyond their local importance, for along this boulevard we find one of the nation’s first theater palaces, venues that supported the work of the earliest African American filmmakers, and legendary performers who brought a touch of Hollywood to Savannah and vice versa. This talk will feature stories of theaters, entrepreneurs, films, and stars, and examine how these local Savannah tales enrich and enlarge our understanding of cinema. West Broad’s theater district wasn’t merely a place where film history happened; it’s where film history was made.

Doors open at 5:30 pm for a w**e reception and the lecture starts at 6:00 pm. The event is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members; space is limited; guests may reserve their spot by visiting www.myhsf.org/events/lecture-series/.

10/15/2026

60 years ago, today, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was signed into federal law. Savannah’s history helps us understand the importance of this legislation.

These photographs document some of the historic buildings lost during the construction of I-16 in Savannah, which displaced residents and devastated a thriving Black neighborhood before these federal preservation protections existed.

One of the most important provisions of the NHPA is the Section 106 Review which requires federal agencies to evaluate the impact of their projects on properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). As a part of the review process, they are also required to consult with the public, Tribal Nations, and state and local governments.

Today, Section 106 is facing unprecedented regulatory, legislative, and executive threats that began on July 24th when the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted to approve a comprehensive rewrite of Section 106.

A second wave of attacks on preservation came more recently when Congress introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, which proposes changes to federal environmental review and permitting processes, including provisions that will affect historic preservation review. This bill would codify the proposed changes made by the ACHP. It will remove state, local, and tribal voices from the review of federal projects, narrow what constitutes negative impacts on historic places, and allow agencies to internalize reviews.

The Senate bill is slated for a vote on November 9th. Please call your senators and tell them to oppose any legislation that weakens Section 106 and puts our historic places and communities at risk.

Visit https://www.106strong.com/the-statutory-fight for more information.

Cultural Heritage Partners

Photo 1: Dunbar Theater formerly located at 467 W Broad Street | Credit: Cinema Treasures

Photo 2: Union Station formerly located at 419-435 West Broad Street | Credit: Detroit Publishing Company (Georgia) held by Library of Congress

Photo 3: Served as the Globe Theater and then Bynes-Royall Funeral Home formerly located at 501 West Broad Street | Credit: Bynes-Royall Funeral Home Website

10/14/2026

Thank you WTOC-TV Morning Break for having us on yesterday to discuss the upcoming HSF lecture with Elizabeth Dubose, Executive Director of The Ossawbaw Island Foundation on Thursday, October 15. Watch to learn more about Ossabaw's rich history and the recent restoration of the 100 year old Torrey-West House. There are just a few spots left for the lecture, reserve here at https://www.myhsf.org/events/lecture-series/.

Ossabaw Island Lovers

Historic homes serves educational, cultural, and scientific programs on Ossabaw Island.

10/03/2026

Looking for a last-minute activity to get in the spirit of the fall season? We have limited last spots in Davenport House Museum - a property of Historic Savannah Foundation Artisan spotlight available!

A manifestation jar workshop is happening at the Davenport House Museum on Saturday.

09/30/2026

THANK YOU, THANK YOU for being part of Savannah After Sunset — HSF’s annual Gala and largest fundraiser of the year! 🌙
Seeing so many wonderful faces representing our preservation community — community partners, members, donors, neighbors and friends — made the evening incredibly special.
You made Savannah After Sunset magical, and we are so grateful you were there to celebrate with us.
If you haven’t already, take a look back at the evening through the Gala photos:
https://savannahmastercalendar.com/historic-savannah-foundation-annual-gala
And please join us in supporting and thanking our Preservation Partners, whose sponsorships and investment in historic preservation helped make this night possible.
We’re grateful for every person who showed up, supported the event and continues to care about Savannah and its future.
Thank you for being part of it.

09/26/2026

A little preview of Savannah After Sunset ✨

Tonight, Hotel Bardo comes alive as we gather for an evening of cocktails, incredible food, live music, and—most importantly—celebrating the people and places that make Savannah worth preserving.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone tonight. 🌙

09/25/2026

HSF is delighted to welcome Elizabeth Dubose, Executive Director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation as the October speaker for HSF’s Lecture Series, “The People, Stories, and Places that Define Savannah” on Thursday, October 15th . Ms. DuBose will be presenting “The Torrey-West Home Turns 100: Rehabilitating a “Southern Palace” on Ossabaw Island, GA.” The lecture will take place at the Murray C. Perlman and Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center located at 323 E. Broughton Street. Doors open at 5:30 pm for a w**e reception and the lecture starts at 6:00 pm. The event is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members; space is limited; guests may reserve their spot at www.myhsf.org/events/lecture-series/.

The Torrey- West Home Turns 100: Rehabilitating a “Southern Palace” on Ossabaw Island, GA
Built between 1924 and 1926, the Torrey-West House stands as one of Georgia’s most remarkable private coastal estates. As the home celebrates its centennial, this presentation explores the ambitious rehabilitation of the 20,000-square-foot residence, highlighting the unique challenges of preserving a historic home on a remote barrier island accessible only by boat. Learn how a partnership between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and The Ossabaw Island Foundation is ensuring this architectural treasure will continue to serve educational, cultural, and scientific programs for generations to come.

09/23/2026

This Saturday, Savannah After Sunset brings together people from across our community to celebrate the city we share. 🌙

Longtime supporters, new friends, neighbors and community partners will gather at Hotel Bardo for an evening of connection, conversation and celebration.

We’re looking forward to being together and celebrating the places, stories and people that make Savannah special.

September 26 | 6 PM | Hotel Bardo

09/21/2026

09/21/2026

As the sun sets over Savannah this Saturday, the guardians of our city’s people, places and stories will come together to raise a glass to the most beautiful city in the world. 🥂

It’s a celebration of Savannah — and of the people who believe its history, character and stories are worth protecting.

Together, we’re helping ensure the Savannah we love lives on for generations to come.

Here’s to Savannah. Here’s to preservation. And here’s to keeping its stories alive. ❤️