Massie Heritage Center, Savannah
The Massie Heritage Center is Savannah's oldest and most enduring educational institution. Well before Savannah secured Georgia's inaugural charter for public education, the Heritage Center served as a cost-free school for underprivileged children. It was constructed at the intersection of Calhoun Square, and all the structures surrounding the square have been designated as historic landmarks. The school's funding came courtesy of Peter Massie, a Scottish resident of Savannah at one point. He left a generous bequest to the city of Savannah, earmarked for the education of impoverished youngsters. This financial support was instrumental in establishing the Massie School House.
During the occupation of the city by Union troops, the School House underwent a temporary transformation into a Union Hospital. Subsequently, it resumed its original purpose as an educational institution and continued to impart knowledge to students until 1974, when it closed its doors after nearly a century and a quarter of uninterrupted service.
The Greek Revival architecture of this building, masterminded by the architect John S. Norris, now hosts a variety of exhibits. These exhibitions encompass everything from a miniature representation of Savannah's Historic District to a replica of a schoolhouse dating back a century. Additionally, visitors can explore displays showcasing Native American art, historical artifacts, and photographs, as well as artifacts from Savannah's Victorian era. A special exhibit pays tribute to the influence of classical architecture on the diverse architectural history of Savannah.
Why You Should Visit:
To truly be introduced to the rich history of Savannah. It may be the best value for the money for any attraction you see in the city.
Also, a wonderful place to take kids so they can see back in time at what school was like when the first public school was opened in Savannah.
Tip:
The tour takes about 90 mins, but if you really want to take it all in, give yourself 2 or more hours.
During the occupation of the city by Union troops, the School House underwent a temporary transformation into a Union Hospital. Subsequently, it resumed its original purpose as an educational institution and continued to impart knowledge to students until 1974, when it closed its doors after nearly a century and a quarter of uninterrupted service.
The Greek Revival architecture of this building, masterminded by the architect John S. Norris, now hosts a variety of exhibits. These exhibitions encompass everything from a miniature representation of Savannah's Historic District to a replica of a schoolhouse dating back a century. Additionally, visitors can explore displays showcasing Native American art, historical artifacts, and photographs, as well as artifacts from Savannah's Victorian era. A special exhibit pays tribute to the influence of classical architecture on the diverse architectural history of Savannah.
Why You Should Visit:
To truly be introduced to the rich history of Savannah. It may be the best value for the money for any attraction you see in the city.
Also, a wonderful place to take kids so they can see back in time at what school was like when the first public school was opened in Savannah.
Tip:
The tour takes about 90 mins, but if you really want to take it all in, give yourself 2 or more hours.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Savannah. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Massie Heritage Center on Map
Sight Name: Massie Heritage Center
Sight Location: Savannah, USA (See walking tours in Savannah)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Savannah, USA (See walking tours in Savannah)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Savannah, Georgia
Create Your Own Walk in Savannah
Creating your own self-guided walk in Savannah is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Savannah Introduction Walking Tour
Savannah may not be the whole of Sweet Georgia, but no Georgia is complete without Savannah, that's for sure.
This coastal city is named after the river upon which it stands, whose name is likely to be the variant pronunciation of “Shawnee”, the Native American tribe which inhabited the area in the 1680s. Alternatively, it could have derived from the Spanish “sabana”, referring to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
This coastal city is named after the river upon which it stands, whose name is likely to be the variant pronunciation of “Shawnee”, the Native American tribe which inhabited the area in the 1680s. Alternatively, it could have derived from the Spanish “sabana”, referring to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Historical Houses Walking Tour
Savannah, Georgia breathes history. You can feel it in the cobblestone alleyways and quaint squares dotting the city. An enchanting walk through the heart of Savannah's Historic District (one of the most carefully preserved in the United States) highlights an array of beautiful homes.
Saved by the forward-thinking residents from being bulldozed in the 1960s, these gorgeous structures (with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Saved by the forward-thinking residents from being bulldozed in the 1960s, these gorgeous structures (with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
African-American Heritage Tour
The history of America has many themes, but the theme of African American history that has touched many the most is the theme of resilience. Indeed, African Americans' enduring strength and resilience in the face of adversity have been the subjects of many songs, books, and movies in recent years. Savannah, Georgia, whose African-American population makes up about 60 percent of total... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Savannah's Historical Churches
The conspicuous churches of various styles and denominations – Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Unitarian, and Methodist – dot the cityscape of Savannah, Georgia, in abundance. With their spires reaching high, as if attempting to touch heaven, these churches stand like sacred sentinels, guarding the city's spiritual heritage and illuminating its architectural grandeur.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
River Street Sightseeing and Shopping
The story of Savannah's River Street begins in 1733 with General James Edward Oglethorpe's landing on the bank of the Savannah River and founding the British colony of Georgia. Today, the cobble-stoned River Street caters to a variety of interests, combining the rustic beauty of the past with the energy of the present.
The half-mile-long promenade is one of the city's major... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
The half-mile-long promenade is one of the city's major... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles