Savannah: Davenport House Museum Guided Tour

Exploring Savannah’s Davenport House Museum Guided Tour

The Davenport House Museum Guided Tour offers a concise yet engaging journey into Savannah’s history, lasting 1 hour and starting at 323 E. Broughton Street. For a reasonable price, visitors explore the house built in 1820, which is famous for sparking the city-wide preservation movement that saved many historic buildings. Guided by knowledgeable staff, this tour is ideal for those interested in architecture, history, and preservation efforts. It’s particularly suited for visitors who appreciate short, informative walks through historic homes, though it’s worth noting that the house itself is not fully wheelchair accessible.

The tour begins at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy, where check-in and meet-and-greet with the guide happen. This provides a smooth start for visitors, ensuring everyone is ready before stepping into the American Federal-style house. The experience offers a chance to learn about the house’s original owners, Isaiah Davenport and his family, along with stories of both free and enslaved people who lived here. Visitors also get to explore artifacts and exhibitions, including the Urban Enslaved Exhibition, enriching their understanding of early 19th-century life in Savannah.

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Key Points

• 1-hour guided tour focusing on the Davenport House and its history
• Starts at Historic Kennedy Pharmacy on Broughton Street
• Learn about the house’s role in Savannah’s preservation movement beginning in 1955
• Explore artifacts including the Urban Enslaved Exhibition
• Visit the gift shop at Kennedy Pharmacy for souvenirs
• House not fully wheelchair accessible, but Preservation Center and Urban Enslaved Exhibition are accessible

The Historic Significance of Davenport House in Savannah

The Davenport House is central to Savannah’s preservation history, having been saved from demolition in 1955 by seven women dedicated to saving the city’s architecture. This act of courage launched a preservation movement that transformed downtown Savannah. Today, the house functions as a museum that tells the story of early 19th-century life and the founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation.

Built by master builder Isaiah Davenport, the house exemplifies Federal-style architecture, making it a key example of historic homes in Savannah. The guide explains how this house not only served as a family residence but also became a symbol of community effort to preserve the city’s architectural heritage. The museum’s role in the preservation movement remains a central theme throughout the tour.

Starting Point: Historic Kennedy Pharmacy

All visitors begin their experience at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy, which is situated in downtown Savannah. This historic location hosts the check-in process and provides context for the subsequent tour. The pharmacy itself is an interesting site, adding an authentic local flavor to the experience, and offers the opportunity to browse the gift shop, where curated souvenirs related to Savannah’s history are available.

Meeting here ensures a convenient, central start for the guided tour, which is limited to small groups of six, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with the guide. The small-group format enhances the chance to ask questions and engage directly with the story of the house and its residents.

Inside the House: Artifacts and Architectural Features

Once inside the American Federal-style house, the guide takes visitors through key rooms, highlighting original architectural details and furnishings. The house’s interior features authentic artifacts that reveal domestic life in the 1820s. Visitors learn about the Davenport family’s lifestyle, including the lives of enslaved people who worked in the house, as depicted in the Urban Enslaved Exhibition.

While the house itself isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, the Preservation Center and Urban Enslaved Exhibition are accessible, allowing everyone to engage with the core themes of the museum. The artifacts and displays help bring the early 19th-century history and social dynamics to life, making this a meaningful experience for history buffs.

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The Role of the House in Savannah’s Preservation Movement

The Davenport House catalyzed a city-wide movement to save historic buildings, with its rescue in 1955 marking a turning point for Savannah. The museum shares this story, emphasizing how a group of women’s determination helped transform the city’s landscape. The house’s preservation not only saved an architectural gem but also inspired future efforts to protect Savannah’s historic districts.

Visitors gain insight into how preservation initiatives can shape a city’s identity, and the museum remains a testament to community effort. The story underscores the importance of local activism in maintaining historic character amidst urban development.

Artifacts and Exhibitions: Delving into 19th-Century Life

The House’s artifacts include period furnishings, personal belongings, and items related to enslaved people who lived and worked in the house. The Urban Enslaved Exhibition provides a focused look at the lives and contributions of enslaved individuals, offering a nuanced understanding of the social history of Savannah.

Visitors appreciate the informative displays that contextualize the house’s history within broader African American history and the legacy of slavery. This thoughtful exhibit complements the house tour, enriching understanding of the house’s complex past.

Accessibility and Group Size Details

This tour’s small group format, limited to six participants, ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience. Visitors should note that the house isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, which may pose challenges for some. However, the Preservation Center and Urban Enslaved Exhibition are accessible, allowing broader engagement with the museum’s key themes.

The tour’s structure is suited for those who can navigate stairs and uneven floors, but the accessible portions still provide meaningful insights into Savannah’s history.

The Gift Shop and Souvenirs at Kennedy Pharmacy

The gift shop at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy offers a selection of curated souvenirs, including items related to Savannah’s history and the Davenport House. Visitors can browse for mementos that commemorate their visit, making it convenient to pick up a keepsake or educational gift before or after the tour.

This small retail space adds to the overall experience, giving visitors a tangible reminder of their visit and of Savannah’s rich architectural and social history.

The Practicalities: Booking and Cancellation

The tour is bookable with the option to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travel planning. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, which provides a worry-free booking experience. The live English-speaking guide ensures clear storytelling and engaging commentary, and the entire experience lasts about one hour.

Given the small group size and limited availability, booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot. The tour is suitable for travelers seeking a short, focused exploration of Savannah’s preservation history and historic house architecture.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This guided tour appeals to history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those interested in Savannah’s preservation movement. It’s ideal for visitors who appreciate short, in-depth insights into historic homes, especially if they want a personalized experience in a small group setting. Given the accessibility limitations, it’s best suited for those able to navigate stairs comfortably, although the exhibits accessible to all still deliver valuable understanding.

The combination of historic storytelling, original artifacts, and the house’s role in Savannah’s civic efforts makes this tour a meaningful addition to any visit, especially for those keen to see how individual efforts can shape a city’s future.

The Davenport House Museum’s Unique Role in Savannah

The Davenport House isn’t just a well-preserved historic home; it’s a symbol of community activism and urban conservation. Its preservation in 1955 sparked a movement that preserved much of Savannah’s historic core. Today, it remains a living monument to the power of determined individuals and groups to protect cultural heritage for future generations.

Visiting this house offers a bond with the city’s past, illustrating how local citizens made a difference. It’s a key site for understanding Savannah’s architectural identity and the ongoing importance of preservation in maintaining its charm.

Final Thoughts on the Guided Tour

The Savannah Davenport House Museum Guided Tour provides a compact but meaningful experience of one of Savannah’s most important historical sites. Its one-hour duration makes it accessible for those with limited time, while the small group setting enhances the quality of storytelling.

While the house itself isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, the Preservation Center and exhibitions offer accessible learning opportunities. The tour’s focus on preservation history, architecture, and social stories ensures that visitors leave with a nuanced understanding of Savannah’s past.

This tour is particularly well-suited for history lovers, preservation advocates, and those interested in early American architecture. It offers a personalized, engaging, and educational glimpse into the city’s efforts to protect its heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Davenport House Museum Guided Tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most visitors interested in history and architecture. However, since the house isn’t fully wheelchair accessible and involves some walking through historic rooms, families with very young children should consider their comfort and mobility needs.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, providing a focused and manageable visit for those with limited time.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility in planning.

Is the house fully wheelchair accessible?
No, the house itself is not fully wheelchair accessible, but the Preservation Center and Urban Enslaved Exhibition are accessible to visitors with mobility challenges.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy, located at 323 E. Broughton Street in downtown Savannah.

Are souvenirs available?
Yes, the gift shop at Kennedy Pharmacy offers souvenirs related to Savannah’s history and the Davenport House, perfect for keepsakes or educational gifts.

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