THERE are two super Sundays in February, and one doesn’t include Tom Brady.
The Georgia History Festival’s annual Super Museum Sunday opens the doors to historic sites all across our state. On Feb. 10, participating sites will offer free admission from noon to 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
This year, Super Museum Sunday comes after a month-long government shutdown and may be followed by another one in a few weeks, so there’s no time like the present to see some of our area’s most beloved cultural and historical centers.
There’s a lot to see in a short amount of time, so we’ve categorized the sites by interest to help you plan your day. The numbers next to each site correspond to a point on a map. Click on the map below to enlarge it.
HISTORIC HOMES
Andrew Low House Museum (11), 329 Abercorn St. and the Girl Scout First Headquarters (26), 330 Drayton St.
The Andrew Low House is the adult home of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. Behind the Andrew Low House sits the Girl Scout’s first headquarters, the home’s original carriage house.
Davenport House Museum (17), 324 E. State St.
The Davenport House is among the oldest brick structures in Savannah and seeks to preserve and interpret the American Federal-style home. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.
Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home (20), 207 E. Charlton St.
Explore the home of Savannah’s most beloved author, Flannery O’Connor. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.
Green-Meldrim House (24), 14 W. Macon St.
General William Tecumseh Sherman stayed at this home on his March to the Sea, and it was here that he sent his telegram to President Lincoln offering him the city of Savannah as a Christmas present. Hours: 2 to 4 p.m.
Harper Fowlkes House (25), 230 Barnard St.
This Greek Revival home was built in 1842 and is the headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati. Hours: 1 to 3 p.m.
King-Tisdell Cottage (27), 514 E. Huntingdon St.
The cottage appears as a coastal black residence in the 1890s would have and celebrates black history and culture. Hours: 3 to 6 p.m.
Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters (41), 124 Abercorn St.
Designed by famed architect William Jay, the Owens-Thomas House was occupied by George Welshman Owens, his family, and nine slaves. Learn about the complicated relationships between wealthy families and the slaves they owned.
Mother Mathilda Beasley Cottage (29), 500 E. Broad St.
Learn more about Mother Mathilda, who was Georgia’ first black nun and taught black children in her home when it was still illegal. She established the first order of black nuns in 1886 and established an orphanage, which later became the St. Francis Home. Most beautifully, she was found dead kneeling in prayer in the cottage’s chapel.
MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SITES
Beach Institute African American Cultural Center (12), 502 E. Harris St.
Founded by W.W. Law, civil rights leader and the president of Savannah’s chapter of the NAACP, the Beach Institute celebrates African-American art and history. Hours: 3 to 6 p.m.
Bloomingdale History Museum and Visitors Center (13), 205 E. Hwy. 80
Learn more about Bloomingdale, a city with a rich railroad history.
Bonaventure Cemetery (14), 330 Bonaventure Rd.
The beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery spans over 100 acres and includes the grave of Johnny Mercer. Tours are at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Georgia Salzburger Society Museum and Jerusalem Lutheran Church (56), 2980 Ebenezer Rd., Rincon
The Ebenezer Orphanage was the first orphanage in Georgia, and the church hosted the first Sunday school in Georgia, held in 1734. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.
Georgia State Railroad Museum (22), 655 Louisville Rd.
This complex is the largest collection of Antebellum railroad structures in the country. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ITPA Telephone Museum (77), 438 W. Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville
ITPA, or the Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association, used to be headquartered in Washington, D.C., but is now here in Liberty County. The museum is located in the former family home of Glenn E. Bryant, owner of Coastal Utilities, which now operates as CenturyLink. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m.
Midway Museum (78), 491 N. Coastal Hwy., Midway
Explore Liberty County’s colonial history and the museum’s collection of 18th and 19th century antiques and furnishings.
Old Liberty County Jail (79), 302 South Main Street, Hinesville
Built in 1892, this jail was condemned eighty years later by Georgia Governor Lester Maddox, who called it a “rotten, filthy rathole.” You can see the drunk tank and the bull pen, two features that aren’t as present in today’s jails. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m.
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force (30), 175 Bourne Ave., Pooler
Learn more about the brave men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to present. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pin Point Heritage Museum (34), 9924 Pin Point Ave.
Explore Gullah Geechee culture on the banks of the Moon River. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Richmond Hill Historical Society, 11460 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill has an extensive history, from General James Oglethorpe building Fort Argyle in 1733 to Henry Ford buying land on Bryan Neck in 1925.
Savannah History Museum (37), 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Learn about our city’s history, from the Revolutionary War to Forrest Gump and everything in between. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thunderbolt Museum (43), 2702 Mechanics Ave.
This museum preserves the history and memories of the Thunderbolt area. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.
Webb Military Museum (46), 411 E. York St.
View military artifacts that span our country’s history and read stories of service.
ARTSY
Jepson Center for the Arts (40), 207 W. York St.
The Jepson currently has a wide range of exhibitions on display. This will also be the last day to view “Monet to Matisse: Masterworks of French Impressionism.”
Ships of the Sea Museum (39), 41 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Participate in the holystoning and caulking of a ship’s deck in the garden, as well as “Life at Sea” activities.
Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (42), 121 Barnard St.
Discover how a mansion became an art museum, and view the exhibition “Savannah Families Abroad: te Consumption of Culture in the 19th Century.”
KID-FRIENDLY
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (26), 10 E. Oglethorpe Ave.
Learn the history of the Girl Scouts’ founder through activities and stories. Be sure to visit Girls Writing the World, a library created by and for girls.
Massie Heritage Center (28), 207 E. Gordon St.
Let your kids explore a classroom from the 1800s and learn more about the people from that time.
Savannah Children’s Museum (36), 655 Louisville Rd.
Kids of all ages will have a blast at the Exploration Station. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium (45), 30 Ocean Science Circle
View 16 exhibit tanks, Georgia’s first saltwater aquarium and plenty of exhibits.
RELIGIOUS
Congregation Mickve Israel (16), 20 E. Gordon St.
The third-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, Congregation Mickve Israel was founded in 1733, just months after Savannah was founded. Tour the sanctuary and visit the museum of Jewish artifacts, including the two oldest Torah scrolls in North America. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.
First African Baptist Church (18), 23 Montgomery St.
Founded in 1773 by Rev. George Leile, this church is older than the United States itself and still retains much of its original architecture. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.
First Bryan Baptist Church (19), 575 W. Bryan St.
This church is a monument to Rev. Leile, the first black Baptist missionary. Hours: 1:30 to 4 p.m.
St. John’s Church (35), 1 W. Macon St.
St. John’s was founded in 1841. Hours: 2 to 4 p.m.
OUTDOORSY
Battlefield Memorial Park (37), 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
This park features a memorial to the hundreds killed in the Revolutionary War Battle of Savannah, fought for control of the city on Oct. 9, 1779. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (15), 2 Canebrake Rd.
The sprawling property has 19 gardens with a wide variety of different plants and flowers. Hours: noon to 5 p.m.
Fort McAllister (7), 3894 Fort McAllister Rd, Richmond Hill
The capture of this fort ended William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864. Explore the historic grounds as well as the Civil War museum. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fort Morris Historic Site (76), 2559 Fort Morris Rd., Midway
Learn more about the fort, which was used during both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and go birding in scenic Sunbury. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fort Pulaski National Monument (21), US Hwy. 80 E
This Civil War-era fortification has two powder magazines and a moat and is constructed from “Savannah Gray” brick. Hours: 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Historic Effingham Society Museum and Living History Site (55), 1002 N. Pine St., Springfield
Located in the Old Effingham Jail, this museum includes artifacts from both the Union and Confederate armies. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center (31), 711 Sandtown Rd.
This wildlife refuge is home to many different animals, including wolves, birds of prey and bison. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Old Fort Jackson (32), 1 Fort Jackson Rd.
Experience a cannon firing, interactive programs, and more at the oldest standing brick fortification in Georgia. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center (38), 681 Fort Argyle Rd.
Learn about archaeology, hike from the museum to the Ogeechee River, and watch birds. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tybee Island Light Station and Museum (44), 30 Meddin Dr.
Georgia’s oldest lighthouse, the Tybee Light Station retains its original three light keeper’s cottages. . Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site (47), 7601 Skidaway Rd.
The walkway to the historic site is famous for its picturesque live oaks and Spanish moss, but the site also includes costumed interpreters, nature trails, and a museum. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
