A glimpse into the Urban Enslaved Exhibit at the Davenport House Museum, where visitors can explore the history of urban slavery in Savannah.
The Davenport House Museum in Savannah has received the 2025 Special Project Award from the Georgia Association of Museums for its Urban Enslaved Exhibit. This innovative display, launched on February 7 during the association’s annual meeting, provides a powerful insight into the lives of enslaved people in Savannah, enriching the historical narrative of the community.
In the heart of beautiful Savannah, Georgia, there’s a fantastic buzz around the Davenport House Museum, located at 324 E. State St. This remarkable museum has just received the prestigious 2025 Special Project Award from the Georgia Association of Museums for its striking Urban Enslaved Exhibit. This award was presented on February 7, during the association’s annual meeting held in the historic town of Milledgeville.
The Urban Enslaved Exhibit is more than just an addition to the museum; it’s a thoughtfully designed experience intended to immerse visitors in the realities of life during the period of slavery at the Davenport House. The exhibit sheds light on the difficult conditions faced by the 13 enslaved individuals who called this historic house their home. Built back in 1820 by master carpenter Isaiah Davenport, this house has seen its fair share of history, and now it’s sharing a crucial part of that history.
By incorporating vital perspectives from those who lived and labored at the Davenport House, the Urban Enslaved Exhibit enhances the historical narrative of Savannah. The creative minds behind this innovative display, Doug Mund and Hillary Schmidt from dmdg2 design, transformed the garden level of the house into a captivating space where guests can explore the realities of urban slavery in the antebellum South.
Visitors to the exhibit can anticipate a fully immersive experience. Imagine walking through the original rooms while sounds from the kitchen drift in the background, bringing the past to life. The exhibit honors the stories of enslaved residents, such as Bella, Jack, Ned, and Dave, allowing guests to truly grasp the human aspect of their lives—something that has often been left untold.
The award for the Urban Enslaved Exhibit isn’t the museum’s first accolade this year. Just last year, the Davenport House Museum was honored with the 2023 Multimedia Award from the Georgia Association of Museums for its virtual youth guide, which depicted the lives of enslaved individuals in the 19th-century Southern context. Additionally, the museum has received the Preserve America Presidential Award for its commendable efforts in historic preservation.
Interestingly, the Davenport House’s journey began back in 1955 when a dedicated group of local women saved the building from demolition. It opened to the public as a house museum in 1963 and has been serving as an important educational resource ever since. The Urban Enslaved Exhibit is just the latest in a series of ongoing efforts aimed at preserving and educating about the complex histories of Savannah through interactive experiences.
As the Davenport House Museum continues to evolve, it invites visitors from near and far to come and explore this intimate glimpse into Savannah’s past. Understanding the legacy of the enslaved individuals enriches our appreciation for history and challenges us to reflect on the societal structures that have shaped our world.
For those passionate about history and culture, a trip to the Davenport House Museum is a must. The Urban Enslaved Exhibit is waiting to welcome you; so lace up your shoes and come experience this captivating chapter of Savannah’s rich story!
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