News Summary
On May 1, 2025, the Historic Savannah Foundation celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Charles H. Morris Center. The event honored individuals and organizations with the 2025 HSF Preservation Awards for their contributions to preserving Savannah’s historical integrity. The foundation also launched its first Endangered Places list to raise awareness about sites at risk of neglect or demolition. Upcoming initiatives, including a lecture series, aim to engage the community in preservation efforts.
Savannah, Ga. – The Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) marked its 70th anniversary on May 1, 2025, with a celebration at the Charles H. Morris Center. During the event, the foundation honored numerous individuals and organizations through the presentation of the 2025 HSF Preservation Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to preservation in Savannah and Chatham County.
The awards highlighted various projects completed within the last three years, covering categories such as restoration, rehabilitation, new construction, stewardship, craftsmanship, and archaeology. An independent panel of judges, which included Savannah’s Preservation Officer and several preservation experts, selected the award recipients based on their impact and effectiveness in preserving historical integrity.
Among the award recipients, Brian Felder received the Volunteer of the Year Award for his leadership in multiple historic preservation projects, which include designing HSF’s Preservation Center and restoring several significant historic buildings. The ceremony featured a video presentation showcasing the projects of winning individuals and organizations, illustrating their commitment to maintaining Savannah’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In addition to the awards, HSF announced the launch of its first Endangered Places list, aimed at raising public awareness about historic sites in danger of neglect or demolition. The inaugural Spring list comprises six sites: LePageville Memorial Cemetery, Nicholson Baptist Church, Roche Walker House, John B. Berry House, Station 6 Firehouse, and Isaiah Davenport Tenement House. This new initiative invites the community to nominate additional sites that are at least 50 years old and hold local architectural, cultural, or historical significance.
The criteria for inclusion on the Endangered Places list focus on serious threats to existence, community support for preservation, and notable historical significance. The HSF aims to engage the public in discussions concerning these sites, sharing information, photographs, and stories on social media throughout May in celebration of National Preservation Month. The foundation intends to foster an ongoing conversation about preservation rather than limit discussions to situations arising only when demolition plans come to light.
In conjunction with these initiatives, HSF revealed plans for a lecture series, which is set to kick off with a talk by noted preservationist Meredith Stone. Speaking about her family’s historical contributions, she will also discuss ongoing restoration efforts for their ancestral property.
The Historic Savannah Foundation was established in 1955 with a fundamental mission to preserve the Davenport House, one of Savannah’s oldest surviving structures. Over the decades, HSF has expanded its purview beyond a single site, advocating for the broad spectrum of historic properties in Savannah and Chatham County. As an advocate for community identity and historical education, the foundation underscores the importance of preservation efforts in safeguarding the cultural legacy that defines Savannah.
As the talented volunteers, community members, and organizations continue advocating for historic preservation, the Historic Savannah Foundation remains committed to its mission. Through recognition, celebration, and engagement, HSF aims to enhance local awareness of the significance of preserving Savannah’s architectural heritage while empowering community involvement in safeguarding its unique history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah Celebrates Historic Buildings with Preservation Awards
Savannah Honors Civic Leaders for Women’s History Month
Savannah’s Starland District: A Thriving Hub of Creativity
Historic Savannah to Honor Founding Women with New Monument
Savannah Celebrates with a Week of Green Activities
New Art Exhibition Series Launches in Savannah
House Bill 303 Passes to Honor the Original 33 in Georgia
Plans to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park
Savannah Hosts Lecture on Neighborhood Revitalization
Savannah Celebrates Women Leaders This Women’s History Month
Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Savannah Now
- Google Search: Historic Savannah Foundation
- WTOC
- Google Scholar: Historic preservation effectiveness
- Grice Connect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
- WTOC Video
- Google News: Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Awards
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
