Historic Savannah Foundation Celebrates 70 Years of Preservation

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Community members celebrate the achievements in historic preservation at the anniversary event.

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.