PRES FEST 2013: THAT’S A WRAP!

We did it again! Our very successful second annual Preservation Festival wrapped-up at the Davenport House on May 23rd with the Pearl of Preservation Party. Guests enjoyed live music, dancing, specialty drinks and a silent auction under the stars and tree canopy of the historic setting.

Launching the festival on May 2nd at Ships of the Seas Maritime Museum’s new North Gardens, we hosted more than 300 guests including members of US/ICOMOS. As a proud sponsor of the US/ICOMOS Symposium in partnership with SCAD, we happily demonstrated Savannah hospitality to this international constituency. All guests enjoyed food prepared and presented by local restaurants and caterers while tapping their feet to music and vocals performed by local band, The Accomplices. Students from Woodville-Tompkins Hospitality Program ushered in arriving guests through the Scarborough Garden and into the new North Gardens. Emcee Dr. A. Jamal Touré wowed the crowd with history and fun facts about HSF and the evening’s dynamic events. The fundraising headliner was the CAS Fine Art Auction representing title artist, Chip Goldsmith, whose work was surrounded by some of the region’s finest and most noted artists (click here to see the gallery). Works by participating SCCPSS students, who competed in our annual Pennies for Preservation Poster contest, were on display for guests to cast their votes. This year’s winning poster will be announced this fall and the image will be used to promote the 2014 Preservation Festival nationwide. Watch for details! Many of you remember student Pe’lae Massey from seeing her on Mid-Morning Live accepting recognition for her winning image used throughout Pres Fest 2013.

On Thursday, May 9th, HSF hosted the annual Preservation Awards Luncheon at the Chatham Club. Overlooking the vista of our beautiful city, folks could really appreciate the importance of the good stewardship which helps to protect our architectural history, streetscapes and green space. Ten preservation projects were awarded the distinguished HSF Preservation Awards. (click here to see the award winners) Also recognized, was the Downtown Neighborhood Association which was presented the Lee & Emma Adler Award for their diligent work in advocating and practicing good oversight and stewardship of the Landmark District.

There is no doubt that, without our loyal volunteers, it would be impossible for HSF to accomplish our rigorous calendar of events ad programing. Each year during the awards ceremony we recognize a volunteer who demonstrates outstanding allegiance to HSF with the presentation of the Nichola Parker Coe Award. This year’s recipient should be no surprise; Katherine Albert, who could be seen behind the scenes of the most of HSF’s programs and events, is our hands-down standout volunteer.

Quickly becoming the must-have ticket on the schedule of annual tours, the Preservation Wine Tour was a huge success. This year’s lineup of five impressive sites left the guests raving as they sampled chosen wines by Claude Auerbach of FORM, paired with delicious cuisine tastings prepared by local chefs.

On Tuesday, May 21st, Andrée Iffrig — award-winning architect, community builder and professional writer — spoke about preserving a sense of place through ongoing community activism and urban narratives. Hosted at Congregation Mickve Israel, a past preservation award winning site, Andrée and guests had the opportunity to appreciate the architecture and history of the nation’s third oldest synagogue. Following the informative lecture, attendees were treated to a wine reception in the social hall.

During our Pres Fest marketing, events and programing, we have touched literally thousands through partnerships, television appearances, e-marketing, print and personal conversations. Telling the HSF preservation story and sharing our mission to a broader audience is essential. Our bottom line is this: a successful Pres Fest enables HSF to continue our efforts to protect and preserve Savannah’s heritage.
 

We would like to expressly thank our Sponsors, Patrons, Donors, Advertisers, and Volunteers for their commitment and loyal support of HSF:
 

About this year’s artwork

Historic Savannah Foundation, selected Gadsden Elementary School student Pe’lae Massey’s (pictured left) design as the official 2013 Savannah Preservation Festival poster. Massey’s colorful mixed-media collage, which includes a two-story Victorian home created with patterned paper, is the featured image for the 2013 Savannah Preservation Festival. Last May, Massey was honored as the elementary school winner of the Pennies for Preservation Poster Contest. Her poster design ties in with HSF’s 2013 Savannah Preservation Festival theme, “Preserving a Sense of Place.”