Historic Savannah Foundation’s lecture series, “People, Places and Stories that Define Savannah,” will feature lectures covering a wide range of speakers and topics. Each lecturer will give a presentation on a subject that falls within the realm of their expertise followed by a question-and-answer session.
Dr. David W. Gobel, Dr. Robin B. Williams
More than a Historic District: The Enduring Relevance of the Savannah Plan
August 27 | 6:00 PM
HSF is delighted to welcome Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Architectural History Chair Emeritus Dr. Robin B. Williams and Architectural History Professor Emeritus Dr. David W. Gobel to deliver their lecture “More than a Historic District: The Enduring Relevance of the Savannah Plan” on Thursday, August 27th at the Murray C. Perlman and Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, located in the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy at 323 E. Broughton St. in Savannah, Ga. Attendees are invited to attend a wine reception at 5:30 p.m. The lecture will start at 6 p.m.
In honor of the release of their new book Learning from Savannah: From Ideal City to Elastic Urbanism, Williams and Gobel will discuss the history of Savannah’s iconic urban plan as part of the ongoing HSF Lecture Series, which is dedicated to celebrating “The People, Places and Stories That Define Savannah.” This lecture will also showcase previously unpublished images, historic maps and original analytical diagrams of Savannah’s built environment.
Dr. Williams and Dr. Gobel will discuss the history of Savannah’s urban plan, which was originally developed by city founder James Edward Oglethorpe in 1733, and will explore how it has evolved in planned and serendipitous ways through the years, shaping the city in the process. They will share new findings from two decades of research, uncovering the complex qualities of the landmark urban plan that has enthralled visitors since the 19th-century and inspired architects and planners around the world.
Williams joined the faculty at SCAD as a professor of art history in 1993 and has served as the chair of architectural history since 1995. Gobel has taught architectural history at SCAD since 1996. Together, Williams and Gobel have educated generations of students and prepared them for successful careers in architecture and historic preservation.
Williams and Gobel co-authored the award-winning Buildings of Savannah guidebook, which was published in 2016 as part of the Buildings of the United States series for the Society of Architectural Historians. Their latest book, Learning from Savannah: From Ideal City to Elastic Urbanism, will be released by the University of Georgia Press on August 1.
Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. Attendance is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members. Both members and non-members may reserve their spot by clicking the button above.
DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING LECTURES & TOURS!
Mark your calendar and we hope to see you there!
Attendees are invited to a wine reception preceding the lecture to meet & mingle with HSF members and staff. The discussion will follow.
We take a ‘lecture break’ in July and December.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Jonathan Stalcup
Architectural History Tours of Savannah
Mid-Century Modern Savannah
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
SPECIAL TOUR:
Jonathan Stalcup
Midcentury Architectural Walking Tour
OCTOBER 15, 2026
Elizabeth Dubose
Ossabaw Island Foundation
Rehabilitating the Torrey Home & Preservation of Ossbaw’s Built Environment
NOVEMBER 19, 2026
Dr. Chad Newsom
Savannah College of Art and Design