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.

Sabrinna Cox

Clermont Lee and the Fight for Savannah’s Squares

March 19 | 6:00 PM

Discover the remarkable story of Clermont Lee, a mid-twentieth century landscape architect whose impact on Savannah extends far beyond her famous suggestion to round the corners of our squares. While she’s often remembered for this practical innovation—which helped prevent traffic from cutting through the centers of the squares—Lee’s true legacy lies in her unwavering dedication to historic preservation and persistent advocacy that ultimately helped saved Savannah’s iconic squares from destruction. This lecture explores Lee’s pivotal contributions to our city’s heritage, with an in-depth look at the challenges she faced and overcame in the transformation of Troup Square.

This lecture will take place on Thursday, March 19 at the Murray C. Perlman and Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, located at 323 E. Broughton Street. Doors open at 5:30 pm for a wine reception and the lecture begins at 6:00 pm. Admission is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members. Space is limited; both members and non-members may reserve their spot by clicking the button above. For more information about the lecture series, contact Kendall Graham at [email protected].

SABRINNA COX

Sabrinna Cox is a multidisciplinary designer and storyteller whose 24-year career bridges the worlds of theater, decorative arts, and historic preservation. Her work is unified by a passion for bringing spaces and narratives to life, whether on stage or within the context of cultural heritage.

As a scenic designer, Sabrinna has created immersive environments for theater productions, most recently designing a set for the Argyle Theatre in Babylon, New York. Her background as a decorative artist specializing in faux painting has informed her approach to both theatrical and preservation work. Most recently she faux painted doors at City Hall, demonstrating her skill in replicating traditional finishes for historic interiors.

Currently a professor of preservation design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Sabrinna combines teaching with an active professional practice, designing exhibits and digital experiences for organizations including the Bluffton Gullah Cultural Center, and A Call to Action. Before starting at SCAD, Sabrinna served as preservation designer for the Historic Macon Foundation where she designed and managed rehabilitation projects in the Beall’s Hill neighborhood.

DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING LECTURES & TOURS!

Mark your calendar and we hope to see you there!

Attendees are invited to a wine reception at 5:30 p.m. to meet & mingle with HSF members and staff. The discussion will start at 6 p.m.

We take a ‘lecture break’ in July and December.