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.

Elizabeth DuBose

The Torrey-West Home Turns 100: Rehabilitating a “Southern Palace” on Ossabaw Island, GA

October 15 | 6:00 PM

Doors open at 5:30 pm and the lecture starts at 6:00 pm

HSF is delighted to welcome Elizabeth Dubose, Executive Director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation, as the October speaker for HSF’s Lecture Series, “The People, Stories, and Places that Define Savannah” on Thursday, October 15th . Ms. DuBose will be presenting “The Torrey-West Home Turns 100: Rehabilitating a “Southern Palace” on Ossabaw Island, GA.” The lecture will take place 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 starts at 6:00 pm. The event is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members; space is limited; guests may reserve their spot  by clicking the button above.

The Torrey- West Home Turns 100: Rehabilitating a “Southern Palace” on Ossabaw Island, GA

Built between 1924 and 1926, the Torrey-West House stands as one of Georgia’s most remarkable private coastal estates. As the home celebrates its centennial, this presentation explores the ambitious rehabilitation of the 20,000-square-foot residence, highlighting the unique challenges of preserving a historic home on a remote barrier island accessible only by boat. Learn how a partnership between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and The Ossabaw Island Foundation is ensuring this architectural treasure will continue to serve educational, cultural, and scientific programs for generations to come.

Elizabeth Dubose has led the Ossabaw Island Foundation (TOIF) since 1998. As Executive Director, she has focused on sharing Ossabaw Island’s natural and cultural resources and history. Ossabaw is a state-owned barrier island set aside for natural, scientific, and cultural education, research, and study. DuBose supervised the restoration or stabilization of 12 historic buildings on Ossabaw, including the award-winning restorations of three mid-19th-century tabby buildings. Island visits have risen from 500 in 1999 to 3,000 in 2025 during DuBose’s tenure. TOIF’s Public Use and Education Programs now offer trips focusing on indigenous, African American, and coastal Georgia history, creative arts, and indigo dyeing.

DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING LECTURES & TOURS!

Plan ahead and reserve your spot now!

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.