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 his or her expertise followed by a question-and-answer session.

Becki Harkness, Sarah Ward

NOMINATING THE HISTORIC KIAH HOUSE TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

MAY 16  | 6:00 PM

HSF is pleased to host Becki Harkness and Sarah Ward as the speakers for the May installation of our Lecture Series, “The People, Stories, and Places that define Savannah.” Harkness and Ward will present on their work nominating the historic Kiah house to the National Register of Historic Places.

Virginia Jackson Kiah was an artist, educator, and Civil Rights activist who made a lasting impact in Savannah when, after facing barriers to museum entry during segregation, she and husband Dr. Calvin Kiah opened their own home as a museum, creating a space for Black artists and a museum that was welcoming to all. After sitting vacant for years following Virginia’s death, the Kiah House Museum was acquired by HSF as a Revolving Fund property and is now being restored by its new owners, the Galvan Foundation, in partnership with the City of Savannah and African Diaspora Museology Institute, to become a museum and community space once again.
In 2021, the home was included on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of “Places in Peril” following years of deterioration resulting from a more than two-decade-old probate case involving Kiah’s estate. In order to move forward in saving the Kiah House, it was integral to ensure that it would have the proper protective designations in place.

Originally excluded as a contributing property from its neighborhood historic district due to its alterations over the years, the Kiah House is a good example of how a property’s significance can be reconsidered over time. Becki Harkness and Sarah Ward have worked diligently to nominate Kiah to the National Register of Historic Places, which ensures the preservation and recognition of this incredible piece of Savannah’s history. In this lecture, they will discuss the complex process of nominating a historic structure to the National Register, and the challenges overcome during the process of researching and preparing the nomination. Their incredible work will ensure that the Kiah House will have protected status, and, following restoration, will be protected in perpetuity as its important story is shared with the community and future generations.

Historic Savannah Foundation’s 2024 Lecture Series is open to the public. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. Attendance is free for Historic Savannah Foundation members and $15 for non-members.

Members may RSVP by emailing Kendall Graham [email protected] or calling 912-233-7787, ext. 109. Non-members may reserve their spot by clicking the button near the top of this page.

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