HSF to Celebrate National Preservation Month in May with Full Slate of Events for All Ages

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Month-long celebration to include annual HSF Preservation Awards, new “Seven Ladies” exhibition and exclusive walking tours, lectures and workshops

SAVANNAH, Ga. (April 2, 2026) – Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) — the leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to saving the buildings, places and stories that define Savannah’s past, present and future — will celebrate National Preservation Month with a full slate of events throughout the month of May. A complete schedule of HSF’s National Preservation Month events is available at myhsf.org.

“Preservation, which is at the core of everything we do at Historic Savannah Foundation, requires participation from every corner of our community,” said Historic Savannah Foundation President and CEO Collier Neeley. “This May, we warmly invite everyone to join us to celebrate National Preservation Month as we host wide range of events for local residents and visitors of all ages. There’s no better way to get involved and to celebrate National Preservation Month right here in Savannah.”

In honor of National Preservation Month, HSF will host the following events, which are all open to the public:

DAVENPORT HOUSE FAMILY DAY: HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Sunday, May 3 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Davenport House Museum, 324 E. State St.
Free

Dive into the world of historic preservation at a special interactive, family-friendly event at the Davenport House that’s perfect for all ages. From learning about historic materials to discovering how craftspeople repair and maintain older structures, this special Family Day at the Davenport House Museum will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work that protects Savannah’s shared heritage and keeps historic places standing tall. Families will have the opportunity to engage directly with preservationists, learn about traditional building techniques and try out skills used in restoration and conservation.

HSF PRESERVATION AWARDS
Thursday, May 7 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Common Restaurant, 118 E. Broughton St.
$60/person | $50/person for HSF members

This inspiring, community-focused awards ceremony serves as a highlight of National Preservation Month. Historic Savannah Foundation will recognize recently completed projects as well as outstanding individuals and companies representing excellence in preservation in Savannah and Chatham County. Noteworthy projects were nominated by community members and selected by a jury of local professionals from the fields of architecture, preservation, academia and urban planning.

WINDOW REPAIR WORKSHOP WITH AUSTIN HISTORICAL
Saturday, May 9 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Austin Historical, 203 Deptford St.
$75/person | $65/person for HSF members

Learn the essential techniques used to preserve Savannah’s historic wood windows with the skilled experts at Austin Historical. Part of HSF’s popular Artisan Spotlight Series — a series of engaging and immersive workshops designed to provide a dynamic platform for artists and artisans to share their creative processes — this one-day workshop invites participants to work under the guidance of preservation professionals and try their hand at paint removal, epoxy repairs, traditional putty glazing and glass cutting and fitting. All tools and materials will be provided. Advance registration is required.

“SEVEN LADIES” EXHIBITION AND OPENING RECEPTION
Murray C. Perlman & Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, 323 E. Broughton St.
Opening Reception Thursday, May 14 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Exhibit runs through December 2026
Free

Be among the first to see a new exhibition focused on the seven brave women who founded HSF and reshaped Savannah when they saved the Davenport House, founded HSF and kick-started the city’s modern-day preservation movement in 1955. Through historic photographs, archival materials and interpretative storytelling, this inspiring exhibition explores each of these influential women, including their personal histories, lived experiences and the convictions that compelled them to serve their community at a pivotal moment in Savannah’s history. This exclusive exhibition will remain on display throughout 2026.

“EXPLORING HSF’S EARLY SAVES” WALKING TOUR
Saturday, May 16 | 10 a.m.
Washington Square
$30/person | $15/person for HSF members

Join HSF’s Education and Research Associate Kendall Graham for a walk through Savannah’s early preservation history. Perfect for architectural enthusiasts, local history buffs or curious visitors, this one-of-a-kind tour will follow the path of HSF’s early preservation success stories, reveal lesser-known historical anecdotes about the city’s buildings and residents and explore the history of HSF’s Revolving Fund. The HSF Revolving Fund raises private money to purchase vacant, endangered historic properties and stabilize them before selling them to preservation-minded buyers. The proceeds from each sale goes back into the HSF Revolving Fund to purchase the next endangered property. Since its inception, the HSF Revolving Fund has saved more than 420 properties and serves as the national model for similar programs in cities across the county. Registration is required.

LECTURE SERIES: “REVOLVING FUNDS & THE NATIONAL PRESERVATION PARTNERS NETWORK”
Thursday, May 21 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Murray C. Perlman & Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, 323 E. Broughton St.
$15/person | Free for HSF members

National Preservation Partners Network CEO Kim Trent will discuss how organizations across the country are implementing versions of HSF’s Revolving Fund to save historic properties nationwide. Part of the HSF Lecture Series, which is dedicated to celebrating “The People, Places and Stories That Define Savannah,” Trent will discuss the impacts of Revolving Funds, compare their various models, missions and goals and share national preservation trends. Attendees are invited to a reception at 5:30 p.m., prior to the lecture at 6 p.m.

ARDSLEY PARK & CHATHAM CRESCENT WALKING TOUR WITH ROBIN B. WILLIAMS
Saturday, May 30 | 9 a.m.
$30/person | $15/person for HSF members

Explore architecturally significant homes in Ardsley Park and Chatham Crescent with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Professor and Architectural History Chair Robin B. Williams. Williams will provide an in-depth look at the area’s incredible early 20th-century homes and offer insight into the urban planning, design and landscape features that contribute to the beloved neighborhood’s special character.

For more information about HSF’s National Preservation Month events, please visit myhsf.org.

PHOTO: Throughout the month of May, Historic Savannah Foundation will highlight the success of the HSF Revolving Fund, which raises private money to purchase endangered historic properties, stabilizes them and sells them to preservation-minded buyers. Before and after photos of the c.1903 home at 706 East Henry Street in Savannah, Ga. demonstrate the transformation of more than 420 properties saved by HSF’s Revolving Fund.