Have you ever wished you could touch, smell, and create a piece of colonial America with your own hands? At the Davenport House Museum in Savannah, Georgia, this isn’t just a daydream – it’s a reality. Families can step back in time and make their own colonial candles, experiencing a slice of 19th-century life firsthand.
The Davenport House Museum sits in the heart of Savannah’s historic district at 323 E. Broughton Street, on Columbia Square at the corner of State and Habersham Streets. It offers a unique mix of fun and learning. Visitors can dive into the past, discovering how people lived in the early 1800s. They can also join in hands-on activities that bring history to life. The colonial candle-making experience is just one of many exciting programs that make this museum a must-see for families looking for both fun and educational adventures.
Key Takeaways
– The Davenport House Museum in Savannah, Georgia, offers hands-on historical experiences, including colonial candle-making.
– The museum is located at 323 E. Broughton Street in Savannah’s historic district.
– Built by Isaiah Davenport in 1820, the house showcases Federal-style architecture and Savannah’s early history.
– The Davenport House was saved from demolition in 1955 by the efforts of seven women, leading to the creation of the Historic Savannah Foundation.
– The colonial candle-making workshop teaches visitors about 19th-century life and the materials used in candle-making.
– The museum offers various programs and tours, including the Junior Interpreter Program, which engages young people in history.
– Special events at the museum include wine tastings and themed workshops, providing diverse educational experiences.
– Visitors can explore the museum shop and relax in the courtyard garden after their tour.
– The Davenport House Museum provides a deeper appreciation for historical skills and a tangible connection to the past.
A Peek into the Past: The Davenport House
The Davenport House stands as a shining example of Savannah’s old buildings and the skills of its early people. Isaiah Davenport, a master carpenter, built this Federal-style home in 1820. Its elegant facade, with symmetrical design and classical proportions, reflects the American interpretation of Georgian architecture popular in the early 19th century. The house is one of the oldest brick structures in Savannah, showcasing the city’s architectural heritage.
Isaiah Davenport’s story lives on through this well-kept home. As visitors walk through its rooms, they can almost hear echoes from the past. They might imagine the busy sounds of a household, talks about daily events, and the steady rhythm of craftsmen at work. The house’s journey through time is a fascinating tale of survival and care, much like Savannah itself. The museum’s interpretation now includes the stories of enslaved individuals who were part of the household, providing a more inclusive and accurate historical narrative.
Saving History: The Preservation Story
The Davenport House nearly didn’t make it to today. In 1955, it was almost torn down to make way for a parking lot. This was the fate of many old buildings in the mid-1900s. But seven brave women saw how important it was to save this piece of Savannah’s history. They took action. Their efforts led to the start of the Historic Savannah Foundation, a group that has since worked hard to save the city’s old buildings.
The foundation didn’t stop with saving the Davenport House. Over the years, it has saved more than 350 buildings. This work helped Savannah become a National Historic Landmark District in 1966. The foundation’s ongoing efforts ensure that future generations can keep learning from and being inspired by the city’s rich history. The preservation of the Davenport House serves as a testament to the power of community action in protecting cultural heritage.
Hands-On History: Making Colonial Candles
One of the best things about the Davenport House Museum is the colonial candle-making workshop. This activity takes visitors back to a time when candles weren’t just for light, but a key part of daily life. Friendly staff guide visitors through the process of making candles using old-time methods.
The workshop starts with an introduction to the materials used in colonial times – beeswax, tallow, and cotton wicks. Visitors then get to dip their own candles. They experience firsthand the patience and skill needed to make these essential items. The steady process of dipping and cooling creates a calm atmosphere. It helps visitors connect with the past in a real way, providing a tangible link to the daily tasks of 19th-century life.
Beyond Candles: Learning at the Museum
While candle-making is a highlight, it’s just one of many learning programs at the Davenport House Museum. The museum is committed to bringing history to life. This shows in its many activities and tours. Guided tours of the house give visitors a full look at life in 19th-century Savannah. Service learning opportunities allow for deeper involvement with preserving history.
One of the museum’s most creative programs is the Junior Interpreter Program. This program trains young people to give tours of the house. It helps them feel proud of their local history. By getting youth involved in saving and explaining the past, the museum makes sure that Savannah’s rich heritage will be loved and protected for years to come. These diverse programs cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring a rich educational experience for all visitors.
Special Events and Unique Experiences
The Davenport House Museum’s calendar is full of special events that offer unique views of Savannah’s history. One such event is “Potable Gold: Savannah’s Madeira Tradition.” This is a wine tasting and learning experience that explores the city’s long love of Madeira wine. This event happens on Fridays and Saturdays in February. It’s a fun mix of history and food knowledge.
The museum hosts events that bring different parts of 19th-century life into focus throughout the year. From Valentine’s Day weddings to building tours, these programs offer something for everyone. The museum also has workshops on topics ranging from holiday drinks to watercolor painting. There’s always something new to discover, allowing visitors to explore various aspects of 19th-century life and culture in Savannah.
A Day at the Davenport House
A visit to the Davenport House Museum is like a trip through time. As visitors approach the house, they see its elegant Federal-style architecture. It stands out from the modern city around it. Inside, the carefully restored rooms show what life was like in the early 19th century. From the formal parlor to the busy kitchen, every room tells a story.
The house tour is a must-do for any visit. It offers insights into the daily lives of the Davenport family and their neighbors. Knowledgeable guides bring the rooms to life with stories of the house’s people and its unique features. After the tour, visitors can explore the museum shop. It’s filled with locally made crafts and historical souvenirs. Or they can relax in the peaceful courtyard garden, which is maintained “in the spirit of the original occupants” and features plants typical of coastal Georgia.
As the day ends, families leave the Davenport House Museum with more than just handmade candles. They take with them a deeper appreciation for the skills of our ancestors. They also gain a real connection to the past. The colonial candle-making experience at the Davenport House Museum is more than just a fun activity. It’s a bridge between generations, lighting the way from past to present.
As you leave the Davenport House Museum, candle in hand, you carry more than just a souvenir. You hold a flame of curiosity, a spark of appreciation for our shared history, and a light that connects past to present. Will you let it guide you to more historical adventures? For those looking to extend their journey through time, consider staying at Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, a family-friendly campground just 20 minutes from downtown Historic Savannah, offering a perfect blend of modern amenities and proximity to the area’s rich history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Davenport House Museum located?
A: The Davenport House Museum is located in Savannah, Georgia, at 323 E. Broughton Street, on Columbia Square at the corner of State and Habersham Streets.
Q: What can families do at the Davenport House Museum?
A: Families can make colonial candles, take guided tours, and participate in various educational programs and special events.
Q: Who built the Davenport House and when?
A: Isaiah Davenport, a master carpenter, built the Davenport House in 1820.
Q: What materials are used in the colonial candle-making workshop?
A: The workshop uses beeswax, tallow, and cotton wicks.
Q: What is the Junior Interpreter Program?
A: The Junior Interpreter Program trains young people to give tours of the house and helps them learn about local history.
Q: What special event explores Savannah’s Madeira wine tradition?
A: “Potable Gold: Savannah’s Madeira Tradition” is a wine tasting and learning experience held on Fridays and Saturdays in February.
Q: What can visitors find in the museum shop?
A: Visitors can find locally made crafts and historical souvenirs in the museum shop.
Q: How did the Davenport House Museum get saved from demolition?
A: In 1955, seven women took action to save the house, leading to the creation of the Historic Savannah Foundation, which has since saved more than 350 buildings.