Photo by Billy Wilson / CC BY 2.0
The Davenport Museum located on Columbia Square was originally a Federal-style home built by Master carpenter, Isaiah Davenport. The Davenport Home is one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the country and has served many purposes over the years. Today, it stands in remembrance, as a museum, dedicated to telling the story of the Davenport Family who once called the house their home. The house, built in 1820, was intended to suit Isaiah and his growing family. In an untimely event, Isaiah Davenport died just seven years later, leaving the home to his wife and family. His wife, Sarah Clark Davenport, then converted the family home into a boarding house for visitors to the Savannah area. The establishment lasted until 1840, when she chose to sell the home to the Baynards. The Baynard family settled in quite nicely, going on to keep the home in their family for over a century!
Rescued from Demolition
In the mid 1950's the Davenport Home was purchased through the Historic Savannah Foundation. This particular sale rescued the home from demolition. The intent of the newest owner was to tear it down to create a parking lot for the Goette funeral home, which is now the Kehoe House Inn. After negotiation of the sale, a twelve year renovation took place. The Museum was opened to the public, for the first time, in 1963. An archeological dig in the lot behind the home and the installment of a garden designed by Clermont Huger Lee were also part of the renovation phase.
Historic Preservation Pioneer
The Historic Savannah Preservation Committee was founded to help preserve historic buildings in Savannah. The group's first purchase was the Davenport House. Today, the Davenport House is converted into an award winning museum in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia. Starting in the mid 1980′s the Committee began making efforts to adhere to the high standards of museum protocol. Restoration of furnishings and wallpaper occurred only after an immense amount of period reference and research.
Mandatory regulations also came into play during renovation with improvements for items such as lighting fixtures, fire alarm systems and accessibility issues. Acquisition plans for the furnishings were crafted from research of the Davenport family using photos and other regalia deemed authentic of the time. For instance, the set of six Hitchcock chairs were chosen because of their similarity to those originally owned by the Davenport family. Susan M. Hays was one of the professionals called in to aid with the educational component of the museum.
Educational Mission
Since, a guidebook, website, two DVDs and other public-friendly bits of historical information were developed. Awareness is key in bringing the mission to life and all publicity efforts aim to increase the benefit for the local community. Efforts, past and present, are driven by the mission to "preserve and interpret the American Federal-style house, and the artifacts within, built by master builder Isaiah Davenport for his household with an emphasis on the years 1820-27, in order to foster appreciation for Savannah's rich architectural and social history."
Recognition and Media
In 1965, the Davenport House was the featured cover for the Savannah phonebook. Two years later, several more notable mentions were secured. For instance, the House was included in the local architectural survey and shown in Antiques Magazine. For decades, articles, awards and celebrations have been dedicated to the promotion of the Davenport House. Its intriguing history and significant contribution to the town of Savannah also led to a showing on the popular television network, the History Channel.
Special Events and Traditions
Annually, tours and events embellish the everyday goings on for staff members and community members alike. February brings lots of excitement with the Potable Gold Madeira Tradition which celebrates the centuries old wine making tradition by which Washington's Inauguration was toasted! After world travels, those returning to the coastal area thought it worthy to bring with them the ideas for social events surrounding the vibrant taste of the wine. Valentine's Day also holds tradition at the Davenport House with the Valentine Package event. This evening affair offers wine tasting paired with period confections followed by a candlelit tour of the museum.
Educational Programs
Commendably, the museum takes full advantage of service learning, volunteer and internship placements. Over the years, several students from local universities have offered their services to assist in the preservation activities of the Davenport House. Indexing items from archeology digs, transcribing Isaiah Davenport's biography and inspecting collection inventory are just a few of the important tasks. Another special placement program is the Junior Interpreter program during which children ages 8-12 are able to take part in the museum learning activities.
Location: Columbia Square, Historic District
The Museum is opened daily and invites all to come explore the 6,800 square feet of the establishment. With around 35,000 visitors per year, the programs at the Davenport house are designed to captivate the audience and inspire a love for the rich history of this area.
Federal Architecture Masterpiece
Photo by Billy Wilson / CC BY 2.0
The Isaiah Davenport House stands as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in America, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of builder Isaiah Davenport with its symmetrical brick facade, elegant dormers, and distinctive double staircase leading to the main entrance.
Columbia Square
Located on one of Savannah's most beautiful historic squares, surrounded by other significant landmarks and historic homes.
Learn about Savannah's preservation movement and other historic landmarks saved for future generations.