The Column Davenport House Museum December 2017 For 2017-18 Annual Giving Donors

DAVENPORT Ah, but man’s reach must exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for? Robert Browning. HOUSE COMMITTEE: John Leonti, Chair 2017: The DH On the Verge Daniel Carey Brian Felder If you are reflecting on end-of-the-year goal reaching, please know that Linda Garner 2017 was remarkable for the Davenport House Museum. We welcomed a Denise German record number of visitors, over 45,000, with a vibrant, growing and com- Diane Kaufman mitted group of staff and volunteers who serve the public 350 days a year. Katherine Keena Diane Kulp Our programs were well-attended and mission-based. In addition to the Hugh Osborne Museum’s respected programming, the DH hosted Savannah Voice Festi- John Sorel val, who presented an original about Anna Hunter, the DH and his- Jan Vach toric preservation. Kismet! Nancy White Brooke Wilford Our audience demands a clean and well-maintained museum, as well as a relevant and well-delivered ex- perience. So while the DH received individuals, couples, families and traveling friends, individually DAVENPORT booked tour groups as well as groups from national tour companies, the Museum was mindful of the HOUSE ENDOWMENT wear and tear this traffic poses. An experienced group of volunteers assist staff in watching for trouble FUND DIREC- spots and finding solutions to maintenance and preservations issues. The Entrance Hall wallpaper was TORS: repaired following moisture damage from Hurricane Matthew. The garden arbor was also repaired due Mills Morrison, Chair to hurricane damage. Staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves and prepped the site for the feared “big David Bloomquist one” as Hurricane Irma approached. Thankfully, the blow was grazing, but the DH was prepared and is Brian Felder Holden Hayes now well-practiced for the next time. After fifteen years, the faux graining on museum doors was John Leonti touched up. A new HVAC compressor was installed after the previous one wore out. To keep pace with Ann Lytle change and to handle the Museum’s customers efficiently, a new POS system is up and running in the Marsha Moore Shop. The Museum acquired it’s first server and now the staff is able to store data in the cloud. Katherine Owens Erica Scales The site takes its role as teacher and mentor very seriously, as eighteen Junior Interpreters and nine adults graduated from the Museum’s 2017 training programs. All are now well-schooled in the site’s story, how DAVENPORT it fits with the broad story of Savannah, as well as its place in the national preservation movement. Five HOUSE STAFF: Jamie Credle, college interns gained experience and provided important service to the Museum throughout the year. Director Interviews with two are included in this newsletter. Jeff Freeman, The site presented a new living history production of Lafayette in Savannah 1825 in October. DH Assistant Director Gaye Kurmas, dancers added a new dance to their repertoire (Sir Roger de Coverly - serendipity all around). The Shop Shop Manager added seventeen new vendors and is now filled with a variety of distinctive gifts and Savannah souvenirs. Rebecca Bustinduy, All of this may seem predictable - predictably good, but know while all of this work was taking place Tour Coordinator Raleigh Marcell, Museum leaders were (and are) planning for a bigger and brighter future. At this moment, the site is Maintenance Technician poised on the verge of big change. As a prelude, the DH partnered with community museums to present a free day on August 20 where participating sites focused on new research on enslaved workers and Afri- The Column is published in December and March. can American history in Savannah. This work will be the foundation for new experiences at the DH. Our new work, based on historic documentation, is reaching for poignant true stories and in 2018 who knows what we will grasp. We will keep you informed. Know we could not do any of this without your support. The DH depends on your input, interest and financial contributions to move forward. Our gratitude and excitement for the future are because of you. So hold your loved ones close this holiday season and expect significant news from the DH in 2018!

Davenport House Museum, 324 E. State Street, Savannah, GA 31401 912.236.8097 * 912.233-7938 (fax) * www.DavenportHouseMuseum.org Follows us on Twitter and Facebook What were they thinking? This past six months the DH has been the beneficiary of tremendous creativity. For this newsletter we want to share how that came to pass with interviews from some of the people who made it happen.

ry source documents, and each indi- Kelly Westfield on Bio: Kelly Westfield is a graduate Broadening and Deepening vidual has a unique geographic foot- student at print. Armstrong the Museum’s Story in a State Universi- Project Search for Why did you choose the DH to do ty, where she is your research project? a teaching as- Davenport Enslaved Dr. Chris Hendricks told me about sistant in the Workers the project. Once I learned about the History De- details, I realized this was a unique partment. She What do you think the value of and challenging research opportuni- came to the DH on the recommendation of Dr. this work is to the DH? ty. It was also meaningful to me that My research into the lives of the en- Christopher Hendricks as an ex- I would be resurrecting the lives of a ceptional student looking for a pro- slaved members of the Davenport group of people who needed to have ject that will have a legacy. She is household will allow the Museum to their story told, and that I was the completing graduate work in Public more fully interpret the lives of these one given the opportunity to tell that History in pursuit of a Master of men, women, and children in indi- story. Arts degree. She has a BA in Inter- vidualized and meaningful ways. Too disciplinary Studies from The Uni- often, interpretations of slavery in How did you start? versity of South Carolina Upstate the American South represent gener- I combed through all the deed rec- where she graduated cum laude with ic experiences or focus heavily upon ords associated with the bondpeople a concentration in history. She is currently applying for doctorial bondage and brutality. What has re- who lived at the Davenport House. sulted is a widespread tendency of programs in history. Her goal is to This entailed a significant amount of become a history professor. public interpretation that fails to il- time spent at the Chatham County lustrate individuality and personal Court House. The deed records pro- experiences. The Davenport House vided leads for all other sources of cases takes years. A friend of mine, has the opportunity to provide an information that would allow me to Kimberly Morgan, is a respected interpretation that emphasizes nu- rebuild a timeline and story for each genealogist in the Beaufort area and merous themes of the enslaved expe- person. after consulting with her, I decided rience, as well as geography and mo- that genealogy would not be the best bility. I believe these stories inter- The DH had originally hoped to way to apply my research skills. preted successfully will be unique to find descendants of the enslaved the Davenport House in Savannah. workers. Why did you find bring- How did you shape your research ing the descendants forward too project? What did you do? difficult? The research into the lives of each After careful consideration on the I am excited about the idea of con- enslaved individual was structured best approach to learning about the necting with the descendants of the into several categories. The initial experiences of the en- Davenport bondpeople. This is an section for each person traces their slaved inhabitants of invaluable layer of research and the origins and life up until their entry the Davenport House, very best source of information to into the Davenport House. I explain I conducted reverse supplement primary sources to learn the research process in these sec- deed research to trace about the lives and maybe even the tions, and how I came to my conclu- their origins and lives personalities of these people. How- sions. This section is followed by prior to coming into ever, I knew that focusing on locat- others focusing on locations where the home. Each per- ing the descendants would not be the each person lived, who their owners son has a story that is best use of my skills. Even for the were, family members, and other told through deed rec- most accomplished genealogist, this relevant information. I created maps ords and other prima- can be a daunting task and in many for each individual tracing their geo- 2 sources also revealed information ed with primary sources and research ENSLAVED WORKER about family members, and the chil- on Savannah through these projects RESEARCH PRESENTATION dren of the Davenport bondpeople. helped prepare me a great deal. Who: Kelly Westfield In the next stage of research, the geo- graphic footprint for each person may How has this research changed the What: Docent Workshop and indicate place-based experiences, general knowledge about the Dav- Research Unveiling on the neighbors, or other everyday experi- enport household in the 1820? Davenport House Enslaved ences deriving from location. In es- Although the Davenport staff has sence, I conducted research of all pri- Workers done a tremendous job collecting re- mary sources, and traced down every When: Friday, January 26 at 10 search on the enslaved members of lead possible that would tell me more a.m. about the experiences of the Daven- the household, this research provides Where: Kennedy Pharmacy, port bondpeople. new information about each person 323 E. Broughton Street and will emphasize specific themes Audience: DH Interpretive Traditional repository? that can be incorporated into interpre- Staff (Volunteer and Staff The deed and probate records offices tation. It is also the first time that a at the Chatham County Courthouse Docents) geographic footprint for each individ- were very critical and very traditional ual has been created. The general Additional information: Call repositories for information. knowledge is changed because it is no 912-236-8097 longer general; individual stories can On-line resources? now be told. graphic footprint through time. The The importance of ancestry.com and next step is to summarize the findings Savannah Historic Newspapers pro- and create concise interpretations for vided by the Digital Library of Geor- Davenport docents based on the gia cannot be overstated. feedback from those involved in the project and other revisions. Types of resources? Primary source documents were perti- How did you decide to trace them nent to this research, and included backwards? deed and estate records, wills, and I realized that conducting reverse historic Savannah newspapers. Runa- deed research and tracing these indi- way slave notices were also extremely viduals from their origins until entry important. into the Davenport House was the best way to learn about their individu- What do you think is unique to al lives. Once they entered the Daven- Savannah resources? port House, for nearly all of these The Laurel Grove South Internment people, the paper trail stopped, and and jail register records at the City of their lives became a mystery. Savannah Research Library and Mu- nicipal Archives were some of the How did you conduct your re- resources unique to Savannah con- search? sulted for this research. The foundation for this research was deed records, and to a lesser extent, What prepared you for this re- estate records and wills. Once I search? learned about individual owners from I have been doing research for many Graduates of the 2017 deed records, I researched their land- years, but this was a challenging pro- Savannah Arts Academy Junior holdings, occupations, and the loca- ject. Prior to this research, I had ex- Interpreter Program. tions where they lived to pinpoint the tensively studied the Sorrel-Weed Welcome Chloe Alfred, Josie Beisel, geography of the Davenport House with an emphasis on urban Daena Brink, Rachael Brown, Naiomi Cookson, Adam David, Anna Everly, bondpeople. Information about own- slavery and archaeology, as well as Mary Hamilton, Meghan Ellis, Sian ers and locations provides infor- other Savannah-centered projects re- Michaels, Anna Marie Mireles, Sydnie mation about living conditions and lated to Colonial Park Cemetery and Roberds, Tiana Ruden, other relevant information. These Charles Cluskey. Becoming acquaint- Keyonna Williams and Cassidy Wittig. 3 Michael Ching on the Creation of Anna Hunter: The Spirit of Savannah

AND ANNA, had predominately Michael Ching created the opera Bio: Michael Ching, an Ameri- which premiered in the Davenport female characters. I've sort of signed House in November. In the piece a personal pledge to make sure that can compos- HSF founder Anna Hunter returns any future I write have an er, is artist-in to Savannah . . . to the Davenport equal or greater number of female -residence House to help a young tour guide on leads. with the Sa- her quest to get her presentation per- How did you come up with the vannah fected. In the process she comes Voice Festi- across the people of the DH, HSF tour guide (Louise) angle and the val. In 2015, and Savannah—Isaiah and Sarah gift shop angle? Davenport, a huckster who has lost I needed a reason for Anna Hunter he created her job when the City Market is torn to come back to visit Savannah, and the original down, the other “Seven Ladies,” plus what better place for her to visit than work ALICE a developer who wants to build the Davenport House. I booked sev- RILEY: A “more roads.” eral tours of the house and came up Savannah Ghost Story. with the idea of Anna coming back Michael's opera, A MIDSUM- How did the commission to cre- to help the young guide tell a com- ate Anna Hunter: The Spirit of MER NIGHT'S DREAM, opera pelling story about the house. I a cappella, has been recorded and Savannah come about? found that a good tour guide could The original idea from SVF released by Albany Records. Mi- make the molding or the pillow stuff- (Savannah Voice Festival) was to chael was the Artistic Director of ing interesting. It seemed to take have me write a couple of operas Opera Memphis from 1992-2010. preparation and passion. I'm delight- about Savannah. The first idea was to He studied composition with use a Savannah ghost story. Maria ed that everyone at Davenport at Zouves gave me a copy of HISTOR- House has a sense that the opera is IC HAUNTS OF SAVANNAH and about them--staff, board, docents, and with as a mem- I picked one about Alice Ryley. Alt- tour guides, folks who are passionate ber of the Houston Opera Studio. hough its was successful, Alice was about history. For me, it means that He is Music Director at the Nickel very sad, so it was important for me I've hit the characterization in a way City Opera in Buffalo and Chair to find something lighter for the next that you empathize with Louise. of the Douglas Moore Fund for opera. I came up with the idea of Honestly, it's been a pleasant revela- American Opera. turning Anna Hunter into a ghost who would come back to visit Savan- tion to us at Savannah Voice Festival nah. that, as Maria says, we've made "a love story to a city" as emotional as view, it's a point where you decide Opera, although it certainly glorifies say, the love between two more tradi- that you like the ghost of Anna and features the female voice, has a tional operatic lovers. Hunter and that you're going to en- history in which male characters pre- joy her telling the story. And the gift shop song? dominate. For example, an opera like LA TRAVIATA has two female The gift shop scene/song is a fun What about Mr. Progress, the de- leads and a half dozen male ones. It's type of song that you run across veloper, what brought him to frui- typical. So from the outset, I had it in from time to time. It is a list of tion? the back of my mind to make sure things. Check out Gilbert and Sulli- I spent many hours in the Savannah that these Savannah operas, ALICE van's "I've got a little list" or Cole room at the Bull Street Library look- Porter's "I ing at old microfilms of the newspa-

get a kick out per. Certainly looking up articles and of you" or reviews written by Anna Hunter, but the Gersh- also pieces about the attitudes toward win's "Let's historic preservation and progress. call the whole Remember in other places, the battle thing was on between Robert Moses and off." From a Jane Jacobs, for example, in New dramatic York. As for Mr. Progress himself,

Author Louise Staman, soprano/Anna Maria Zouves, composer, point of he sings what's called a "patter song." Michael Ching, soprano/Emily Righter 4 nah and it was important to Frankly, I think of an opera composer me to portray some African as a bit like an architect who works Americans in both the opera, with a client and tailors the project to ANNA HUNTER, and the the circumstances, not the other way entire evening of ALICE round. AND ANNA. While many older Savannians recalled the As for me, I'll be back in Savannah vendors calling out to sell this summer to do my opera SPEED their produce, it really helped DATING TONIGHT! with the Festi- when our SVF supporter Wes- val. I'm working on a one act opera ley Krulic introduced me to about the life and work of Grant Leola Williams who recalled Wood for the Cedar Rapids Opera Anna Hunter family members at the DH book signing how hurtful, helpless, and an- Theatre in and another new for Restoring Lost Times: Savannah’s Anna Hunter gry the African American opera for the Palm Springs Opera held in conjunction with the premier of the opera Anna Hunter: The Spirit of Savannah community was when the Guild, which will be performed by the market was torn down. She performing arts high school there in Again check out Gilbert and Sullivan's was the one who pointed out to me Rancho Mirage. I take a few conduct- the "Nightmare Song" from Iolanthe that the county farmers market was ing gigs every year to keep me from (which is also a list song!). But the not a viable alternative to the huck- completely living in my head with my main composer of patter songs for me sters at the City Market, most of characters and music. is Rossini, who has a couple great whom had no car. An entire subcul- ones in "The Barber of Seville." I'm ture disappeared when the Market was I'm very proud that ANNA has pretty proud of Mr. Progress's song as torn down, and frankly has not been brought the Voice Festival to the at- there aren't that many patter songs I replaced in Savannah to this day. The tention of the preservation communi- can think of in contemporary opera. current city market is simply a nice ty. You may not know this but YOU tourist destination, not someplace you are where it's at in Savannah. Yes, arts HSF’s “Seven Ladies?” could go to buy a dozen oysters or a and culture are important, but Savan- The challenge with the ladies is that I sack of beans. Seems to me most resi- nah IS historic preservation, whether couldn't put all seven of them in. It dents of Savannah don't even go to from individuals, from the Historic would simply overbalance the rest of the current city market and leave it to Savannah Foundation, or from the show. I've mentioned elsewhere the tourists. SCAD. You all at the Davenport how helpful Louise Staman [author of House may feel like an afterthought at Restoring Lost Times: Savannah’s What is the future of the work? times but you are not. Savannah Anna Colquitt Hunter—which is for I'm confident that SVF will revive would not be the special place it is sale in the DH Shop] was in corrobo- ANNA HUNTER--hopefully with without Anna Hunter and all of you rating my amateur research with her you all again. SVF has already done that have followed in her footsteps. professional research for her book on ALICE RYLEY twice. When the You're inspiring! Anna Hunter. Another local author, time is right, I hope both operas will Laura Lawton, helped me by recom- be put on together as ALICE AND mending which of the ladies to keep ANNA. ALICE has been done out- in the opera. side of Savannah and worked well... I'm going to see if ANNA HUNTER What was your inspiration for the will still be strong outside of Savannah Market Song with the chorus – and the Davenport House. It was truly huckster calls? special to me to be able to have the The destruction of the City Market house be a character in the opera--I've was referred to time and again as what never really had that opportunity be- caused Anna Hunter to become fore. It would be nice if ALICE AND alarmed about the fate of Savannah. It ANNA would become popular like was important to me for another rea- my SPEED DATING TONIGHT!, son--my first opera was about the but what is most important to me is English and the Irish in 1730s Savan- that they worked so well in Savannah. Performers at the Davenport House 5 Maria Zouves on the Creation of Anna Hunter— the Opera and the Character How would your characterize you helped guide me so I understood work with opera? more about Anna and her spirit. Bio: Maria Zouves is Executive I think that we are all trying to ex- Plus, Michael Ching hit it out of the Director of pose people to art and history and ballpark! the Sherrill that can be a challenge. Opera has Milnes modern elements, but it is more of a What is your hope for Anna? And VOICE Pro- history art, so yes, that binds us to- Alice? In Savannah? grams − gether! That they remain part of the culture, VOICExpe- sought out to do over time and rience Foun- How did the Anna opera come throughout history. Savannah should dation and about? be proud of this work. Alice has the Savannah It was Michael Ching's idea -- after already been done elsewhere in the VOICE Festival – which she co- Alice Ryley we decided the next States. I hope Anna is done often founded with her husband, Sherrill "ghost" should be a modern one, and all over the nation! Milnes, to provide training for as- Michael had the vision to see Anna's piring young artists and foster new significance. Was there any revelation about audiences for the vocal arts. The doing the show in the Davenport Greek-American soprano has sung Is creating new works with a Sa- House? leading roles in the regional U.S., vannah theme part of the SVF’s Just that I had chills all the time! Be- made her Carnegie Hall debut in mission? ing in the space as I talked about the 1997, and has recorded under the Absolutely, it was part of the Strate- beauty of it was, well... I'm speech- VAI label. While Maria directs most gic Plan from the start! less! of the concerts in the VOICE Pro- grams and co-directed the new SVF If it is, what’s next? You instigated and fostered a opera commission, Ching’s Alice To put Alice and Anna together in spirited partnership with the Ryley, a Savannah Ghost Story, one night! DH. Can you discuss your phi- she most recently directed Mo- losophy of community partner- zart’s Don Giovanni at the Estates Why did you agree – with all of ships? Theatre in Prague, where the work your commitments – to be our I can easily quote "Anna Hunter" in first premiered and will co-direct Anna? "Revolving Fund": "The high tide Le Nozze de Figaro with Sherrill Michael encouraged me to perform will float all boats" - We are all Milnes next summer in Prague and as Anna. The part requires a sea- stronger together. It doesn't mean Salzburg with Prague Summer soned performer. I identified with we should always do things together, Nights. her very much because of her love but we should encourage the com- for Savannah. I wanted it to have munity at large to support everything the ring of truth. out there -- everybody wins! years, we've trained and cultivated hundreds of singers in Savannah, What is it like to create a charac- What would you like the future of only to ask them to return to per- ter from scratch? Have you had the partnership to be? form with SVF. We've given over the opportunity to do that before? I'd love to build a consortium of $78K in scholarships just this year I have not done a character that is a artistic groups, where we can for singers to work and train with new character to opera, but I have come together to share, find possible some of the best artists and educa- done another Michael Ching world collaborative opportunities and sup- tors in the business -- Anna Hunter premiere - Buoso's Ghost, a sequel port each other. and our other operas of the season to Gianni Schicci - very exciting! benefit hugely from the growth of its What do you hope the future of artists! Our next season features an- Doing a character in history was a opera is in Savannah? SVF? other Ching piece, Speed Dating, big challenge -- but her family made We are and want to always be not Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel me feel I was on the right track and only Savannah's opera company, but and Verdi's La Traviata -- plus Me- they even called me "Grannie"! a solid training ground through notti's short work The Telephone. Louise Staman's book and the family VOICExperience. For the past 5 6 Aaron Hollis on Researching the New Leaders Take Tenures: Movement that Saved the City German and Lytle Why did you choose Denise German is a new Davenport Bio: Aaron Hollis, a native of Savannah to do your House Committee member. Pittsburgh, PA, was a graduate summer museum intern at the internship? She spent her childhood growing up in DH during My girlfriend fell in Yonkers, NY. Her education consists of the summer love with the city an undergraduate degree from Sarah Law- 2017. He has rence College in Bronxville, NY and post a BA in ar- years ago. She brought graduate degrees from Bank Street College of Education and chaeology me here and I soon from the Uni- fell in love too. When Fordham University in New York, NY. She also received a versity of it came time to choose graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Yeshiva University Pittsburgh an internship as part in . Her professional career is comprised of and is completing his studies at of my degree require- various teaching and administrative positions for over 30 West Virginia University. He will ments, I knew I had years with the Yonkers Public Schools. She retired as the graduate in May and has just ac- to be in Savannah. I principal of a unique magnet school of museum studies in cepted a full time position as happened to run into 2010. During the past seven years, she has been involved in Manager of Learning and Visitor Daniel Carey, CEO of numerous volunteer opportunities in Savannah. She is cur- Experience at West Overton Vil- rently a L.O.V. E. mentor working in her neighborhood lage and Museums in Scottdale, Historic Savannah school, and she recently participated in the Neighborhood PA. Foundation, at a con- ference, and he told Leadership Academy sponsored by Step-up Savannah. She me about the Davenport House. I reached out to Jamie enjoys working as a CASA volunteer and continues to engage Credle, and she and her staff welcomed me. in volunteer opportunities through her church community. What was your summer project? Interpreting history is Beyond the physical beauty of the Davenport House, she my greatest interest, but in graduate school I have also be- appreciates the authenticity of the story of the family and Sa- come interested in historic preservation. Fortunately, I had vannah that the staff brings to life. Further, that the story the opportunity to explore both during my internship. Not expands to include the lives of the enslaved people who were only did I conduct tours and assist with docent training, I such a vital part of the history, certainly enlivens the present also explored creating media which will be used in future and future interpretations of this wonderful living museum.

exhibits on the preservation movement. The goal of the me- dia is to highlight the preservation movement in Savannah, Ann Lytle is a new DH Endowment feature Historic Savannah Foundation’s role in that move- Director. ment, and to also inspire visitors to take action in their She hails from Pittsburgh, PA. After hometowns. graduating from Grove City College, she How did you complete the project? Much had already worked as a stenographer with the been published about some of the great Savannahians of the Mellon Bank and later U.S. Steel. She twentieth century who were critical to preserving the city. I met her husband who was at the time wanted to know what visitors thought. What was their expe- with GC Murphy Company. Together rience with preservation? What does preservation even mean they had two sons, Charles and Christopher. Prior to moving to them? I conducted a small survey in order to glean such to Savannah, she was involved with Hospice in Pittsburgh. information, and that directed the content and approach to She is now a member of Wesley Monumental Methodist the media I hoped to create. Davenport House visitors are Church. She is a recent resident to Savannah, who was first th not preservationists by trade, but they do care very much exposed to the DH at the Soiree held at Elizabeth on 37 about preserving history. That became clear. Street last February. Of the DH she says, “I like the people here. They are honest and full of integrity.” About the big What is the future of your work? The material was hand- plans the Museum has she says, “That’s where faith comes in. ed over to a designer for possible future inclusion in the I have faith in the good work that is planned and work with DH’s value-added brochure selection. And, I was excited to other museums. The shop on Broughton Street has great learn that the data I collected was given to Doug Mund, who potential to draw people in. And, creating partnership such is working on exhibits for the DH. My hope is that visitors as the one with the Savannah Voice Festival is bringing the will realize what a grueling process the beautiful city around arts and culture to so many people. It is nice that you all are them has been through and that they will be inspired to help working together to better our world.” with preserving their hometowns. 7 2018 Davenport House Museum Winter and Spring Programs

“POTABLE GOLD”: SAVAN- TICKETS: $95 each downtown Savannah. Tours are led by NAH’S MADEIRA TRADITION with sponsorship and the Davenport House director who Friday & Saturday evenings in Feb- patron options will introduce the personalities, struc- ruary 2018 Featuring performances tures and issues that have marked Sa- TIME: 5:30 p.m. by Savannah’s own bari- vannah’s preservation movement. ADMISSION: $22 tone Roger Moss. Addi- Coffee and treats in the Davenport (must be 21 years of tional music throughout. House garden to follow. age). Plus tax. Silent auction. Reservations rec- EXCLUSIVE OFFERING FOR TEA IN THE GARDEN AT THE ommended. Lim- PREMIER EVENT SPONSORS: DAVENPORT HOUSE ited attendance. Thursday, February 22 from 7 to 9 Thursdays and Fridays in May 2018 Experience the historic atmosphere of p.m. -- a cocktail party at a private PROGRAM DATES AND TIMES: the Davenport House while learning home on Jones Street. May 3, 4, 10, and 11 at 4:15 p.m. and about a unique and flavorful wine. on May 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 at 5 p.m. Patrons are oriented to the long and TEA AT MRS. DAVENPORT’S ADMISSION: $18. Plus tax. rich tradition of Madeira (wine) as it Thursday & Fridays in March 2018 Reservations recommended. Lim- relates to the history of Savannah and PROGRAM DATES AND TIMES: ited attendance. then they will participate in a Madeira March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 at 5 p.m. Learn about tea tradi- party. During the experience they will and on March 29 tions and experience see the historic house at dusk including and 2, 8, 9, 15, an early 19th century spaces usually off-limits to museum 16, 22 at 5 p.m. tea in Davenport guests. and on March 29 House’s beautiful The performance requires that guests be able and 30 at 4:15 courtyard garden. Patrons will visit to walk up and down stairs and maneuver in p.m. (No program areas of the home where tea service the candlelit rooms. on Friday, March 23) took place and will participate in an ADMISSION: $18. Plus tax. afternoon tea given with costumed VALENTINE’S DAY WEDDINGS Reservations recommended. Lim- interpreters in the garden. IN THE DAVENPORT HOUSE ited attendance. On inclement weather dates, tea GARDEN Learn about tea traditions and experi- will be taken inside the house mu- Wednesday, ence an early 19th century tea in the seum. February 14, 2018 historic atmosphere of the Davenport The performance requires that guests be able TIMES: 10 minute House Museum. Patrons will tour to walk up and down stairs. increments between areas of the historic home where tea 5 and 7 p.m. service took place and will participate EARLY BIRD’S WALKING DONATION: in an afternoon tea with costumed TOUR: DISCOVERING 1820S $100 interpreters. SAVANNAH Get married in the The performance requires that guests be able Saturdays in May 2018 Museum’s beautiful to walk up and down stairs. TIME: 8 a.m. courtyard garden LENGTH OF and make it a Valen- EARLY BIRD’S PRESERVATION PROGRAM: 120 tine’s Day to re- WALKING TOUR OF THE minutes member! Ceremo- LANDMARK HISTORIC DISTANCE OF nies will be offered every 10 minutes. DISTRICT’S EAST SIDE WALK: 2.5 miles. Confirmed reservations are highly rec- Saturdays in April 2017 ADMISSION: $21. ommended as the event tends to sell TIME: 8 a.m. Plus tax. out. ADMISSION: $21.Plus tax. See what survives of the 1820s Savan- PROGRAM LENGTH: 100 nah that master builder Isaiah Daven- minutes. DISTANCE EVENT: BEST IS YET TO port knew. Beginning at the Daven- COME: OF WALK: 2.5 miles port House Museum (1820) partici- Celebrating the Future with the Take an early morning pants will walk by some of the finest Davenport House Museum walk through one of the examples of preservation in the city LOCATION: Brockington Hall, 213 oldest and most varied and learn about what no longer re- E. Hall Street, Savannah neighborhoods to learn mains. Coffee and treats in the Dav- DATE: Sunday, February 25, 2018 how historic preserva- enport House garden will follow. 8 TIME: 3 to 6 p.m. tion has revitalized Celebrate the Davenport House Museum

that began Savannah’s preservation movement SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2018 from 3 to 6 PM at Historic Brockington Hall 213 East Hall Street/Savannah The afternoon will include hors d’oeuvres by Cape Creations Wine bar, silent auction, Silhouette Artist Beth Pray, and a special performance by Roger Moss Master of the American Songbook Note: Photos and an acknowledgement of event patrons will be a feature in the

spring Friends of the Davenport House newsletter

“The Best is Yet to Come” Davenport House Museum Benefit Your contribution supports the ongoing work of the DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM. Primary Patron: 6 event tickets, 2 tickets to the VIP Cocktail Party, Thursday, Feb. 22, 6 to 8 PM and event recognition ____ @ $2000 Grand Patron: 4 event tickets, 2 tickets to the VIP Cocktail Party, Thursday, Feb. 22, 6 to 8 PM and event recognition ___ @ $1000 Patron: 2 event tickets, 2 tickets to the VIP Cocktail Party, Thursday, Feb. 22, 6 to 8 PM and event recognition ___ @ $500 EVENT TICKETS ONLY @ $95 ___ @ $95 I am unable to attend but would like to contribute to the DAVENPORT HOUSE with a donation of $ ____

Tickets $95 per person Enclosed is my check payable to DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM for $______Or please charge $ ______to my credit card VISA MASTERCARD AMEX DISCOVER

Credit Card Number ______

Expiration Date ______CVV______Name ______Street ______City______State ______Zip ______Phone ______E-Mail ______Names of All Guests in Your Party ______For information call 912-236-8097. The Davenport House is a property of Historic Savannah Foundation, Inc., which is a non-profit organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Only those names appearing on the Attendance List will be admitted. 9 HOLIDAY EVENING TOURS by Candlelight of the DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM

The day which introduces a new year, is with much propriety a day of mutual congratulations and good wishes. The Savannah Republican. December 30, 1826.

WHERE WHAT ADMISSION Davenport House Museum Evening tour emphasizing Adults—$12 in advance, $15 at the door how the holidays were celebrated in the early 19th Children (ages 6 to 17) — $6 WHEN century in advance, $8 at the door Tickets my be purchased Tuesday, December 26 thru FEATURES online - Saturday, December 30 www.DavenportHouseMuse from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The house lit by candlelight, early 19th century music, um.org shortbread and cider in the garden. Early 19th century

dance demonstration at the end of the evening.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Savannah, GA Permit No. 345

c/o P.O Box 1733 Address Service Requested Savannah, GA 314012-1733

To:

Friends of the Davenport House: Annual Giving Response Info

$1—49 – Brick Mason $50—149 – Carpenter $150—249 — Master Builder $250—599 – Alderman $600—999-Fire Warden $1000— McKinnon Circle Every dollar counts! Donations are tax deductible. Renewal: ______First time member: ______Additional Gift: ______In honor of: ______

Name: ______Phone #: ______Address: ______City, State, Billing Zip: ______Email Address: ______

Make check payable to Friends of the Davenport House or charge by credit card: Visa MasterCard AmEx Discover (circle) - Donation Amount to Charge: ______Account Number: ______Expiration Date: ______3 or 4 Digit Code on the Back: ______

Signature: ______Master Levon Michael Westcott Wild Send to: Davenport House Museum, 324 E. State Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Wishing you a bright and

shiny New Year! Remember the Davenport House Shop for holiday gifts.