Savannah History Museum
The perfect starting point for exploring Savannah’s storied past, the Savannah History Museum tells of the city’s evolution from its 1733 founding to today. Housed in the historic Central of Georgia Railway passenger shed, the museum hosts exhibits, a short film, and relics such as the famous bench from the Forrest Gump movie, and one of the oldest cars—a 1902 Crestmobile.
The Basics
The Savannah History Museum is located in historic downtown Savannah and shares a building with the city’s main visitor information center. The pair make a great introduction to the city and visitors can explore the museum on a self-guided tour. Exhibits take you from pre-colonial days through the American Revolution, Civil War, Industrial Revolution, and more. Housing over 10,000 artifacts, the museum’s exhibits highlight historic figures such as Savannah founder and governor James Oglethorpe, Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low, and musician Johnny Mercer.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum attracts history buffs and Forrest Gump fans—you can visit the bench featured in the movie.
- The Savannah History Museum is included in the “See 3” pass, which lets you choose three museums from a list of seven.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Parking is free for the first hour, enough time for most visitors to explore the museum.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the heart of the Savannah Historic District, the museum is easily accessible on foot from most downtown attractions and accommodations. You can also visit on an Old Town Trolly tour, use public transportation such as Dot Express, or drive yourself and take advantage of on-site parking.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm. Visit on a hot summer day for an escape from the heat or use the museum as an excuse to get inside on a rainy day. The museum occasionally hosts special events. Details can be found on the museum’s online calendar.
Exploring Railroad History in Savannah
The National Historic Landmark that hosts the Savannah History Museum—a passenger depot built in 1860—is just one of several historic railroad buildings that have been converted into museums. You can visit the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Tricentennial Park and discover a fully operational turntable. Nearby, the SCAD Museum of Art is hosted in a historic antebellum railroad depot.
- Savannah Historic District
- Gribble House Paranormal Experience
- Sorrel Weed House
- Telfair Museums Jepson Center
- Telfair Academy
- Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
- Savannah City Market
- American Prohibition Museum
- First African Baptist Church
- Mercer Williams House Museum
- Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
- Historic Savannah Theatre
- Andrew Low House
- Temple Mickve Israel
- Reynolds Square