
For an educational historical attraction adventure the next time you are in Savannah, GA, check out the Davenport House Museum; with many different rooms and exhibits to explore, you are sure to learn something new about the history of this great city. Discover the rich history of the Davenport family, 13 enslaved workers, and other tenants who resided in this space.
About the Davenport House Museum
The museum is located on Columbia Square in Savannah and is one of the oldest buildings in the entire city, completed around 1820. The house was purchased by the Historic Savannah Foundation in 1955 and marked the start of the city's historic preservation movement. This home paved the way for many other preservation efforts and thus saved many other historic places from being torn down. It has since been restored as an interesting and educational landmark for those who visit Savannah.
The museum's main collection includes over 500 items ranging from texts, furniture, ceramics, books, and much more. They also hold many different archaeological expeditions at the Isaiah Davenport House, which provide extensive insight into the history of the estate. Add this museum to your trip to get a unique insight into Savannah and see an amazing part of history.
History of the Isaiah Davenport House
This home was built by Isaiah Davenport and his enslaved workers. He built this home to show off his Master Builder skills. Isaiah and his wife Sarah lived there with their ten children and 13 enslaved workers. The family lived here until Davenport's death in 1827. After that, his wife, Sarah, made the building into a boarding house where she still resided. In the 1840s, she sold the home to the Baynard family who rented it out as a tenement house for over 80 years. Over time, the house began to fall into dismay. Even so, surveyors recognized the beautiful architecture and its significance to history; so, when it was going to be torn down in 1955, a group of citizens banned together to save it. Thus, starting the Historic Savannah Foundation which has saved over 420 houses since.
Make vacation planning easy and convenient with a vacation package bundle for Savannah, GA so you can enjoy tons of fun activities and attractions during your stay.
Davenport House Museum | |
Available Now until 12/31/2025 View Detailed Schedule | |
Explore the amazing history of Savannah, GA when you take this self-guided tour of the Davenport House Museum. |
- Approximately how long could a customer plan to spend at Davenport House Museum?
Around one hour and ten minutes.
- What amenities are available?
The museum has a shop in the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy with two single stall bathrooms and a water fountain.
- Is Davenport House Museum handicap accessible?
Only the Urban Enslaved exhibition on the first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible. The house tour contains three sets of stairs and standing for over an hour. There are limited chairs available inside the house.
- Is photography & video recording allowed?
Non-flash photography is allowed.
- For what ages is Davenport House Museum appropriate?
This is great for all ages.
- Is parking available at Davenport House Museum? Is it free?
Parking is available at on-street meters Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for approximately $1.00 an hour. Parking is free on Sundays. Additional parking may be found at city garages with the closest one being at the corner of East State and Abercorn Streets.
- What are the hours of operation?
The Davenport House Museum is opened Monday through Saturday 11am-3:30pm. Tours are on every half hour with the exception of 12:00pm and 2:30pm. We are closed on most major holidays, check website for best information.
