King-Tisdell Cottage Museum - a cross on top of a building
1 / 10

King-Tisdell Cottage Museum

4.6
·45 reviews·Savannah, United States

Discover Savannah's rich African American heritage at the King-Tisdell Cottage, a preserved 1890s home filled with history and art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning, right at opening

Avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
King-Tisdell Cottage Museum - a cross on top of a building

King-Tisdell Cottage Museum

Best Time

Morning, right at opening

Avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Savannah's rich African American heritage at the King-Tisdell Cottage, a preserved 1890s home filled with history and art.

4.6
(45 reviews)

"Our tour guide really cares and tells you every detail."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

Don't be deterred by the distance; the walk offers views of beautiful homes and isn't too far.

🅿️ Free Parking Available

Take advantage of the rare free parking offered at the museum.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The King-Tisdell Cottage

The King-Tisdell Cottage

The main cottage

Step back in time in this authentically furnished 1890s coastal black residence.

Ulysses Davis Sculptures

Ulysses Davis Sculptures

Featured within the cottage

Admire the powerful works of African-American sculptor Ulysses Davis.

Knowledgeable Guides

Knowledgeable Guides

Throughout the tour

Experience an intimate, personal journey through Savannah's Black history.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to King-Tisdell Cottage

This historic cottage offers a deep dive into Savannah's African American heritage. Arrive early to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit. Consider combining it with a trip to the nearby Beach Institute for a fuller experience.

Getting There & Parking

While it might seem like a hike from some areas, many visitors find the walk enjoyable and discover other historic homes along the way. The museum offers rare free parking, a significant perk in Savannah.

Best Times

When
Morning, right at opening
Why
Avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups mean a more intimate experience.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Savannah celebrates more than 250 years of black history! Make sure to check out some of these historic sites and museums the next time you’re in town ✨ #visitsavannah #savannah #georgia #blackhistory
@visitsavannah
31.9K likes • 1.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

Don't be deterred by the distance; the walk offers views of beautiful homes and isn't too far. Reddit

🅿️ Free Parking Available

Take advantage of the rare free parking offered at the museum. Reddit

Here’s to making memories from memories 🤩 @eenieedenfield shares 5 museums you shouldn’t miss in Savannah. ❔Have you ever visited any of these museums? 🎥 @eenieedenfield // saltwavesspanishmoss on TT 1. Pin Point Heritage Museum 📍9924 Pin Point Ave 2. Beachinstitute African American Cultural Center 📍502 E Harris St. 3. King Tisdell Cottage 📍514 E Huntingdon St 4. Ralph Mark Gilbert Civi...
savannah.travelers
229 likes • 4.6K views

🗣️ Engage with Guides

Guides like Imani are passionate and offer invaluable local insights. Reddit

⏳ Allow an Hour

Plan for about an hour to fully absorb the history and browse artifacts. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

Don't be deterred by the distance; the walk offers views of beautiful homes and isn't too far. Reddit

🅿️ Free Parking Available

Take advantage of the rare free parking offered at the museum. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Guides

Guides like Imani are passionate and offer invaluable local insights. Reddit

⏳ Allow an Hour

Plan for about an hour to fully absorb the history and browse artifacts. Reddit

🤝 Combine with Beach Institute

Visit the nearby Beach Institute for a comprehensive look at Black history. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(45 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the King-Tisdell Cottage Museum for its deeply personal and informative tours, highlighting the passionate guides who bring Savannah's African American history to life. The authentic furnishings and the featured works of Ulysses Davis are also frequently mentioned as highlights. While the walk to the museum is generally considered enjoyable, some may find it a bit far depending on their starting point.

"Highly recommended. I was hesitant to walk over from the Beech Institute cause it seemed quite a hike on Google maps. But I'm glad I did because I got to see a lot of great homes and it wasn't that far at all. Really interesting history and Iman is very knowledgeable and great personality."

Red Holiday

"The history that you see and feel from this cottage is wonderful. Our tour guide really cares and tells you every detail."

Dawn S

"Our tour guide was amazing; she took us on an intimate, personal journey of the African American community in Savannah as told through the story of the King-Tisdell Cottage. A unique experience that should not be missed on a visit to Savannah."

C Sam

What People Like

Passionate and knowledgeable guides
Authentic historical furnishings
Ulysses Davis art collection

What People Dislike

Walk might seem long to some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is accessible by car and is a pleasant walk from other parts of Savannah. Many visitors enjoy the scenic route, discovering historic homes along the way. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers free parking, which is a significant advantage in Savannah. Reddit

It's located fairly close to the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center, and many visitors find the walk enjoyable and not too far. InstagramReddit

Arriving right when they open can help you secure a spot, especially if you're driving. Reddit

While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in reviews, walking is a popular and recommended option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is typically around $7 for military ID holders and $10 for others. It's advisable to confirm current pricing. Reddit

Advance booking isn't explicitly mentioned, but arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds. Reddit

The museum opens in the morning, and arriving at opening time is suggested for the best experience. Specific hours should be verified. Reddit

A discount is available for military ID holders. Reddit

The museum offers historical insights that can be appreciated by various age groups, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll see a preserved 1890s coastal black residence furnished with period pieces, and works by African-American sculptor Ulysses Davis. Reddit

Visitors usually spend about an hour listening to the tour and browsing the exhibits. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are a highlight, with guides like Imani providing passionate and knowledgeable insights. Reddit

It's dedicated to preserving African American history and culture, named after former owners Eugene and Sarah King, and Robert Tisdell. Reddit

Photography policies are not explicitly mentioned, but it's always best to check with staff upon arrival. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The authentically furnished rooms and the exterior of the historic cottage offer charming photo opportunities. TikTok

It's recommended to inquire about photography rules with the museum staff upon your visit. TikTok

Focus on capturing the detail and emotion of the sculptures, which are a significant part of the museum's collection. Reddit

The historic architecture of the cottage itself provides a picturesque backdrop for exterior shots. TikTok

Morning light can be ideal for capturing the cottage's exterior and interior details without harsh shadows. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The King-Tisdell Cottage Museum offers a unique opportunity for families to learn about African American history in an engaging way. While the historical context might require some explanation for younger children, the authentically furnished rooms can spark imagination. Guides are often adept at tailoring their stories to different age groups, making the history accessible and interesting. The rare free parking is also a practical benefit for families traveling by car. TikTokReddit

Consider visiting in the morning to ensure a less crowded experience, which can be beneficial when managing children. Combining the visit with the nearby Beach Institute can provide a more comprehensive historical outing. Encourage children to ask questions and share what they find most interesting about the period pieces and the stories shared by the guides. Instagram

Budget Travelers

The King-Tisdell Cottage Museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, with an admission fee that is generally quite affordable, around $10. Reddit The free parking is a significant cost-saver in Savannah, where parking can be expensive. Reddit This makes it an accessible cultural experience without breaking the bank.

To maximize value, consider arriving early to enjoy a more in-depth tour without feeling rushed. The walkable location from other attractions also means you can save on transportation costs. Reddit For a truly immersive and affordable experience, focus on engaging with the knowledgeable guides who provide a wealth of information. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of King-Tisdell Cottage

The King-Tisdell Cottage Museum stands as a vital repository of Savannah's rich African American history and culture. Named after Eugene and Sarah King, and Sarah's second husband, Robert Tisdell, the cottage itself is a preserved piece of the past. It's furnished with period pieces that authentically represent a coastal black residence from the 1890s, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into daily life during that era. The museum's dedication to preservation ensures that these stories and artifacts are accessible for generations to come. Reddit

Beyond the historical furnishings, the cottage prominently features the works of Ulysses Davis, a significant African-American sculptor. His art adds another layer of cultural depth to the museum's offerings. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and passionate guides, like Miss Imani, who bring the history to life with personal anecdotes and detailed explanations. This personal touch transforms a visit into a truly special experience, making the history feel immediate and relevant. TikTokReddit

Many visitors recommend combining a trip to the King-Tisdell Cottage with a visit to the nearby Beach Institute African American Cultural Center, as both sites showcase important aspects of Savannah's Black heritage. The museum's location also offers the rare convenience of free parking, a welcome amenity in downtown Savannah. InstagramReddit+1

Experiencing Savannah's Black History

Savannah boasts a deep and vibrant African American history, and the King-Tisdell Cottage Museum is a cornerstone of this narrative. It's more than just a collection of artifacts; it's a portal into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the Black community in the late 19th century. The intimate setting of the cottage allows for a personal connection to the past, making the historical accounts resonate deeply. Reddit

Travelers often highlight the quality of the tours as a standout feature. Guides are not only informative but also deeply passionate about sharing the stories held within the cottage walls. This enthusiasm creates an engaging and memorable experience, often leading to visitors gaining a richer understanding of Savannah's complex history. The museum's commitment to showcasing African-American art and culture, particularly through the works of Ulysses Davis, further enriches the visitor's perspective. TikTokReddit

For those looking to explore further, the King-Tisdell Cottage is part of a broader network of historical sites celebrating Black heritage in Savannah. Its proximity to other cultural centers, like the Beach Institute, makes it an ideal starting point for a day dedicated to learning and reflection. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2