Massie Heritage Center
Explore Georgia's first public school, Savannah's architecture, and a detailed city model with a captivating laser show.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
School groups often depart
Massie Heritage Center
Best Time
School groups often depart
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Georgia's first public school, Savannah's architecture, and a detailed city model with a captivating laser show.
"A great wealth of information at this place, truly educational and engaging for all ages. "
📞 Call Ahead for Access
School tours can impact visitor access. Confirm availability before your visit. :telephone_receiver:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring exhibits and potentially courtyards. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Savannah Model & Laser Show
Main Exhibit Hall
A detailed scale model of Savannah with a captivating laser light show and narrated tour.
Historic Classroom Experience
Original Classroom
Step back in time to see how students learned in Georgia's first public school.
+1
Architectural & Maritime Exhibits
Various Halls
Explore Savannah's rich architectural heritage and its connection to maritime history.
Susie King Taylor Enactment
Taylor Square
Experience a powerful portrayal of Susie King Taylor, a pioneer in education for African Americans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for School Tours
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead for Access
School tours can impact visitor access. Confirm availability before your visit. :telephone_receiver:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring exhibits and potentially courtyards. :athletic_shoe:
♿ Check Accessibility
Some areas may present challenges for mobility aids. Plan accordingly. :wheelchair:
📚 Engage with Staff
Docents are knowledgeable and enhance the educational experience. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead for Access
School tours can impact visitor access. Confirm availability before your visit. :telephone_receiver:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring exhibits and potentially courtyards. :athletic_shoe:
♿ Check Accessibility
Some areas may present challenges for mobility aids. Plan accordingly. :wheelchair:
📚 Engage with Staff
Docents are knowledgeable and enhance the educational experience. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Massie Heritage Center for its educational value, highlighting its comprehensive exhibits on Savannah's architecture, history, and its role as Georgia's first public school. The detailed city model with a laser show and the engaging staff are frequently mentioned positives. However, some note accessibility issues for those with mobility challenges and a lack of captioning on videos.
"Great experience. Very educational for the history and architecture of Savanah. The staff were very friendly and kept us from almost missing the adjoining buildings. You can see that we enjoyed ourselves a little, as well as took in all the educational information."
Rebecca Keiser
"This is an awesome hands-on experience. The staff were kind and informative. The building doesn't have immediate ease of access for those in wheelchairs or limited mobility, so there's some extra planning required. The videos are not closed captioned or subtitled. So that's an unfortunate lack of access on that front."
Stephanie D.
"This is the first public school in the state of Georgia, built for the poor citizensof the community. It opened in the 1850s and closed in the 1970s. The center features history of the indigenous people of the land, a maritime museum, the original classroom, the layout of the city of Savannah, outdoor courtyards, and an architectural museum. Great wealth of information at this place"
Deanna Stotler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Massie Heritage Center is located in Savannah, Georgia. It's accessible by car, and many visitors arrive via the Old Savannah Tour bus. Parking can be limited in the historic district, so consider public transport or ride-sharing.
Street parking is available but can be challenging to find, especially during peak tourist season. There are also paid parking garages within walking distance.
Yes, it's centrally located within Savannah's historic district, making it walkable from many hotels and other attractions like Forsyth Park or River Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hours can vary, especially due to school group bookings. It's highly recommended to check their official website or call ahead to confirm operating hours for general visitors.
Admission fees are generally affordable, reflecting its mission as an educational center. Check the official website for the most current pricing information.
While not always required, booking in advance is a good idea, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or want to ensure access, as school groups can sometimes book out the facility.
This is a common issue. Sometimes, school tours can restrict access for general visitors. It's best to call ahead to confirm if general admission is available on your planned visit day.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's known for its exhibits on Savannah's architecture, public education history (as Georgia's first public school), and a detailed model of the city with a laser show. +1
Yes, it offers a hands-on and educational experience, including historical classroom simulations and exhibits that can engage younger visitors.
The center covers a range of periods, from indigenous history and the founding of Savannah to the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on education and architecture.
Knowledgeable docents are often available to provide insights and enhance your visit, offering a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits. +1
It's a highly detailed scale model of the city of Savannah, accompanied by a laser light show that highlights streets and historical narratives.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially in areas with delicate exhibits.
The detailed Savannah model, the historic classroom, and the architectural details of the building itself offer great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The detailed model of Savannah with its laser light show is also a big hit with younger visitors, providing a visual overview of the city. While the center is engaging, parents should be aware of potential accessibility challenges for strollers or wheelchairs in certain areas. Also, some videos may not have captions, which could be a consideration for families with hearing-impaired members. It's a great place to supplement a day of exploring Savannah's history with interactive learning.
📚 History Buffs & Educators
Educators will find the center particularly inspiring, with its focus on hands-on learning and the comprehensive narratives presented by knowledgeable docents. The Susie King Taylor enactment provides a powerful lens into African American history and education, making it a rich resource for understanding the broader social context of the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Savannah's Past Education
Beyond the classroom, the center delves into the broader history of education in Savannah, including specific lessons on the schooling experiences of boys, girls, and people of color. This inclusive approach highlights the evolving landscape of education and the efforts made to provide opportunities for all. The staff, often referred to as docents, are noted for their ability to connect these historical facts to Savannah's present-day development, making the experience deeply relevant.
This focus on educational history makes the Massie Heritage Center a unique destination, offering more than just a look at old buildings. It provides a narrative of social progress and the foundational role of public education in shaping the community. It’s a place where history is not just observed but actively understood through interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides.
Exploring Savannah's Architectural Soul
Visitors can explore the layout of the city of Savannah through a detailed scale model, which is a major highlight. This model, often accompanied by a captivating laser light show, visually maps out the city's unique grid system and historical development. It provides an excellent overview for understanding the urban planning that makes Savannah so distinctive and walkable.
The center also touches upon the maritime museum aspects, reflecting Savannah's historical importance as a port city. This connection between architecture, urban planning, and its role as a thriving port city offers a comprehensive look at what has made Savannah a historically significant and visually captivating destination.
The Susie King Taylor Legacy
Through enactments and exhibits, visitors can learn about her life, her work as an educator, and her contributions to the community. This part of the center highlights the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in Savannah, particularly in the realm of education, and underscores the center's commitment to telling a more complete story of the city's past.
This focus on figures like Susie King Taylor ensures that the Massie Heritage Center is not just about general history, but also about the specific, often overlooked, narratives that are crucial to understanding Savannah's complex heritage. It provides a powerful educational experience that resonates with visitors.
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