Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
A meticulously preserved 1819 English Regency mansion and its slave quarters, offering a profound look at Savannah's complex history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A meticulously preserved 1819 English Regency mansion and its slave quarters, offering a profound look at Savannah's complex history.
"A powerful and beautifully preserved piece of Savannah’s history, offering honest storytelling."
📸 Photography Welcome
Capture the stunning architecture and interiors; photos are generally allowed inside.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours are Key
The knowledgeable guides bring the history to life, making the experience truly immersive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored Slave Quarters
Ground floor and outbuildings
A poignant and essential part of the story, offering a glimpse into the lives of the enslaved.

Regency Architecture
The main house
Admire the elegant English Regency design, a testament to 19th-century architectural prowess.

Parterre Garden
Rear of the house
A beautifully maintained garden offering a serene escape and a glimpse into historical landscaping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Full Story
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Welcome
Capture the stunning architecture and interiors; photos are generally allowed inside.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours are Key
The knowledgeable guides bring the history to life, making the experience truly immersive.
💰 Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes access to other Telfair Museums, offering great value.
👻 Paranormal Interest
Some visitors report eerie experiences; it's known for its historical and potential paranormal tales.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Welcome
Capture the stunning architecture and interiors; photos are generally allowed inside.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours are Key
The knowledgeable guides bring the history to life, making the experience truly immersive.
💰 Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes access to other Telfair Museums, offering great value.
👻 Paranormal Interest
Some visitors report eerie experiences; it's known for its historical and potential paranormal tales.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters for its deeply informative and moving guided tours, highlighting the knowledgeable staff and the honest portrayal of both the wealthy family's life and the enslaved people's experiences. The well-preserved architecture and gardens are also frequently mentioned as highlights, making it a significant and educational stop in Savannah.
"I'm glad we toured this place. Our kids loved the history and the very knowledgeable staff/tour guides, made the history of the house and how it was ran, very imaginable. The house is very well preserved and the story of the house itself is intriguing. Our kids were fascinated. At the end of the tour, you are able to read the captured notes from letters sent from some of the home's inhabitants. Pictures are welcomed! I wish I would've taken more, but I was REALLY intrigued."
Elsa Olivarez
"We didn’t book in advance but were able to join a group beginning a guided tour almost immaculate. The guide was outstanding. It’s an interesting visit in terms of the unique architecture, the view of life at that time in such a home with enslaved people an integral part of the system, and the unique historical roles played by some of the inhabitants. So, a small place, a home, but an experience that’s interesting and revealing on several levels. We’re glad we stumbled onto this place."
Paul Cantrell
"A powerful and beautifully preserved piece of Savannah’s history. The Owens-Thomas House offers a rare blend of stunning Regency architecture and honest storytelling about both the wealthy family and the enslaved people who lived there. The restored slave quarters are especially moving. Guided tours are informative and well-paced. Highly recommend for a meaningful and educational experience."
Ryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Owens-Thomas House is conveniently located at 124 Abercorn Street, on the northeast corner of Oglethorpe Square in Savannah, Georgia. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the historic district, or you can use ride-sharing services. Parking in Savannah can be challenging, so consider walking or public transport if possible.
Street parking is available but can be limited and metered. There are also several parking garages within walking distance, such as the Whitaker Street Garage or the Bryan Street Garage. It's advisable to check current parking rates and availability before your visit.
Savannah's public bus system, Chatham Area Transit (CAT), serves the historic district. You can check their routes and schedules to see if a bus stop is conveniently located near the Owens-Thomas House. Many visitors find it easy to walk to the house from other parts of downtown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission is around $25-$30 per adult. It's a good idea to check the official Telfair Museums website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
While walk-in tickets may be available, booking your guided tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during busy periods, to ensure you get your preferred time slot.
The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters typically operates from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last tour starting at 4 PM. However, hours can change seasonally or for special events, so it's best to verify the current schedule on the Telfair Museums website before your visit.
Yes, tickets for the Owens-Thomas House often include admission to two other Telfair Museums: the Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center for the Arts, offering excellent value for history and art enthusiasts.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and children. Check the Telfair Museums website for details on any available concessions or special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours are highly praised for their knowledgeable and passionate guides who provide in-depth insights into the house's history, architecture, and the lives of its inhabitants, both free and enslaved.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the house, allowing you to capture the beautiful interiors and historical details. However, it's always good practice to confirm with your guide.
The restored slave quarters offer a powerful and moving perspective on the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked at the house. They are a crucial part of understanding the full historical narrative.
The main house has limited accessibility due to its historic nature. The ground floor and garden are generally accessible, but upper floors may require climbing stairs. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.
The parterre garden is a beautifully restored example of 19th-century landscaping, offering a tranquil space to explore and appreciate historical horticultural practices.
📸 📸 Photography
The drawing room with its natural light, the elegant Regency architecture of the exterior, and the serene parterre garden are all fantastic for photography. Don't forget the unique details within the slave quarters.
While general photography is allowed, it's best to avoid using flash to protect the historical artifacts and artwork. Always check for signage or ask your guide if unsure.
For personal use, photography is usually fine. However, for commercial photography or professional shoots, you'll likely need to obtain special permission from the Telfair Museums.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids often find the stories of daily life in the 19th century fascinating, and the opportunity to read captured notes from inhabitants adds a personal touch. The beautiful garden also provides a pleasant space for a brief respite. Remember that the content can be sensitive, so be prepared for discussions about slavery.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
The meticulously restored interiors, period furnishings, and the authentic slave quarters offer a rich, layered historical experience. The ticket often includes access to other Telfair Museums, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Savannah's cultural heritage.
👻 Paranormal Investigators & Curious Minds
If you're drawn to the mysterious side of history, the Owens-Thomas House offers a compelling blend of documented history and local lore. It's a place where the past feels very present, making it an intriguing stop for those interested in the spectral side of Savannah.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Narratives: Wealth and Slavery
Visitors are guided through the main house, showcasing its stunning English Regency architecture and period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the lives of the privileged. Simultaneously, the tour delves into the restored slave quarters, providing a more somber yet vital perspective on the labor, living conditions, and humanity of those who were enslaved. This honest storytelling makes the experience particularly impactful and educational.
This approach ensures that the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is not just a showcase of historical architecture but a profound educational site that encourages reflection on the intertwined histories of freedom and bondage in America. The knowledgeable guides play a key role in facilitating this understanding, making the complex history accessible and relatable.
Architectural Significance and Design
The interior features a drawing-room, dining room, and library, all meticulously preserved with period furniture and artwork. The drawing-room, in particular, is noted for its natural light and detailed decor, offering a sense of the grandeur of the era. The house also boasts a unique parterre garden, designed in the French style, which adds to its historical charm and provides a beautiful outdoor space.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the architecture also reflects the social structures of the time. The layout and design of the house, including the placement of the slave quarters, were integral to the functioning of the household and the display of wealth and status. Understanding the architecture provides context for the lives lived within its walls.
Beyond the House: The Slave Quarters Experience
Tour guides often highlight the specific conditions and routines of the enslaved individuals, from their living spaces to their roles in maintaining the household. This part of the tour is frequently described as moving and eye-opening, providing a more complete and honest picture of Savannah's past.
By dedicating significant attention to the slave quarters, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters fulfills its mission to tell the entire story of the people who inhabited the property, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical complexities and human experiences that shaped the region.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit