Three museums. Three centuries of history.
That’s how Savannah’s Tricentennial Park got its name. This 25-acre museum complex in Downtown Savannah is located across the street from the Visitor’s Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. It encompasses the Battlefield Memorial Park and Savannah History Museum, but also the Georgia State Railroad Museum, and Savannah Children’s Museum.
“It’s all right downtown, people can usually walk from their hotels,” said Holly Elliott, the director of marketing and public relations at the Coastal Heritage Society.
Learn at the Savannah History Museum
Guests can explore Georgia’s First City through the ages, from before 1733 to present day. Here visitors will learn about Savannah’s role in the Civil War and American Revolution. Discover all kinds of fascinating objects, including military artifacts, a cotton gin and steam locomotive from 1908. Not to mention the famous bench from Forrest Gump, Johnny Mercer’s Grammy and Oscar are on display.
“There’s one thing that a lot of people don’t know about the Savannah History Museum. It sits on the site where the Siege of Savannah took place during the Revolutionary War,” said Elliott.
It’s there at Battlefield Memorial Park, where mounds reveal the spot where more than 8,000 troops of three armies fought on October 9, 1779.
Enjoy the Georgia State Railroad Museum
Right next door, guests will find the GA State Railroad Museum, a National Historic Landmark located at the old Central of Georgia Railway. Visitors can learn about the role of railroads in Georgia, not only by video, but also by exploring the different boxcars.
“What really makes it unique is that it is actually the most complete, last standing antebellum railroad,” said Elliott. “It’s not like a traditional museum, because everything is outside.”
In addition to touring the boxcars, guests also have the opportunity to see a functioning turntable.
Savannah Children’s Museum
Also outdoors, the Savannah Children’s Museum is located within the old Central of Georgia Railway’s Carpentry Shop lower level and upper courtyard.
Savannah Children’s Museum features an exploration station, a giant maze, reading nook and sensory garden. Kids can participate in nutritional workshops, an art station, music area and costume dress-up.
“We’re trying to have a lot more interactive elements at our museums,” said Elliott.
Tickets
For more information about the Coastal Heritage Society, or any of these museums, call (912) 651-6840 or click here to visit their website.