SAVANNAH, Ga. – Historic Savannah Foundation will reschedule the June 18th “Yamacraw Village: History, Community and Continuity” HSF Panel Discussion at First Bryan Baptist Church, located at 575 W. Bryan St. in Savannah, Ga., due to an unexpected conflict. The new date for the Yamacraw Village HSF Panel Discussion, which is free and open to the public, will be Thursday, July 23rd at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The Yamacraw Village panel discussion is part of Historic Savannah Foundation’s ongoing lecture series, “People, Places and Stories that Define Savannah.” Moderated by Historic Savannah Foundation President and CEO Collier Neeley, this informative panel will examine the rich history of the Yamacraw community, from its 18th-century roots to the demolition of the multicultural neighborhood in 1939 and its subsequent development as a 22-acre public housing complex in 1941.
“We’re deeply honored to bring together an esteemed group of panelists for an informative, timely discussion about Yamacraw Village, which is one of the most vital places that defines Savannah’s past, present and future,” said Neeley. “We invite local residents and visitors to join us on July 23rd to learn about this historic Savannah neighborhood and why the thoughtful redevelopment of Yamacraw Village is so important in 2026.”
Yamacraw Village holds deep historical importance for Savannah, reflecting national trends in urban planning and public housing while highlighting the impact on underrepresented communities. As the oldest federally funded housing project remaining in Savannah, and one of the earliest remaining in the U.S., Yamacraw Village’s current planned demolition and redevelopment raises questions about how neighborhoods and public housing communities are preserved.
The panel discussion will also highlight First Bryan Baptist Church, which was established in 1788 by Andrew Bryan while he was enslaved at Brampton Plantation. Recognized as one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the U.S., First Bryan Baptist Church serves as a spiritual and community anchor for the neighborhood. The church’s enduring connection to the community is essential to understanding the history of Yamacraw Village. The HSF Panel Discussion will examine the importance of preserving history in Savannah, as well as a sense of place, faith and community.
The HSF Lecture Series will continue on August 27th with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Architectural History Chair Dr. Robin B. Williams and SCAD Architectural History Professor Emeritus Dr. David W. Gobel discussing “Learning from Savannah: From Ideal City to Elastic Urbanism.”
On September 17th, Jonathan Stalcup from Architectural History Tours of Savannah will explore “Mid-Century Modern Savannah.” On October 15th, Ossabaw Island Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth DuBose will discuss “Rehabilitating the Torrey Home & Preservation of Ossbaw’s Built Environment.”
Historic Savannah Foundation’s panel discussion about Yamacraw Village is free and open to the public, but advance sign-ups are strongly encouraged. To secure your spot, please visit myhsf.org/events/lecture-series. Please contact Kendall Graham at kgraham@myhsf.org for more information about the HSF Lecture Series.
ABOUT HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION:
Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF), a leading nonprofit cultural institution, saves the buildings, places and stories that define Savannah’s past, present and future. Founded in 1955 when seven brave women banded together to save the Isaiah Davenport House, Historic Savannah Foundation spearheaded the preservation movement in Savannah. The organization continues to preserve and operate The Davenport House Museum, sharing its important story with the community, and operates a Revolving Fund to save endangered historic properties, now totaling over 420 buildings throughout several of Savannah’s historic districts. Now in its 71st year, HSF continues to lead preservation efforts throughout the Savannah community. More info: myhsf.org.
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