SAVANNAH, Ga. — Historic Savannah Foundation and the Davenport House Museum are pleased to announce two new community-focused literacy programs, the Summer Storytime Program and the Summer Reading Quest, both of which support literacy initiatives in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Designed for children of all ages, these interactive opportunities will engage young readers and their families, bringing history and storytelling together to make books come alive. All events are free and open to the public.
“We’re launching our new Summer of Reading programming at the Davenport House because we believe in the power of literacy and expanding access to reading for children of all ages,” said Davenport House Museum Executive Director Danielle Hodes. “By providing a historic space for storytelling and incentivizing summer reading with fantastic local prizes, we hope to make literacy, reading and learning fun for young readers.”
The Summer Storytime Program invites children of all ages and their caregivers to experience history retold through a three-part, multisensory read-aloud series at the Davenport House Museum, located at 323 E. Broughton St., in June, July and August. Families will be invited to the museum’s historic drawing room to enjoy a 30-minute read-aloud of a carefully selected illustrated children’s book that connects to a piece of shared history. Then, participants will head outside to the museum garden for an engaging, hands-on craft or educational activity inspired by the day’s story and to enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages in the courtyard.
The Summer Storytime Program at the Davenport House schedule is as follows:
● Saturday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. — Brick by Brick by Charles R. Smith
● Wednesday, July 8 at 5:30 p.m. — We the Kids by David Catrow
● Saturday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 a.m. — Brothers by Yin
Thanks to local donors, every attending family will receive a free copy of that month’s featured book to take home.
The Summer Storytime Program is free and open to the public, but registration is required to ensure enough books and supplies for everyone. Interested families can register online at davenporthousemuseum.org/public-programs.
The Summer Reading Quest is a multiweek summer reading challenge designed to spark the competitive reading spirit among students, keeping them motivated throughout the summer break. To celebrate the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, the Davenport House Museum challenges readers of all ages to explore our nation’s history, discover incredible stories and engage with the local community.
To participate in the Summer Reading Quest, please complete the following steps:
1. Pick up an official Reading Quest BINGO card at the Davenport House Museum, located at 323 E. Broughton St.
2. Complete a mix of reading goals and fun local outings (like visiting Live Oak Public Library, exploring state parks or touring local museums).
3. Get 5-in-a-row to earn an awesome prize from a local Savannah favorite!
Additionally, every completed card enters participants into a drawing for Age Group Champion prize packs. One grand prize winner will take home the ultimate Savannah History Bundle, which includes a Historic Savannah Foundation family membership.
The deadline to submit completed Summer Reading Quest cards is Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The Summer Reading Quest is free and open to readers of all ages. To learn more, visit davenportsummerreading.my.canva.site.
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. HSF continues to lead preservation efforts throughout the Savannah community. More info: myhsf.org.
ABOUT DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM:
The Davenport House Museum is the historic 1820 Federal-style home and iconic Historic Savannah Foundation property that began the modern-day preservation movement in Savannah, Ga. In 1955, seven local women joined forces to save the Davenport House from demolition. Today, this award-winning house museum is dedicated to sharing the stories of master carpenter Isaiah Davenport, his family and the enslaved residents who lived in this home overlooking Columbia Square, showcasing period artifacts of life in Savannah from 1820 to 1827. Highlights include the award-winning Urban Enslaved Exhibit, which opened to the public in November 2023. Owned and operated by Historic Savannah Foundation, the Davenport House is the winner of the Preserve America Presidential Award — the highest national award honoring historic preservation achievement — and welcomes more than 40,000 visitors annually. More info: davenporthousemuseum.org.
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