The museum is not very large, but offers nice displays of the history of Savannah.
We learned about how the city was mapped out. Savannah has many wards and squares as you drive through the historical downtown. The display explaining how these came to be is quite interesting.
There are interactive displays for young children. Areas devoted to Southern life, railroad, fishing, Revolutionary war, Civil war, WWI, WWII - to present day. There is also a large room devouted to Girl Scout Founder Juliette Gordon Low.
However, the true jewel of this museum is the Loyalists and Liberty program offered on Thursdays-Saturdays and during special events. (This program may be seasonal. So check before going!)
The Battle of Savannah took place just steps from where the museum is located. A few minutes before the Liberty and Loyalist program begins, a Patriot comes into the museum and begins playing his drum. He is trying to rally troops for the cause. He then meets all that have gathered at the back of the museum and begins to give a history of the Revolutionary war. This is a wonderful lesson! He is very energetic and interactive with the audience.
After he has set the stage of events leading up to the Battle of Savannah, he issues flags and muskets to the audience members. Everyone then marches out of the museum and across the street to the battlefield as he plays the drum. Young and old alike are involved and having a great time.
At the battlefield, he helps the audience recreate the battle. He explains what took place and where. We march and draw our bayonets. We charge the Spring Hill redoubt! Stopping here and there to learn what is happening around us. We had a great time.
Then we change to the British side. We entered the recreated redoubt and learn how to 'fire' our 'muskets'. Our guide then instructed Egee to take the drum and give out firing orders through the drum cadence. We formed our lines and followed the cadence to begin firing. Our guide fired his musket during this time.
When exiting the redoubt, we once again became Patriots and finished learning about the battle. We marched back to the museum and put down our weapons. Our guide concluded the learning experience and answered questions from the group.
The kids loved this interactive experience. We have seen many reenactments, but have never participated in one. I know they will remember it!
