civic engagement – Savannah Archaeological Alliance

Multiple historic sites are hosting cool Halloween-themed programs. Consider a haunting with twist of history rather than a manufactured, fake presentation this season.

From Drowning to Dysentery: A Deadly Look at Fort Pulaski

“Fort Pulaski might not have its own ghost story, but our island has certainly witnessed its fair share of the macabre. On October 19th and 20th, join park staff for a special ranger-led lantern tour into the darker history of Cockspur Island. Tickets are $18 per person and can be purchased by calling 912-786-4383.” See their Facebook event for more details.

Beer, Bourbon & Bullets at Old Fort Jackson

While not directly Halloween-related, Civil War medicine is definitely scary. “’Beer, Bourbon & Bullets,’ will give attendees the chance to network and enjoy beer and bourbon cocktails, while getting a peek at military field medicine and the role that spirits played along with 19th-century tools and techniques.” Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; members get a $5 discount. Details available on their Facebook event.

Yellow Fever in Savannah 1820: Davenport House

This annual event is always a crowd-pleaser, plus it offers many dates and times. “This October see a historical recreation of Savannah’s dreadful Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820 with particular emphasis on daily life of the period. A highlight is moving though the candlelit rooms witnessing enactments by costumed performers. In an area seldom seen by visitors, the fate and experiences of the uncounted half to the city’s population, both free and enslaved Africans, are revealed. Reservations recommended. Limited attendance.” Tickets are $14.95. More information is available on their Facebook event.

Halloween Hike at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Oatland Island Wildlife Center has been closed for sometime due to this summer’s tornado. They are having two Halloween Hikes, despite the continued closure. Also, this is the only kid-friendly listing here. “Pick your date [October 19 or 20] and don’t be late. This is a cash only event $10 kids, $5 adults. Purchased wristbands allow kids to get candy. In an attempt to be eco friendly plastic bags will not be provided as in years past. Please bring a container for their candy. Costume up and spend the evening trick or treating with our furry friends!” Their Facebook page has two events listed, one for each day.

*Quoted material comes directly from the links, usually the organization’s Facebook event page.

As usual, Jim Morekis’ October 3rd Connect Savannah editorial is spot on. Morekis examines the Civic Center’s future and the city’s survey asking for our feedback. The aging, ugly Civic Center represents Savannah’s sliding scale of development and preservation. Morekis writes, “When history, or more accurately, historical character, becomes just another commoditized data point in a real estate marketing campaign, then it can be disposed of that much more easily… And make no mistake: Savannah is a product now, a commodity to be bought and sold at a profit.”

Savannah is at a tipping point; the very history and culture that made its tourism industry and encouraged so many to move here has become commodified. Remember the cruise ship near-debacle? The city spent nearly $200,000 on a second study to determine cruise ships were a bad idea. Short-term vacation rentals are a current debate, leading downtown residents to ask, who is this neighborhood for?

The National Historic Landmark District’s status is threatened, which is another indicator of too much development, not enough consideration of what development is really needed. Many do not realize that the Cuyler-Brownsville Historic District is also threatened. A 2017 Savannah Morning News editorial noted, “At least 100 buildings that contributed to the neighborhood’s historic designation about 20 years ago have been razed, according to the Chatham County Metropolitan Planning Commission, which tracks such data. Indeed, within the past five years, at least eight homes that dated back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries have been demolished.” And of course, we still have no archaeological ordinance, leading to countless, erased histories with each swipe of the backhoe.

So what is important to you? What is important to Savannah?

Morekis writes, “For many newer folks to town, the idea of Savannah’s history is just that — an idea. Not a relatable, everyday reality.” So this site will start an occasional series, Backyard History to connect Savannahians to their history and make it a relatable, everyday reality.

Please take the survey, tell the city what is important to you. Get engaged. Vote. Because doing nothing will lead to exactly that… nothing worthwhile left in Savannah.

Tag: civic engagement

Haunted History Roundup

From Drowning to Dysentery: A Deadly Look at Fort Pulaski

Beer, Bourbon & Bullets at Old Fort Jackson

Yellow Fever in Savannah 1820: Davenport House

Halloween Hike at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

City Asks: “What is important to you?”

From Drowning to Dysentery: A Deadly Look at Fort Pulaski

Beer, Bourbon & Bullets at Old Fort Jackson

Yellow Fever in Savannah 1820: Davenport House

Halloween Hike at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

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