Attendees gather in Columbia Square for the Savannah female founders tribute event.
Savannah gears up to honor the contributions of historic female founders at the 70th anniversary celebration of the Historic Savannah Foundation on March 20, 2025. The evening features a wine reception, a lecture on ‘The Seven Ladies Who Changed History,’ and plans for a permanent monument in Columbia Square. Join the festivities and learn about the crucial roles played by women in preserving Savannah’s heritage.
As March 2025 approaches, the charming city of Savannah gears up for a very special celebration. The Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) is all set to mark its impressive 70th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by paying tribute to the ground-breaking women who helped shape its story? This event promises not only good company and enlightening discussions but also an opportunity to recognize history that often goes unsung.
Join the historic festivities on Thursday, March 20, at the HSF headquarters located at 321 E. York St.. The evening kicks off with a delightful wine reception at 5:30 p.m., where attendees can mingle and enjoy each other’s company before a thought-provoking lecture begins at 6 p.m. This year’s lecture is part of the exciting 2025 HSF Lecture Series titled “The People, Places and Stories That Define Savannah” and is perfectly timed to coincide with Women’s History Month in March.
The spotlight for the evening will be on the lecture titled “The Seven Ladies Who Changed History.” This engaging presentation will be led by special guest speakers Lucy Brannen and Catharine Varnedoe, who happen to be the granddaughters of one of the seven original female founders. Together, these women played a pivotal role in purchasing and protecting the historic Isaiah Davenport House, an essential landmark for historic preservation efforts in Savannah. It’s a chance to delve into the valuable contributions of Lucy Barrow McIntire and her peers, whose dedication to historic preservation helped lay the foundation for what HSF stands for today.
In a move to honor these pioneering women further, HSF is planning a permanent monument in Columbia Square to commemorate their invaluable contributions. The monument is set to be completed by fall 2025 and will serve as a lasting tribute to the remarkable work of these women in the field of preservation. HSF’s CEO Sue Adler has expressed deep admiration for Brannen and Varnedoe’s dedicated work in designing and creating this long-overdue recognition.
It’s worth mentioning a bit about the speakers themselves! Lucy Brannen, with her degrees in Early Childhood Education, has made a name for herself as an educational leader and a passionate community activist. She has spent years advocating for the educational sector and empowering those around her. On the other hand, Catharine Varnedoe brings her artistic flair to the stage. An accomplished artist and illustrator, her work has been exhibited in various local galleries, showcasing the creative spirit that thrives within Savannah.
The 2025 HSF Lecture Series is open and ready to welcome everyone who is curious about the stories that frame Savannah’s rich history. For those planning to attend this must-see event, it’s recommended to secure a reservation due to limited seating. Members of HSF can RSVP via email or phone, while non-members can obtain tickets online for a modest fee of $15. Not only will you learn about Savannah’s past, but you’ll also support ongoing efforts to preserve its beautiful architecture and stories.
As the countdown to this enriching evening continues, it’s time to raise a glass (of wine) and toast to the incredible contributions of the women who helped safeguard Savannah’s history. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this community celebration on March 20—mark your calendars now!
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