Coastal Heritage Society

Providing Educational Experiences for the Public Through the Preservation and Presentation of Historic Resources

Coastal Heritage Society (CHS) is a nonprofit organization based in Savannah, Georgia, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the region’s rich history through six distinctive museums and a variety of educational programs. Founded in 1975, CHS aims to provide engaging experiences that connect visitors with the cultural and historical narratives of coastal Georgia. CHS’s six museums each offer unique insights into different aspects of Savannah’s heritage:

• Savannah History Museum: Situated in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Passenger Station, this museum stages the city’s history from its founding in 1733 to present day, highlighting key events and figures that shaped Savannah.

• Savannah Children’s Museum: Located within the historic Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop and Storehouse, the museum offers more than a dozen hands-on exhibits, including a Mirror Maze, sensory garden, reading nook, and daily educational programming.

• Georgia State Railroad Museum: Housed in a 19th-century railroad facility, this museum showcases the history of railroading in the South and features the largest collection of antebellum railroad structures in the United States.

• Old Fort Jackson: Visit Georgia’s oldest standing brick fort that offers visitors a glimpse into Savannah’s military past, complete with daily cannon demonstrations and exhibits on coastal defense.

• Pin Point Heritage Museum: Located in the former A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory, this museum tells the story of the Gullah/Geechee community, focusing on their traditions, language, and contributions to the region’s culture.

• Harper Fowlkes House: Walk through a Greek Revival-style mansion that provides insights into 19th-century living in Savannah, featuring period furnishings and architecture.

CHS is also known for hosting a variety of special events throughout the year to celebrate and bring awareness to Savannah’s culture and history.

For more information on visiting hours, events, and membership opportunities, please visit the official Coastal Heritage Society website: chsgeorgia.org