Georgia history begins with the earliest known inhabitants of the region, the Paleo-Indians. Archaeological evidence shows how they lived on these lands, subsisting with the resources around them, and how they would interact with other cultures.
Follow the path from the Ice Age to the Colonial Period and discover more about the indigenous people of Coastal Georgia.
This gallery is located on the 2nd floor of our East Building.
What is architecture? How does it shape our environment? What does it tell others about us? Explore the inspiration of Savannah’s built environment in this gallery which is dedicated to every architectural style that is currently found in the city.
This gallery is located on the 1st floor of our West Building.
Inaugurated on February 23, 2017, and located in the Massie's Heritage Classroom, this exhibition addresses Savannah's history of education as experienced by the Black community, who fought hard for their right to an education. With a combination of primary sources and interpretative panels, the slow and excruciating struggle of Savannah society to allow the public-school integration of Black and White communities is brought to light.
This exhibition is located in the rear of the Historic Classroom, located on the 2nd floor of our Main Building.
Massie, being the first public school in Georgia, opened with much enthusiasm in 1856. The school year began with 150 students and three teachers. Demand for this new form of public education grew, as did the school. Learn what school life was like for our earliest students and educators and discover how the growth of public education in Savannah shaped our community. Be sure to also visit the principal's office, with its commanding view of Taylor Square.
This exhibition is located on the 2nd floor of our Main Building.
The gallery focuses on the preservation of Savannah's historic architecture when it faced the threat of modernization during the 1950’s. This gallery pays tribute to efforts by the non-profit groups and private citizens who believed that Savannah’s future lay in its past. Learn more though the artifacts on display, unique to Savannah’s lost built environment.
This gallery is located on the 1st floor of our East Building.
Massie's two courtyards - one for girls and the other for boys - were the traditional location for recess for the students. The courtyards are surrounded by historic Savannah grey bricks walls and encase beautifully landscaped and maintained gardens. Today the courtyards are cared for by the Garden Club of Savannah.
The Girls Courtyard is located behind the West Building and the Boys Courtyard is located behind the East Building.
The Maritime Gallery was inaugurated in August 2015 and posthumously dedicated to Massie Alumnus and supporter, Howard J. Morrison in 2019. Through Mr. Morrison’s generous gift, this gallery focuses on the historical and continued reliance Savannah has on the river it was named after. The main attraction of this gallery is a collection of international ship models handmade by Marine Corporal M. Gerard Greco. These were his life's work and hobby and were donated by his sons, Stephen and Jerry, after his passing.
This gallery is located in the rear of the 1st floor of our Main Building.
Savannah is well known for its famous grid of streets and the 22 squares that it harbors. The “Oglethorpe Plan” named after Georgia’s founder General James Edward Oglethorpe, is a long-standing symbol of community, adaptability, accessibility, and practicality. Discover the inspiration behind Oglethorpe’s design and why location matters then and now.
This gallery is located in the front of the 1st floor of our Main Building.
This exhibition seeks to pay tribute to many educators in Savannah who have fought against rigid societal norms and legislation to pave the road toward progress. The narrative spans over two centuries and outlines the evolution of Savannah’s educational system, focusing on its trailblazers. Themes include a-re- imagined principal's office from 1870, the African American Experience in Education, Kindergarten and the Progressive Movement, Youth Organizations and Empowerment, and Contemporary Icons.
This exhibition is located around the perimeter of the Historic Classroom, located on the 2nd floor of our Main Building.
