Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading preservation organization committed to preserving and protecting Savannah’s heritage, is pleased to announce the schedule for the sixth annual Savannah Preservation Festival, which will take place in Savannah May 5-13, 2017.
 
The National Trust for Historic Preservation designates May of each year as “Preservation Month.” HSF’s educational festival will demonstrate what makes Savannah unique. Event programming kicks off with a home tour and wine tasting, followed by a free lecture and reception, the 2017 HSF Preservation Awards ceremony and luncheon, and the third annual neighborhood block party at Guerry Lumber Yard (free to the public).
 
“Historic preservation is integral to Savannah.  This festival honors those who have done it well and affirms HSF’s commitment to protecting our community’s heritage,” said Daniel Carey, president and CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation. “We invite anyone with an interest in celebrating our city’s history or learning more about HSF to attend the festival.”
 
Here is a quick overview of the 2017 Savannah Preservation Festival schedule:
 
Wine Tasting and Home Tour Sponsored by United Community Bank
Friday, May 5, 2017
Tour: 6 - 8 p.m.; early check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. in Troup Square at the intersection of Habersham and East Charlton Streets
Location: Sites along Jones Street
$50 per person
Tour some of Savannah’s finest private homes and sample select wines paired with gourmet appetizers during this self-guided walking tour down one of Savannah’s most beautiful streets.
 
The Louise Lauretti Lecture, presented by Julia Bache
Sunday, May 7, 2017
6 p.m.
Location: River Street Inn, 124 East Bay Street, in the Button Gwinnett Conference Room
Free and open to the public; reception to follow
As a Girl Scout from 1st through 12th grade, Julia Bache learned the importance of community service and leadership. She earned the Girl Scout Gold Award -- the highest award in Girl Scouting -- for her work in saving historic but endangered Rosenwald Schools and listing the Buck Creek Rosenwald School in the National Register of Historic Places. In doing so at a mere 15 years of age, she was the youngest person in Kentucky to list a building in the National Register. Now a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Julia is a nationally recognized leader in preservation and has been recognized as a Young Woman of Distinction. The 3rd annual lecture, established by the Lauretti family, highlights the importance of women in the field of preservation.

Preservation Awards Luncheon Sponsored by KEIM Mineral Coatings of America
Friday, May 12, 2017
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Savannah Golf Club, 1661 E. President Street
$50 per person
Each year, Historic Savannah Foundation celebrates the best of preservation by presenting Preservation Awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in historic preservation. The award winners will be announced and their projects recognized during HSF’s Preservation Awards Luncheon.
 
The Block Party: Guerry Lumber Yard
Saturday, May 13, 2017
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
123 West 44th Street
Free and open to the public
What better place to see the bare bones of preservation than a lumber yard? Join us as we celebrate Guerry Lumber’s 90th anniversary with demonstrations and workshops highlighting the art of preservation. This festive and family friendly event will feature live music, food and drink, a bike valet, and exhibits from local craftsmen and students.  There will also be presentations by Storyteller J'miah Nabawi featuring his interactive workshop WOOD Makes Music!™, and the Davenport House Museum Dancers.
 
Tickets for all events available at myHSF.org.