This is a very special year for the Ships of the Sea Museum. We celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the construction of the William Scarbrough House, one of the earliest examples of domestic Greek revival architecture in the south. We are also celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the launch of the SS Savannah, the first ocean steamship to cross the Atlantic. Congress deemed this launch so significant to US maritime history that they declared May 22 as Maritime Day. This year, we join with the Propeller Club to celebrate Maritime Day in the gardens of the museum.

Since 1974, the William Scarbrough House has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the US Department of the Interior. This year, we have been honored with 2 important awards.  The Ships of the Sea Museum has been accepted into the National Trust for Historic Preservation Distinctive Destinations Program. Distinctive Destinations are a group of diverse historic sites across the country that help illustrate the breadth and depth of the American story and we are thrilled to join the 150 other historic places around the country. Learn more about the program at https://savingplaces.org/distinctive-destinations

Another feather in our hat this year is receiving the 2019 Experts Choice Award from TripExperts. Expert Choice, now in its fourth year, recognizes endorsements by leading publications, such as Fodors and Frommer’s, and more than 1.5 million reviews were taken into account in determining the winners of the 2019 awards. Not only does this award distinguish us as one of the best attractions in Savannah, fewer than 2% of attractions worldwide receive this award.