Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) will welcome Luciana Spracher, Director of the City of Savannah Municipal Archives, as the next presenter in its “People, Places and Stories that Define Savannah” lecture series. The presentation is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, at Historic Savannah Foundation, located at  321 E. York Street. 

Spracher will share the intriguing stories of two of Savannah’s earliest City Surveyors and Engineers, John McKinnon and John B. Hogg/Howard, and the mysteries surrounding them, including an unsolved murder and a name change. 

She will also offer an introduction to the City of Savannah Municipal Archives’ maps, surveys and architectural drawings collections. The Municipal Archives preserves over 4,000 historical maps, surveys, and plats from the City Surveyor’s and City Engineer’s offices, dating back to the 1790s. These collections document Savannah’s unique town plan, progress and growth through the 19th and 20th centuries, and development of distinct neighborhoods and subdivisions. 

“We are delighted to have Luciana join us as part of our lecture series,” HSF Education & Research Associate, Kimberly Newbold said. “She knows about Savannah’s history from the perspective of those who developed this city and she delights in sharing her expertise including some fascinating stories you may not have heard before.”

The lecture is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members. The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. with a pre-lecture gathering at 5:30 p.m. to socialize and enjoy a glass of wine. Members may RSVP for the April 20 lecture by emailing Kimberly Newbold at [email protected] or calling 912-483-7294. The $15 nonmember registration fee can be paid by visiting HSF’s website, https://www.myhsf.org/events/lecture-series/. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended.