The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has awarded Coastal Heritage Society (CHS) the 2024 Historic Preservation Grant for their comprehensive conservation project titled “Loyalists & Liberty: Savannah in the American Revolution.” The grant supports the complete conservation of several smaller artifacts that were recovered from the Savannah River during routine dredging. The artifacts include various 18th-century munitions and two anchor fragments, dating back to the American Revolution. 

“The Lachlan McIntosh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was honored to assist in funding this important project through a National DAR grant. We feel it is important to preserve Savannah’s past as we look towards our future,” said Betty Dixon, Regent of the Lachlan McIntosh Chapter, NSDAR. “DAR members are passionate about performing service to our community, preserving history, and educating. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Coastal Heritage Society.”

One of the most pivotal battles of the Revolutionary War occurred at Savannah, which took place on the west end of the city, where Savannah History Museum and Battlefield Memorial Park stand today. There were 800 casualties in 50 minutes, one of the bloodiest hours of the Revolutionary War. In 2021, during the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, evidence of this event was discovered when 19 cannons and dozens of artifacts were recovered in the Savannah River. This is likely the most extensive collection of 18th-century artillery from a single Revolutionary War naval event to ascend from the water. Artifacts from this discovery, including all 19 cannons, will be conserved and displayed in Savannah History Museum for the 250th commemoration of American independence and beyond.

In addition to Savannah History Museum, CHS operates Old Fort Jackson, Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Harper Fowlkes House, and Pin Point Heritage Museum. For more information about CHS, please visit www.chsgeorgia.org.