Coastal Heritage Society (CHS) is celebrating 50 years of preserving history, fostering education, and creating lasting memories for the community in Savannah in 2025. This well-established nonprofit operates Savannah History Museum, Savannah’s Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, and Harper Fowlkes House. CHS is looking forward to an exciting anniversary year as it continues its longstanding mission of providing educational experiences for the public through the preservation and presentation of the historic resources of coastal Georgia and adjacent regions.

Since 1975, CHS has celebrated culture, expanded educational offerings, and bolstered community engagement. During its golden anniversary, CHS is asking the community to support the preservation of coastal Georgia’s historic gems to entice and educate visitors for the next 50 years. Membership is a great way to show support and enjoy unlimited access to the six museums, as well as many other benefits. CHS offers a range of memberships for individuals, families, and companies that are available at museum gift shops or online at www.chsgeorgia.org/membership.

“We have such gratitude for the support provided by our community and sponsors that has allowed Coastal Heritage Society to celebrate 50 years of preserving and sharing the region’s rich history,” said Nora Lee, CEO of Coastal Heritage Society. “This is not only a time to reflect on our successful past but also a call to action for what we can accomplish in the future. We invite everyone to visit our museums, take a look at our website, make a donation, and become a member of CHS. Together, let’s ensure future generations have the opportunity to visit and learn from our museums for years to come.”

Tricentennial Park is home to three museums that bring Savannah to life, both past and present. The park encompasses Savannah History Museum, Battlefield Memorial Park, Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum, which are all located conveniently by the MLK Visitor Information Center. As the premier family-friendly attraction in the city, families can enjoy the day by exploring the diverse and educational offerings of CHS. At Pin Point Heritage Museum, visitors can discover coastal Georgia’s rich Gullah-Geechee culture and develop an understanding of the historical experience of growing up in Pin Point, a community founded by formerly enslaved African Americans and their descendants in the 1890s. Also located in downtown Savannah on Barnard Street, Harper Fowlkes House was built in the Greek Revival style and reflects life in Savannah during the mid-19th century, both for wealthy elites and those

working in the house. Fort Jackson is a National Historic Landmark, located on the eastern end of the city right on the Savannah River, as an early 19th-century fort with multi-era military history programming. Interpreters in historical military impressions offer daily historical weapons demonstrations and activities appropriate for all ages. Educational programming and special exhibits enable visitors to gain a broader understanding of the history of the fort, those who served there, and its role in Savannah’s defense.

‘CHS All In’ is the initiative that provides underserved audiences with access to Coastal Heritage Society’s museums and educational programs at no cost. This is in partnership with the national access program, ‘Museums for All’, that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. 'CHS All In’ includes free admission to museums for families receiving EBT/SNAP/WIC benefits and Live Oak Public Library cardholders, free field trips for Title I schools, and free community outreach through the Mobile Museum.

A donation of any amount to the Annual Fund provides Coastal Heritage Society with the necessary resources to help build a better future. For any questions or to tailor a donation to suit a particular interest, program, or museum, please email development@chsgeorgia.org.

Coastal Heritage Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation founded in 1975 that operates six museums reflecting our nation’s history and culture while offering many special events for all ages throughout the year. The museums include Savannah History Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, and Harper Fowlkes House. For further information about the museums, programs, memberships, events and ways to give please visit www.chsgeorgia.org