Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home to Celebrate Author’s 100th Birthday with Weekend of Events
Thursday, March 20th, 2025
The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of the South’s greatest writers, will celebrate Flannery O’Connor’s 100th Birthday March 21-23, 2025. This annual event, which has been expanded in honor of the beloved Southern author’s centennial, is hosted in conjunction with Savannah Local Author Day, sponsored by The Book Lady Bookstore.
“This year’s celebration will include centennial socials, tours, and live music, and will culminate with a celebration in Lafayette Square complete with birthday cake! There truly will be something for everyone,” said Mary Villeponteaux, President of the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Board of Directors. “This annual event not only celebrates the life and literature of Flannery O’Connor, but also the quirky and creative characters of Savannah.”
Events are as follows:
Centennial Social at Davenport House
March 21, 2025
5-7 p.m.
323 E. Broughton Street
Cost: $25
Mingle with other Flannery fans in the historic and beautiful courtyard of the Davenport House! Refreshments and light bites will be provided. Each registered guest will receive 2 drink tickets. Registration is required.
Centennial Social at the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
March 21, 2025
5-7 p.m.
207 E. Charlton Street
Cost: $45
Mingle with other Flannery fans in the author’s intimate childhood home! Refreshments and light bites will be provided. Each registered guest will receive 2 drink tickets. Capacity is limited. Registration is required.
Lafayette Ward Walking Tours
March 22, 2025
Available between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., on the hour
Cost: $15
Explore Lafayette Ward, the O'Connors’ small but remarkable neighborhood, with a knowledgeable and friendly guide! Notable landmarks include Lafayette Square, the Hamilton Turner Home, The Andrew Low House, and Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Registration is required.
Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Tours
March 22, 2025
Available between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., on the hour
207 E. Charlton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Cost: $15
The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, located at 207 E. Charlton Street in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of the South’s greatest writers. An established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home has been meticulously restored to reflect the authentic period furnishings of a Depression-Era Savannah rowhouse and to offer insight into the years that O’Connor lived in Savannah from 1925 to 1938. Registration is required.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Tours
March 22, 2025
Available between 1 and 5 p.m.
222 E. Harris Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Cost: Free, but donations welcome.
Explore Flannery’s local church, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. This Roman Catholic cathedral and minor basilica near Lafayette Square is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah. No registration is required.
Colin Cutler & Hot Pepper Jam, a Concert Fundraiser
March 22, 2025
Doors open at 7 p.m.; music begins at 8 p.m.
Service Brewing, 574 Indian Street Savannah, GA 31401
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door
Hear Colin Cutler & Hot Pepper Jam perform Americana music from their Flannery O'Connor-inspired albums, drink local craft beers, and eat from a local food truck all while supporting the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home Foundation!
Fair and Local Author Day
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Noon - 4 p.m.
Lafayette Square, Savannah, GA
Cost: FREE!
Come celebrate Flannery’s 100th birthday with a performance by Moon River Opera, a popup art show by Panhandle Slim, Flannery-inspired crafts by Live Oak Public Library and Starlandia, vintage merch from Vintage Vortex, and birthday cake in celebration of O’Connor’s 100th birthday. Attendees are invited to dress up as Flannery to compete in a Flannery look-alike contest.
In addition, a portion of Lafayette Square will be dedicated to the annual Savannah Local Author Day, where local and regional poets, children’s book authors, and fiction and nonfiction writers will be on-hand.
The birthday party will culminate in a promenade around Lafayette Square and birthday cake. Bring handmade signs and sing along.
For more information about the Centennial Birthday Weekend or to register for events, visit flanneryoconnorhome.org/
