The City of Savannah’s Cemeteries and Municipal Archives departments invite residents to participate in a unique and educational tour series starting later this month.

Please join the City’s Cemeteries Division as it hosts the first tour this month, full of exploration, history, and fact-finding. Entitled “Stories in Stone: A Guided Tour of Laurel Grove South Cemetery,” this fascinating tour will visit the graves of some of Savannah’s most influential African American citizens, while discussing ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the cultural landmark.

The two-hour walking tour, led by John Brannen, acting director of Cemetery Operations, will take place Friday, April 24, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, and again on Saturday, April 25, 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Each day will begin at the Laurel Grove South Cemetery main entrance, 2101 Kollock Street, Savannah. Spaces are limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space for this tour email citycemeteries@savannahga.gov or call 912-651-6843.

The second tour, hosted by the City’s Municipal Archives, is “Preserving Sacred Spaces: A Tour of the Historical Nicholsonboro Baptist Church,” and will focus on the various aspects of the church’s edifice, which was recently recognized by the Historic Savannah Foundation as one of Savannah’s “endangered African American landmarks.” The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Guests will be guided through the 1870 praise house and the 1890 sanctuary by Kathy Thomas, executive director of The Friends of Historical Nicholsonboro Baptist Church, Inc., as well as discover the rich history of the White Bluff/Coffee Bluff Gullah Geechee community.

“People question the importance of events like these. The purpose is to get out and truly appreciate all that makes Savannah a wonderful place to learn, live, grow, and raise a family,” said Luciana Spracher, Archives and History Officer, City of Savannah. “All of these stories truly make Savannah special.”

The Historical Nicholsonboro Baptist Church tour will have only one session on Saturday, May 2, 10:30am – 12:00pm. Space is limited and reservation is required. Reserve your space by emailing Archives@savannahga.gov.

What: Stories in Stone: A Guided Tour of Laurel Grove South Cemetery

When: Session 1: Friday, April 24, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Session 2: Saturday, April 25, 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Where: Laurel Grove South Cemetery Main Entrance, 2101 Kollock St.

Secure your Spot: Email citycemeteries@savannahga.gov or call 912-651-6843

What: Preserving Sacred Spaces: A Tour of the Historical Nicholsonboro Baptist Church

When: Saturday, May 2, 10:30am - 12pm

Where: Historical Nicholsonboro Baptist Church, 13319 Old Coffee Bluff Rd.

Secure your Spot: Email [email protected]