Curated by Davenport House Museum Executive Director Danielle Hodes, “The Seven Ladies” centers on Katharine Judkins Clark, Elinor Adler Dillard, Anna Colquitt Hunter, Lucy Barrow McIntire, Dorothy Ripley Roebling, Nola McEvoy Roos and Jane Adair Wright. These pioneering women saw the need for a permanent organization dedicated to saving historic structures in the city, these seven preservationists founded Historic Savannah Foundation, which is the leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to saving the buildings, places and stories that define Savannah’s past, present and future. In 1955, they united to raise $22,500 to purchase the Davenport House and to protect the iconic 1820 Federal-style building from being razed to create a funeral home parking lot.

“More than 70 years later, we’re still marveling at the forward-thinking actions of these brave women and wondering what Savannah would look like today without their efforts,” said Hodes. “Through this exhibition, we hope to honor their shared commitment to civic service and to showcase the personal stories of these seven women, revealing how their collective impact was shaped by the strength of their individual character.”

“The Seven Ladies” exhibit will combine historic photographs, archival materials and interpretative storytelling to explore the lives of each influential woman. Often grouped together, each woman, in fact, had her own unique perspective, special talent and leadership style that collectively shaped a pivotal moment in Savannah’s history. The exhibit will explore the personal histories, lived experiences and strong convictions of each woman and what compelled her to serve her community.

This inspiring exhibition will highlight the spirit of public responsibility and stewardship that guided these women and the lasting impact of their leadership, which is forever memorialized in Savannah’s Columbia Square with one of the first monuments in the United States dedicated to female preservationists.

 For more information about “The Seven Ladies” exhibition and HSF’s National Preservation Month events, please visit myhsf.org/events/preservation-month.