Historic Savannah Foundation and the Davenport House Museum are pleased to announce two new community-focused literacy programs, the Summer Storytime Program and the Summer Reading Quest, both of which support literacy initiatives in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Designed for children of all ages, these interactive opportunities will engage young readers and their families, bringing history and storytelling together to make books come alive. All events are free and open to the public.

“We’re launching our new Summer of Reading programming at the Davenport House because we believe in the power of literacy and expanding access to reading for children of all ages,” said Davenport House Museum Executive Director Danielle Hodes. “By providing a historic space for storytelling and incentivizing summer reading with fantastic local prizes, we hope to make literacy, reading and learning fun for young readers.”

The Summer Storytime Program invites children of all ages and their caregivers to experience history retold through a three-part, multisensory read-aloud series at the Davenport House Museum, located at 323 E. Broughton St., in June, July and August. Families will be invited to the museum’s historic drawing room to enjoy a 30-minute read-aloud of a carefully selected illustrated children’s book that connects to a piece of shared history. Then, participants will head outside to the museum garden for an engaging, hands-on craft or educational activity inspired by the day’s story and to enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages in the courtyard.

The Summer Storytime Program at the Davenport House schedule is as follows: 

●      Saturday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. — Brick by Brick by Charles R. Smith

●      Wednesday, July 8 at 5:30 p.m. — We the Kids by David Catrow

●      Saturday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 a.m. — Brothers by Yin

Thanks to local donors, every attending family will receive a free copy of that month’s featured book to take home.

The Summer Storytime Program is free and open to the public, but registration is required to ensure enough books and supplies for everyone. Interested families can register online at davenporthousemuseum.org/public-programs.

The Summer Reading Quest is a multiweek summer reading challenge designed to spark the competitive reading spirit among students, keeping them motivated throughout the summer break. To celebrate the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, the Davenport House Museum challenges readers of all ages to explore our nation’s history, discover incredible stories and engage with the local community.

To participate in the Summer Reading Quest, please complete the following steps:

1.  Pick up an official Reading Quest BINGO card at the Davenport House Museum, located at 323 E. Broughton St.

2.  Complete a mix of reading goals and fun local outings (like visiting Live Oak Public Library, exploring state parks or touring local museums).

3.  Get 5-in-a-row to earn an awesome prize from a local Savannah favorite!

Additionally, every completed card enters participants into a drawing for Age Group Champion prize packs. One grand prize winner will take home the ultimate Savannah History Bundle, which includes a Historic Savannah Foundation family membership.

The deadline to submit completed Summer Reading Quest cards is Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The Summer Reading Quest is free and open to readers of all ages. To learn more, visit davenportsummerreading.my.canva.site.