Part of Historic Savannah Foundation’s ongoing lecture series, “People, Places and Stories that Define Savannah,” the Yamacraw Village panel discussion will include David S. Hamburger of Georgia Legal Services; Shana Williams from the Yamacraw Residents Council; Ellie Isaacs of Landmark Preservation Consulting, LLC.; and Georgia Benton, historian for First Bryan Baptist Church. Moderated by Historic Savannah Foundation President and CEO Collier Neeley, this panel will examine the rich history of the Yamacraw community, from its 18^th-century roots to the demolition of the multicultural neighborhood in 1939 and its subsequent development as a 22-acre public housing complex in 1941.

“We’re deeply honored to bring together this esteemed group of panelists for an informative, timely discussion about Yamacraw Village, which is one of the most vital places that define Savannah’s past, present and future,” said Neeley. “We invite local residents and visitors to join us on June 18^th to learn about this historic Savannah neighborhood and why the thoughtful redevelopment of Yamacraw Village is so important in 2026.”

Yamacraw Village holds deep historical importance for Savannah, reflecting national trends in urban planning and public housing while highlighting the impact on underrepresented communities. As the oldest federally funded housing project remaining in Savannah, and one of the earliest remaining in the U.S., Yamacraw Village’s current planned demolition and redevelopment raises questions about how neighborhoods and public housing communities are preserved.

The panel discussion will also highlight First Bryan Baptist Church, which was established in 1788 by Andrew Bryan while he was enslaved at Brampton Plantation. Recognized as one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the U.S., First Bryan Baptist Church serves as a spiritual and community anchor for the neighborhood. The church’s enduring connection to the community is essential to understanding the history of Yamacraw Village. The HSF Panel Discussion will examine the importance of preserving history in Savannah, as well as a sense of place, faith and community.

Historic Savannah Foundation’s Lecture Series will take a summer break in July. For more information about upcoming HSF Lectures, please visit myhsf.org/events/lecture-series.

Historic Savannah Foundation’s special panel discussion about Yamacraw Village is free and open to the public, but advance sign-ups are strongly encouraged. To secure your spot, please visit myhsf.org/events/lecture-series. Please contact Kendall Graham at [email protected] for more information about the HSF Lecture Series.