Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) — the leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to saving the buildings, places and stories that define Savannah’s past, present and future — will host an informative, engaging lecture by The Ossabaw Island Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth DuBose titled “The Torrey-West Home Turns 100: Rehabilitating a ‘Southern Palace’ on Ossabaw Island, Ga.’” on Thurs., Oct. 15.  

Part of the ongoing HSF Lecture Series titled “The People, Places and Stories that Define Savannah,” DuBose will speak at the Murray C. Perlman and Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, located in the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy at 323 E. Broughton St. in Savannah, Ga. Attendees are invited to attend a wine reception at 5:30 p.m. The lecture will start at 6 p.m.

Built between 1924 and 1926, the Torrey-West Home on Ossabaw Island — a state-owned barrier island set aside for natural, scientific and cultural education research and study — stands apart as one of Georgia’s most remarkable private coastal estates. As the home celebrates its centennial, this lecture will explore the ambitious rehabilitation of the 20,000-square-foot residence, highlighting the unique challenges involved in preserving a historic home on a remote barrier island accessible only by boat. Audience members will learn how a special partnership between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and The Ossabaw Island Foundation is ensuring that this architectural treasure will continue to serve educational, cultural and scientific programs for generations to come.

DuBose has led The Ossabaw Island Foundation since 1998. As Executive Director, she focuses on sharing Ossabaw Island’s rich history and impressive natural and cultural resources. Over the years, she has supervised the restoration or stabilization of 12 historic buildings on Ossabaw, including the award-winning restorations of three mid-19th century tabby buildings. The Foundation’s Public Use and Education Programs offer trips focusing on indigenous, African American, and coastal Georgia history, creative arts and indigo dyeing. 

Historic Savannah Foundation’s 2026 HSF Lecture Series continues in November with Chad Newsom’s discussion on “Making Film History on West Broad Street” on Thursday, November 19^th. For more information about upcoming lectures, please visit myhsf.org/events/lecture-series.

The Historic Savannah Foundation Lecture about The Torrey-West Home is open to the public. This event is free for HSF members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required, as space is limited. Guests may reserve their spot at myhsf.org/events/lecture-series. Please contact Kendall Graham at [email protected] for more information about the HSF Lecture Series.