WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 8 THROUGH MARCH 5
Program price for the series: $65/$105; individual lectures at the door: $10/$15
Participation limited to 30


SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COLLECTION
Molly Carrott Taylor | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, January 8
Maritime history IS Savannah’s history! As introduced by the director, this lecture shares all facets of Ships of the Sea, Savannah’s historic maritime museum—its history and house, collections and gardens, mission and special projects.

MARY MUSGROVE: SAVANNAH’S EARLY ENTREPRENEUR

Jax Ellis | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, January 15

Through her knowledge of both the Creek and English languages, her series of strategic marriages, and her steadfast resolve, Musgrove became a successful trader, landowner, and Oglethorpe’s principal interpreter. This lecture tells the story of one of Georgia’s most famous women.

THE STEAM COFFIN: TALES OF THE S.S. SAVANNAH

Roger Smith | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, January 22

Engineering marvel, luxurious curiosity, and financial failure: the S.S. Savannah was the first steam ship to cross the Atlantic under steam power, creating worldwide notoriety and bringing attention to the burgeoning city which gave the vessel its name.

WILLIAM JAY AND SIGNATURE SAVANNAH ARCHITECTURE

Tania Sammons | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, January 29

Arguably America’s most elegant early nineteenth-century architect, William Jay changed the face of Savannah. This lecture explores many of his influences and achievements, highlighting the William Scarbrough House, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum’s very own Jay building.

SCRIMSHAW AND THE MARITIME ARTS

Molly Carrott Taylor | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, February 5

Sailors with tremendous amounts of free time and few distractions carved gorgeous scenes on the bones and teeth of sperm whales. This lecture is a discovery of the pastime that flourished in the ocean-going world of the nineteenth century.

MOVING PEOPLE AND COTTON ON THE ATLANTIC

Tania Sammons | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, February 12

From Reconstruction to the beginning of World War II, the Ocean Steamship Company moved people and cotton along the eastern seaboard. This lecture about the Savannah Line reveals how Savannahians traveled and shipped cargo to and from the North.
 

LIFE AT THE SHIPYARDS: SAVANNAH’S WWII SHIPBUILDERS

Jax Ellis | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, February 19

In 1942, the Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation began operations on the Savannah River. Men and women who had never seen a ship in their lives flocked from all over rural Georgia to find work there. This lecture explores their daily lives, tensions, and astounding accomplishments.

SEA OF INK: SAVANNAH’S MARITIME TATTOOS

Tania Sammons and guests | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, February 26

Tattoos were the talk of the town in late 2024 when Tania Sammons unveiled Sea of Ink, an exhibition at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. She recreates the exhibits highlights in words and striking images, and introduces two guests: a tattoo collector and an artist whose works are featured in the exhibition.

SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM: COLLECTIONS TOUR

Hosted by Molly Carrott Taylor | 3:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, March 5

Limited to 30 participants; preference afforded to series-buying members A grand finale session takes visitors through the historic Scarbrough House to see firsthand the museum’s maritime collections as well as to hear stories about both the house and Savannah’s maritime past. The tour includes the gardens, the largest in Savannah’s Historic District, and concludes with a cocktail outdoors!