King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation
Savannah's flagship museums for
African-American and Gullah-Geechee Heritage
The Beach Institute African American Cultural Center
Winner of the 2016 Governor's Award for the Arts & Humanities of Georgia
The Beach Institute was founded in 1865 by the Colored Education Committee at the dawn of the Reconstruction Era, as the first school built specifically for the education of emancipated African-Americans in Savannah, GA.
Built by Free and formerly Enslaved Negroes, the Institute was completed in 1867 with a generous contribution by philanthropist and inventor Alfred Ely Beach of New York, editor of Scientific American Magazine.
For nearly 50 years, The Beach Institute was operated by the American Missionary Association, an integrated organization of abolitionists and education advocates.
Today, the original historic building is home to The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center, and owned by The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, Inc. The Beach Institute is Savannah's flagship museum for African-American arts, history & cultural preservation.
502 E Harris Street
Savannah, GA 31401
engage@beachinstitute.org
912-335-8868
King-Tisdell Cottage | Historic Site and Artifacts Gallery
Built in 1896 dedicated to preserving the history and culture of African-Americans in Savannah.
Built in 1896, this Victorian-styled Cottage was home to Sara King and Robert Tisdell, members of Savannah's vibrant African-American entrepreneurial class.
The King-Tisdell Cottage Museum was founded in 1981 by famed Civil Rights Leader, Historian and Preservation advocate, Mr. W.W. Law.
Today, the restored Cottage is devoted to showcasing various aspects of Savannah's African-American commercial history and culture
Come explore artifacts, exhibits and maps of Savannah's historic Negro Communities from the late 1800s and early 20th Century!
514 E Huntingdon St
Savannah, GA 31401
engage@beachinstitute.org
912-335-8868
Genealogy Research
Support Center
Open Tuesday - Saturday Noon - 4 PM
Other times available by appointment. Located at the Penthouse of the Beach Institute.
The goal of the GRSC is to facilitate research and preservation of our vital family histories. The knowledge of our ancestries broadens our scope and understanding of our noble heritage.
Learn about how to initiate, investigate and manage your genealogy projects.
We offer Ancestry.com, Find-A-Grave.com, Newspapers.com &YouTube tutorial videos, as well as charts, forms and methods to organize genealogy research & information.
502 E Harris Street
Savannah, GA 31401
engage@beachinstitute.org
912-335-8868
