King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation
Booking
Family Reunions, Wedding Receptions, Photoshoots, Galas, Media Events, Jazz Concerts
The Courtyard Garden
An Intimate and Elegant Outdoor Space
Beautifully manicured garden amid the bustle of Historic Downtown Savannah. A fountain and wrought-iron gate provide the enclosed privacy that is essential for hosting signature events. The Garden @ Beach is available for rent for private parties of up to 60 people.
Gallery & Lecture Hall
Lectures, Receptions, Meetings, & Viewings
Take your event to the next level of class and sophistication and host it at a fine art gallery. Cocktail parties, business or social gatherings can hold up to 100 guests and accommodate catering and live musical entertainment.
The AMA Board Room
An Executive Meeting Space
The Historic AMA Board Room @Beach Institute is perfect for conducting serious business offsite. If you need a discreet, yet purposeful and public professional meeting space this is your place.
Family Reunions
The Courtyard Garden/Main Gallery
The Beach Institute is the perfect spot to host your family reunion. With rental of the gallery and garden, you can accommodate up to 160 guests. Pair your celebration with the Heritage Trail Tour, facilitated through a single reservation and point of contact.
Events
Come and experience all the Beach has to offer
2025 Year-End Black-Tie Event
Holiday Reception & Fundraiser
Saturday, December 6, 2025
6:00 PM – 9:00 PMPlease join us for an elegant evening celebrating another remarkable year at the Beach Institute and honoring the enduring legacy of the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation.
Enjoy an unforgettable night of live jazz with Teddy Adams and his band, fine food, and festive holiday cheer.
Together, we’ll also recognize and celebrate our generous donors and community partners whose continued support helps us preserve and promote African American art, culture, and excellence in Savannah.
A Jazzy Afternoon at the Beach
Teacher Appreciation Reception
Sunday, September 28, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PMWe’ll gather at our beautiful, historic Beach Institute where you are invited to enjoy a private tour, live jazz, good food, and great company. It’s our way of saying thank you for all you do for our community. This intimate gathering will offer a chance to explore the Beach Institute’s rich history in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and connect with peers who share your passion for education.
DIY Shekere Project
Collaborative Art Event
Friday, April 4
11:00 AM
Beach Institute
$10 per person – Family discounts availableJoin us for a community-centered, hands-on art experience in collaboration with Chatham County Parks & Rec! Learn to create your own shekere, a traditional West African percussion instrument.
🎨 All supplies provided!
Space is limited – Sign up today!
New Board Member Garden Reception
New Board Member Reception & Open House
Hosted by the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation
Sunday, June 8, 2025
4:30 PM – 6:30 PMThis special event will welcome the newest members of the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation Board and offer the public a unique opportunity to explore our historic site and vibrant cultural work.
02.16.25
5 PM
The Savannah Black Heritage Festival, in partnership with the King Tisdell Cottage Foundation present "Forged by Fire."
It is in the heat of the fire that gold is refined and strengthened, a testament to its unyielding resilience. Like gold, our people have emerged stronger, having withstood the fiery trails of entrenched injustices and systemic racism that have sought to diminish our spirit. This program will harness the transformative power of storytelling to illuminate the indomitable strength of the human spirit, shining a light on the unshakable resolve of the Gullah Geechee people.
Holiday Museum Shop Hop
Shop Local
huntingStep into the holiday season with us this Black Friday, November 29th, and experience a local shopping extravaganza like no other! We're proud to be a part of Savannah's Holiday Museum Shop Hop, featuring exclusive deals and unique finds at your favorite local museums.
What We’re Offering:
Free seed packets of mixed greens from our garden to yours.
Free cups of (virgin) Jamaican Sorrel made from hibiscus grown in our gardens.
Shop for a cause and support The Beach Institute's mission while picking up distinctive gifts that capture the spirit of Savannah. Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect holiday present or a special something just for you, we've got you covered.
Don’t miss out on the festivities and special offers—plan your visit now and support our city’s cultural heritage sites!
W. W. Law’s Gift: A Community Treasure of History, Culture, and Inspiration
In Partnership with the City of Sa annah Municipal Archives
Celebrate Ujima at The Beach Institute
December 28, 2024 3:30PM
Event Highlights
✨ Speakers: KTCF Board Members Lillian Grant Baptiste, Master Storyteller, and Michael Porter, sharing insights on the importance of Ujima in today’s world
🎶 Music & Performances: Local artists and performers will bring Ujima to life through music, dance, and spoken word, creating a memorable evening of unity and expression
🍲 Community Potluck: Bring a dish to share as we gather, share stories, and build connectionsCelebrate the power of collective work and responsibility with us—everyone is welcome!
Film Screening - The Black Candle
December 7 4PM
Join us at the Beach Institute for a screening of *The Black Candle*, an award-winning documentary celebrating the origins and legacy of Kwanzaa. Mark your calendars for December 7 at 4:00 PM and be inspired by stories of unity, culture, and resilience.
Light refreshments will be served
Legacy In Bloom
Celebrating the foodways of the African Diaspora featuring original pieces by local artists.
The opening Reception is free and open to the public
The Beach Institute
502 E Harris St
Savannah, GA 31401
Refreshments will be served
September 7 - October 4, 2024
Art for Folk
A special pop-up art exhibit and sale featuring the vibrant and thought-provoking work of Panhandle Slim. The exhibit is housed in the Main Gallery at the Beach Institute.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation and the African Diaspora Museology Institute (ADMI), in support of ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture.
The Art of William Tolliver
Main Gallery
April 1 - July 24, 2024
Visit the museum to immerse yourself in Tolliver's captivating compositions, vibrant colors, and profound narratives that have mesmerized art enthusiasts for decades.
NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens
April 19 & 20
With a special Exhitibit by Savannah's Gullah Blacksmith.
Free admission for all non garden tour ticket holders.
Free admission
TINGS A GWAAN: Celebration of Jamaican & Carribean Culture
August 6, 2023
Noon - 6pm
Location: The Beach Intitute
500 E. HARRIS ST. SAVANNAH, GA
Join us and celebrate Jamaican Independence and the Bahama's 50th Independence Celebrations!
The King Tisdell Cottage Foundation, Inc. presents
The 2023 Kwanzaa Celebration!
December 26, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Please join us at The Beach Institute Garden 502 E. Harris Street in lovely Savannah GA.
For more info call 912-335-8868
Tuesday, December 26,2023 Umoja (Unity)
Wednesday, December 27,2023 Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Thursday, December 28, 2023 Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Friday, December 29, 2023 Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Saturday, December 30, 2023 Nia (Purpose)
Sunday, December 31, 2023 Kuumba (Creativity)
Monday, January 1, 2024 Imani (Faith)
Dr. Bargeron
Dr. Bargeron, award-winning documentary film director and producer of "Stubborn As a Mule", and Gator Rivers, world-renowned member of the Harlem Globetrotters (1973-1986) will discuss Dr. Bargeron's film "A Legacy Forgotten: Blue and Gold Pride" which canvasses the history of Savannah's Beach High School from its founding in 1867 and its history-making state championship team of 1967.
"Stubborn as A Mule!" is an internationally award-winning film that presents an eye-opening depiction of lesser-known historical facts and contemporary commentary regarding the call for reparations for African-Americans. In the process, the film disseminates black history that is not taught in most educational systems.
This lecture is sponsored by investment from the City of Savannah.
In Tune: The Ben Tucker Story
Exhibit on The Penthouse Level/
Bostic Galley
In Tune: The Ben Tucker Story.
Learn of the Life & Artistry of the late great Jazz Bassist, Ben Tucker This exhibit is organized by the Friends of Ben Tucker
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