The Davenport House in Historic Savannah will host a dramatic recreation of the Yellow Fever outbreak in Savannah in the early 19th century at 7PM on Friday and Saturday nights throughout October 2019.
Costumed interpreters portray residents coping with the realities of life during a catastrophe with an exploration of death and funeral customs, medical treatments as well as how various sectors of the population dealt with events. A highlight is moving though the candlelit rooms witnessing enactments. In an area seldom seen by visitors, the fate and experiences of the uncounted half of the city’s population, both free and enslaved African Americans, are revealed.
Not appropriate for children younger than 8.
Living history program: Yellow Fever in Savannah
7PM on Friday & Saturday nights in October 2019: DATES: October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26.
The show is 45 minutes long.
@ Davenport House Museum
324 E. State Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Cost: $16 in advance; $19 at the door. Space is limited and patrons are encouraged to get their tickets in advance.
CONTACT: 912-236-8097; info@davenporthousemuseum.org; www.davenporthousemuseum.org
If you go, please note:
· The performance requires that guests be able to walk up and down stairs and maneuver in low light.
· Guests are encouraged to arrive on time to enjoy the full experience.
· Because of the subject matter, the program is not suitable for children under eight years of age.
· The Davenport House Museum is a property of Historic Savannah Foundation.
New this year:
· While the story focuses on Yellow Fever in 1820 as a summation, the story will continue to the present day.
· There is a new scene depicting the household duties that come into play when there has been a death in the house including preparation of the body for burial.
· A scene is adapted from a Conrad Akin story that attempts to answer “What is it like to be dead?”
· Patrons will hear a portion of a sermon which explains not how yellow fever happens but why.
Returning this year:
· Jamal Toure and his interpretation of illness and treatment of the African and African American population of Savannah.
· Patrons will meet two doctors Mary Lavindar and William Coffee Daniell who discuss their treatments for the illness.
