Explore history, arts, and culture in communities throughout Georgia as over 100 museums and historic sites across the state open their doors free of charge for this popular annual event, organized as part of the Georgia History Festival. Attendees can experience our state’s rich history and cultural life as historic sites, house museums, art museums, and other points of interest welcome the public, providing an exceptional opportunity to discover the stories and heritage in our own backyard.
Georgia’s history is made up of thousands of stories that shape us all.
Each day is a chance to discover, learn, and share amazing stories.
The Georgia Historical Society and Georgia Public Broadcasting have teamed up to re-launch Today in Georgia History to commemorate the US250.
This Emmy award-winning series highlights a person or historical event each day of the year, bringing the past to life for students, educators, and history enthusiasts across Georgia.
Come to Savannah Children’s Museum on New Year’s Eve Day Wed. Dec. 31 2025 for a Kids’ Noon Year’s Countdown Celebration. There will be a countdown to noon with shaker crafts, bubble wrap fireworks and a dance party. Come celebrate with us!
Savannah Children’s Museum will have special open days Mon. Dec. 29th & Tues. Dec. 30th, 9AM-3PM in addition to the museum’s regular Wednesday-Sunday, 9AM-3PM hours.
Georgia State Railroad Museum next door to Savannah Children’s Museum will have hourly train rides 10AM-3PM Fri. Dec. 26 through Tues. Dec. 30. Schedule and locomotives subject to change. Please call ahead at (912) 651-6823.
Savannah Children’s Museum including the new indoor STEAM Center and Georgia State Railroad Museum will be closed New Year’s Day Thurs. Jan. 1.
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Here are some amazing opportunities for Savannah teens and pre-teens to explore all that SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah has to offer. Dinner included! All skill levels welcome.
To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Construct custom charms for the holidays with SCAD alum Derek Larson (M.F.A., sequential art, 2011) using various techniques with polymer clay. Design a brilliant bauble for yourself or a loved one after a revelatory stroll through the galleries among our latest exhibitions.
All skill levels welcome with $20 attendee fee. Materials included and dinner provided. To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Teen Nights are complimentary for museum members. Join today.
Source tasteful inspiration from the museum’s innovative exhibitions as you blend cookie-making and creativity! Design edible decorative elements on holiday treats as SCAD MOA associate curator Brittany Richmond leads you through a celebration of charismatic confections and contemporary art at TAD café.
All skill levels welcome with $20 attendee fee. Materials included and dinner provided. To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Teen Nights are complimentary for museum members. Join today
Second Sunday: Enjoy free admission for Savannah locals – Dec. 14
SCAD MOA welcomes our Savannah community to enjoy free admission on the second Sunday of every month. Residents of Savannah or any of its surrounding counties (Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, and Jasper) are invited to visit free of charge.
Teen Night: Tinker with tintinnabulations (4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) – Dec. 18
Do you hear what we hear? Bells are ringing! Join SCAD alum Suzanne Nelson (B.F.A., furniture design, 2014) as she leads a design workshop creating holiday bells from found objects. Work with fellow emerging creatives while immersed in Davina Semo’s interactive exhibition A Gathering of Bells.
All skill levels welcome with $20 attendee fee. Materials included and dinner provided. To sign up, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Teen Nights are complimentary for museum members. Join today.
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Experts from UGA Marine Education and Aquarium on Skidaway Island will visit Savannah Children’s Museum and present a special ocean animals outreach program.
Included with admission. Free for members.
Become a member here.(one family membership price $125 for unlimited year-long admission to six sites)
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Come to Savannah Children’s Museum this Thursday, November 6th at 10:30AM for the return of a special storytime with popular librarian and children’s book author John Light – aka Mister John – from Live Oak Public Libraries Bull Street Library.
Two neighboring places in Savannah to explore Thanksgiving Week when the kids are out of school.
1. Savannah Children’s Museum will have special open days Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th. Savannah Children’s Museum will be closed Thursday, November 26th for Thanksgiving.
The museum will be open Friday November 27th-Sunday November 29th. Come play to learn at Georgia’s only outdoor children’s museum. 9AM-3PM. (Hours are depending on the weather. Please check social media for weather-related closure updates)
2. The new indoor STEAM Center(pictured) next to the Savannah Children’s Museum will be open daily 9AM-3PM. (Closed Thanksgiving). Come see the indoor Numbers in Nature exhibit and mirror maze. Learn more here.
(Located next door to both these locations is Georgia State Railroad Museum which will have train rides on Friday November 27th-Sunday November 29th.)
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You are invited to a special Savannah holiday event, A Very Maritime Holiday, taking place on Thursday December 11 from 5-8pm at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.
A Very Maritime Holiday featuring: • Photos with Santa (pets welcome!) • Festive treats and a candy station • Glowing winter gardens and holiday décor • A live holiday concert featuring Trae Gurley and his Merry Men • Tickets: $35 per person ($20 per child)
This beloved annual favorite holiday family event returns on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 9am to 3pm at Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum.
Activities run all day, so arrive any time BEFORE your scheduled train ride time! Enjoy the activities, crafts, and performances throughout the day!
Festive activities include: photos with Santa, the chance to operate a model train, the Grinch, food trucks, holiday crafts, Christmas tree activities, carving demos of hand-crafted spinning tops, which are available for purchase.
Oh Crepe, Royal Tasty Avenue,Tom’s Traveling Coffee, and Leopold’s will be on-site to meet all your dining needs.
Savannah Santa Train is hosted each year by Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum at 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah. Both sites are operated by Coastal Heritage Society.
Everyone 18 months and older needs a ticket to enjoy Savannah Santa Train.
Tickets are available now at $18 for Coastal Heritage Society members and $20 for nonmembers. Become a member here ($125 for year-long family membership which includes unlimited admission all six CHS museums and historic sites)
Tickets include all scheduled activities and experiences. A train ride is included in the price of admission.
Tickets typically sell out every year. Purchase tickets here.
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Artful Afternoon (Wednesday from 1-4pm) – Nov 12, Dec 10
Calling all homeschooling families! Amplify your student’s artist journey with an enriching workshop at the SCAD Museum of Art. In this immersive experience, education and creativity collide to offer a field study for homeschooled students.
This event presents a unique opportunity for your students to acclimate into the art world as observers and creators. While they feed their creative minds among the exhibitions, they’ll meet other students and foster lasting community connections.
All ages are welcome. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To RSVP or send inquiries, email Hannah Thompson at hthompso@scad.edu. This event is free and open to the public.
Drawing Club (Wednesdays 4 p.m.) – Nov 5, Nov 12
Let your imagination run wild at this weekly drawing workshop for aspiring creatives focusing on the basic principles of art and design. Seek inspiration in the galleries, meet new friends, and begin preparing a portfolio of your work as museum educators offer tutorials to perfect your drawing skills.
This workshop for middle school and high school students is free and open to the public.
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Mini Masters (Monday 11am-12pm) – Nov 17, Dec 15
Calling all little creatives! Embark on a journey of artistic expression, discovery, and exploration with SCAD MOA educators. Join us every third Monday for imaginative activities designed especially for children and inspired by our latest exhibitions. While enjoying art projects, gallery visits, and snack time, your budding geniuses (and you) can form new friendships.
Mini Masters Monday is programmed for children ages 1–4. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission is $5 per child. Mini Masters memberships are also available to families at $25 for 12 months (a savings of $45) and include complimentary admission to Mini Masters Mondays in addition to individual museum membership benefits.
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Seeking a sweet way to spice up Thanksgiving break? Skip the shopping and get creative with confections! The SCAD Museum of Art welcomes you to decorate cookies at TAD café. First, explore the galleries to inspire your confectionary creations. Then, learn cookie crafting techniques from associate curator and edible art extraordinaire Brittany Richmond. Enjoy holiday treats as you create your own baked goods to take home or gift to that special (hungry) someone. This workshop is intended for middle school-aged students. Drop off begins at 8:45 a.m. A museum educator will be stationed at the Turner Blvd. entrance under the glass tower from 8:45 to 9 a.m. for your convenience.
All skill levels are welcome. Admission is $20. Materials included and snack provided. For questions, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Enjoy Halloween arts & crafts, Halloween storytime followed by pumpkin dissection to learn about the pumpkin life cycle, Trick or Treating with Tippy the Tortoise, ending with a Costume Parade.
Followed by Farm Friday when there will be a Halloween Tea with mint from the museum garden at about 11:30AM. Museum staff will be in Alice in Wonderland costume for the Halloween tea.
All included with admission. Free for members. Become a member here(one price, six museums)
Free Family Event: Sea and Sky Family Day at Ships of the Sea!
Join us for a creative afternoon of art, imagination, and family fun inspired by Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky—the museum’s newest exhibition by artist Rob Strati.
Families can enjoy hands-on art projects, face painting, sidewalk chalk, and interactive stations from our community partners in the museum’s beautiful North Garden. Each activity is designed to spark creativity and celebrate the connection between art, storytelling, and the sea.
Cool down with King of Pops (available for purchase) and take advantage of free admission to the museum and gardens from 1–4 PM. Explore the galleries, see Rob Strati’s stunning mixed-media works, and experience a day of creativity and community.
Come to Savannah Children’s Museum for another program in this school year’s Little Learners series: a special visit with our friends from Skidaway Island State Park, Wednesday, October 22nd 10-11AM at Savannah Children’s Museum.
Little ones and their caregivers will enjoy a special Skidaway Island State Park nature activity: Snakes of Skidaway. Rangers from Skidaway Island State Park will bring some of their popular snakes for you to meet and learn about.
Included with the cost of admission. Free for Coastal Heritage Society members.
Become a Coastal Heritage Society member here.(Six sites, one price for $125/year)
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Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum will transform into a magical Harry Potter-themed experience during “Frogwarts” on Sunday, October 19th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets for this event are now available for purchase in advance here: bit.ly/Frogwarts2025.
Cost: $15 for Coastal Heritage Society members; $17 for non-members. Become a Coastal Heritage Society member here: https://chsgeorgia.org/membership/
Families are immersed in STEAM activities, such as chemistry, engineering, biology, and art, all disguised as magical classes inspired by the beloved book series.
Highlights include: train rides; wand-making; potions; quill writing; reptiles; owls; quidditch; STEAM activities; and more.
Lowcountry Turners will be making custom lathe-turned wands that will be available for purchase while supplies last.
Other activities will be led by CHS community partners including Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, Callaway Critters, Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education, Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital, Coastal Rail Buffs, Garrison Voices, Snapology, Savannah Tree Foundation, and Starbase Savannah.
New this year: Bring your stuffed animal for a special St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies (aka Teddy Bear Clinic) hosted by the Medical College of Georgia-Savannah.
Top Dog, Popcorn Geeks, Pie Society food trucks plus Savannah Square Pops will be on site with food available for purchase.
This event is sponsored by Colonial Group, Inc., the Lesher Family Foundation, Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry.
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Artful Afternoon (Wednesday from 1-4pm) – Sept. 10 and Oct. 8
Calling all homeschooling families! Amplify your student’s artist journey with an enriching workshop at the SCAD Museum of Art. In this immersive experience, education and creativity collide to offer a field study for homeschooled students.
This event presents a unique opportunity for your students to acclimate into the art world as observers and creators. While they feed their creative minds among the exhibitions, they’ll meet other students and foster lasting community connections.
All ages are welcome. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free and open to the public.
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
Let your imagination run wild at this weekly drawing workshop for aspiring creatives focusing on the basic principles of art and design. Seek inspiration in the galleries, meet new friends, and begin preparing a portfolio of your work as museum educators offer tutorials to perfect your drawing skills.
This workshop for middle school and high school students is free and open to the public.
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
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Mini Masters (Monday 11am-12pm) – Sept. 15 and Oct. 20
Calling all little creatives! Embark on a journey of artistic expression, discovery, and exploration with SCAD MOA educators. Join us every third Monday for imaginative activities designed especially for children and inspired by our latest exhibitions. While enjoying art projects, gallery visits, and snack time, your budding geniuses (and you) can form new friendships.
Mini Masters Monday is programmed for children ages 1–4. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission is $5 per child. Mini Masters memberships are also available to families at $25 for 12 months (a savings of $45) and include complimentary admission to Mini Masters Mondays in addition to individual museum membership benefits.
To RSVP or for more information, email Hannah Thompson, manager of museum visitation and programming, at hthompso@scad.edu.
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Visit the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) Research Center at 501 Whitaker St. across from Forsyth Park on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, 9am-5pm to view unique objects and documents highlighting Georgia’s role in the development and evolution of our national story.
A variety of unique artifacts will be on display relating to Colonial Georgia, the U.S. Constitution, and American history during the event.
Visitors will be able to view Abraham Baldwin’s original draft copy of the U.S. Constitution, one of only a fourteen still in existence.
The draft includes the handwritten margin notes of Baldwin, one of Georgia’s signers of the Constitution of 1787. This treasure of the GHS collection, along with a recently conserved Revolutionary War-era drum and other unique objects and documents highlighting Georgia’s role in the development and evolution of our national story will be on display.
The event is free and consists of a self-paced tour with guidance for classes provided by GHS staff. The tour will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
This is a great new, local opportunity for students to fulfill high school community service volunteer requirements, build their resumes, and gain valuable leadership experience @ the six CHS Savannah museums and historic sites: Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah History Museum, Harper Fowlkes House.
Come to Savannah Children’s Museum for the second program in this school year’s Little Learners series: a special visit with our friends from Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center, Friday, September 26th, 10am-Noon at Savannah Children’s Museum.
Connie Shreve — who teaches outdoor education at Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center’s popular Swamp School homeschool program — will present a program all about pine trees and participants will make paper.
Visitors will also participate in open exploration of our museum and our weekly Farm Friday program featuring a special farm-to-table snack.
Included with the cost of admission. Free for Coastal Heritage Society members.
Become a Coastal Heritage Society member here.(Six sites, one price for $125/year)
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Come to Savannah Children’s Museum for another program in this school year’s Little Learners series: a special visit with our friends from Skidaway Island State Park, Wednesday, October 22nd 10-11AM at Savannah Children’s Museum.
Snakes of Skidaway will be the theme. Rangers from Skidaway Island State Park will bring some of their most popular snakes to Savannah Children’s Museum so kids can learn all about these snakes!
Included with the cost of admission. Free for Coastal Heritage Society members.
Become a Coastal Heritage Society member here.(Six sites, one price for $125/year)
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You’re invited to a brand new series that starts Friday, Aug. 15 at SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah and includes a guided walk throughout Savannah Historic District .
FEEL-GOOD FRIDAYS unites thought-provoking SCAD Museum of Art exhibitions with the immersive SCADstory experience, bridged by a guided walk through the downtown historic district of Savannah.
This creative collective combines art, whimsy, and wellness! Take in the sights as you reflect on past, present, and future while enjoying time with locals and visitors alike.
Enhanced by community spaces that are intentionally designed and dedicated to creating life-changing experiences, this enriching new offering allows you time to focus inward and move forward, fueled by the intrinsic desire to create, share, and inspire.
Forge new friendships, discuss compelling ideas, and boost your state of being.
Plan to meet at 3 pm at the SCAD Museum of Art on Friday, August 15th.
Cost: $5 per person (half off SCAD MOA’s usual museum attendance) and includes the wellness walk and SCADstory.
Please send an email to Sam Qavah John at vjohn@scad.edu to sign up for the first FEEL-GOOD FRIDAY.
Now open in Savannah: Public Health 4 Kidz Production Science Center @ 2204 Skidaway Rd., Savannah.
Come check out our city’s newest science center hotspot for kids! Featuring:
Open Lab on the First Saturday; Homeschool Fridays (new topics every month); mobile lab for groups, camps, team building and school field trips.
Public Health 4 Kidz Production LLC promotes careers in public health and provides opportunities for kids to learn and engage in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Education, and Health Administration.
Savannah Children’s Museum will be open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 9AM-2PM for Labor Day Weekend 2025, weather permitting.
Savannah Children’s Museum will be closed on Tuesday, September 2 to begin school hours: 9AM-3PM Wednesdays- Sundays. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for field trips).
Georgia State Railroad Museum will be open daily 9am-4pm for Labor Day Weekend and offering train rides throughout the weekend including on Labor Day, Monday, September 1. (weather permitting)
Train rides are at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Schedule and locomotives subject to change, please call ahead. (912) 651-6823
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In honor of America 250, Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah is giving away 25 FREE field trips to local schools and co-ops!
Teachers from surrounding counties are invited to enter our raffle for a chance to explore the American Revolution at Savannah History Museum with their students.
Don’t miss the chance to make history come alive! Enter today here.
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Free Family Event: Splash on the High Seas at Ships of the Sea! Make a splash this summer at Splash on the High Seas—a free family day of water fun, hands-on activities, and important safety education at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum!
In partnership with Safe Kids Savannah, this event features splashy outdoor games, grab bags for kids, and safety stations focused on lifejacket use and boat safety. Don’t miss the regatta race with water blasters, the water bucket relay, and more fun throughout the museum’s beautiful gardens.
Cool off with sweet treats from King of Pops (available for purchase), and enjoy a day of play, learning, and community.
Admission to both the event and the museum is free, including the current exhibition: Sea of Ink: Savannah Maritime Tattoos—a fascinating look at the art, history, and culture of local maritime tattooing.
Come dressed to get wet and bring a towel! Great for all ages Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, Savannah Details + RSVP: shipsofthesea.org/splash-high-seas
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