Massie Heritage Center in heart of Savannah is a trip through time in an amazing place

It is time to go back to school, or at least visit a fascinating school museum in the heart of Savannah.

The Massie Heritage Center, located on historic, oak-shaded Calhoun Square, is on of the oldest heritage education programs in the nation and is the site of the first public school in the city.

Today it is a museum open to the public and hosting educational events and programs year round.

Within the walls of the stately Greek revival style building, you will find what seems to be three museums in one. The original Massie School is preserved with an opportunity to experience school life in 19th century Savannah. The Massie Heritage Center offers a focus on architectural history and an in-depth look at the development of the city plan through the centuries.

In 1856, a school was founded on the gift of Scotsman Peter Massie, a Glynn County planter who had bequeathed the city $5,000 for the education of poor children. The city invested this windfall and in a few years funds were available to hire architect John Norris to design and build the school.

Norris’ vision to blend the school with the surrounding neighborhood resulted in a stately but utilitarian design that was expanded into two more wings as the school grew.

The walls rang with the sound of Savannah’s children for over a century, moving from wooden desks with ink wells and quill pens, McGuffey Readers and abacus arithmetic to more modern tools until the school’s closure in the early 1970s.

During the Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman converted Massie into a school for freedmen, making it an important chapter in African American heritage. Today, the Massie Heritage Center still provides educational opportunities while preserving the past, and is open to all visitors.

When you visit the Massie Heritage Center you will experience a journey back in time as you explore its halls and rooms.

The large central classroom is set up as a 19th century school and gives you a sense of life during the formative years of so many local children and methods to educate them. The spirit of the school and the efforts of its visionaries carries you through two more wings of the museum to explore the fascinating and unique architecture of Savannah and the features that make the city so distinct.

Local history and scientific principles merge as hands-on displays connect with historic artifacts on display. Architecture and education will lead you into a wing of the Massie Heritage Center devoted to illustrating the development of Savannah as a city over the centuries, from a colonial foothold connected to the sea to the sprawling community serving as a gateway to the nation.

My family and I recently visited the Massie Heritage Center and enjoyed several hours of fascinating exploration of the museum. As we sought to picture daily life in the old school and expanded our horizons along with the architectural boundaries of the city’s development, it gave new appreciation for the beauty of the community and efforts of its people to better the lives of those around them.

From maritime history to the achievements of architecture to “reading, writing and ‘rithmetic,” the Massie Heritage Center is an excellent place for all ages to visit.

Getting there

The Massie Heritage Center is located at 207 E. Gordon St. on Savannah’s historic Calhoun Square. Less than an hour from the Beaufort area, it makes for a great daytrip or a stop on any tour of the city.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Massie Heritage Center is open year-round except for major holidays and St. Patrick’s Day.

Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children 6-17. Children 5 and under are free and there are senior and military discounts. Group rates, tours and educational programs are available as well.

The Massie Heritage Center hosts educational programs for both students and teachers throughout the year.

Call 912-395-5070 for more information, or go to http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/massie/default.aspx