By donating to The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, you contribute to a more inclusive preservation of history that reflects the diverse tapestry of our society. Your generosity will support essential repairs, ensure the continuation of our educational programming, bring in new and exciting exhibits, and help us engage the community in meaningful ways.

Preserving our cultural heritage is vital for understanding and celebrating the diverse history of our community. The representation of African American history within the National Register of Historic Places remains profoundly insufficient. Only 5% of the properties listed nationwide focus on African American lives and experiences. In Georgia, only 10 such properties exist, with none in Savannah, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard our local African American heritage. Biases embedded in preservation criteria have historically excluded significant Black sites, leaving them vulnerable to decay and destruction. While Confederate iconography has received substantial funding, African American sites have largely relied on the dedication and perseverance of community members for preservation.

Savannah faces rapid gentrification, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods. Over the past year, several significant historic Black properties, such as W.W. Law's Home, Asbury United Methodist Church, the Former East Side Theatre, and Virginia Kiah's Home, have been sold to investment firms. This trend threatens to displace long-standing communities and erode the historical and cultural fabric of these neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, the pandemic further compounded these challenges, disrupting our fundraising efforts and straining our resources. Our leadership acknowledges that we have faced difficulties in re-engaging the community and adapting to our current reality. As we strive to improve and expand our outreach, we need your support to address critical repairs so we can get back to focusing on moving the organization forward. We are planning exciting programming which will highlight our dedication to preserving Savannah’s rich African-American history and honor the stories that shape our community. However, this work cannot be accomplished without the support of people like you. We need your help to protect our historic properties and sustain the Beach Institute and The King-Tisdell Cottage.

As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, we invite you to be a part of this important journey. Your donation will make a significant difference in preserving our shared heritage and ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate the rich history of African American contributions to Savannah.

Thank you for being so committed to preserving our community's cultural legacy.

The Board and Staff of the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation

Black Philanthropy Month

By The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation

Black Philanthropy Month

Empower Our Legacy: Help Preserve Savannah's African American Heritage

Team Members