Southern Sites of Savannah

Historical and cultural studies of the American Experience

Explore historic cobblestone squares and antebellum architecture, sightseeing in Savannah, Georgia on this student educational field trip!

Journey to the beautiful and historic city of Savannah, Georgia. Established in 1733 when General James Oglethorpe landed on the shores of the Savannah River and proposed his famous urban city plan. Today Savannah is one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States and still includes twenty-two of the original squares laid out as the city planned by Oglethorpe himself. Students arrive at the historic downtown Savannah Visitor Center for an introduction to this oldest city in Georgia. After a short film, students tour the Savannah History Museum and begin to understand the rich history of early Native American culture and the impact of European settlements in Savannah. Continuing the day, students arrive at Old Fort Jackson, the oldest brick fortification on the east coast. At Fort Jackson, history comes alive, as students become Civil War soldiers. Student groups learn what life of a civil war solider was like, including battlefield communication skills and how to fire a cannon. Checking into the hotel in the late afternoon, students prepare for dinner at the famous Lady and Son’s Paula Dean restaurant before heading for a night at The Historic Savannah Theatre. Back in hotel rooms students rest for the following days activities sightseeing in Savannah.

The day begins as students board a horse-drawn carriage operated by Savannahs original carriage tour company. On the narrated tour, students are transported to the colorful past of historic Savannah, while observing antebellum architecture along the way. Next students tour the Owens-Thompson House and Slave Quarters, built by one of Savannah’s first cotton merchants in 1819, undoubtedly one of the finest examples of lavish architecture and gardens in the city. Before heading to lunch, students enjoy free time exploring the City Market for local artwork and souvenirs. In the afternoon, continuing with our student educational field trip, the group arrives at Wormsloe Historic Site, certainly one of the most famous driveways in the world. A breathtaking avenue sheltered by lives oaks and Spanish moss leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe plantation, the colonial estate of Nobel Jones who arrived in Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe. Students follow the journey of the first settlers from England and learn about the challenges these early colonists faced. Similarly, the day continues with a short trip to the Pinpoint Heritage Museum, where students explore the rich history of the Gullah/Geechee culture. Formerly an Oyster and Crab factory, this close-knit community of freed African slaves share a rich history and intimate relationship with the natural environment to this day. Back at the hotel students prepare for dinner and a stroll along the riverfront open markets featuring local vendors. Finally, the evening ends as students board a trolley ghost tour. Listening to stories, students travel along legendary streets and shadowy squares of one of the most haunted cities in America! Snug in rooms, students rest for the final day in Savannah and journey home.

Begin the day with the history of Slavery in Savannah. On the Indigo Walking Tour, students walk the trail of the second port of entry for the African slaves in Savannah, in addition to viewing buildings that were used as slave markets. Next Journey to First African Baptist Church, the oldest continuous black church in North America. Follow the history of this church built in 1850, completed in 1859, by both free African Americans and slaves. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, view the connection to the underground railroad and inspiration in the original pews, certainly an important historic building in Savannah.

Finally, begin the journey home reflecting on the rich history of sightseeing in Savannah, Georgia.

INSTRUCTORS ARE:

Experienced and professional
Required to complete an intensive on-site training program
Present the program material in a way that makes it come to life
Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR certified
FDLE and FBI Level 2 Background Checked
ASAP-Camp Safety Certified

OUR PROGRAMS BUILD…

Self-confidence
Self-reliance
Teamwork
Friendships
Leadership skills
A “can do” attitude

OUR FIELD TRIPS INCLUDE:

Certified instructors
All meals and snacks-full day and overnight trips
Activity fees
All equipment
Transportation
Educational journals
Bus activities
Accommodations-overnight trips

FLEXIBILITY AND CUSTOMIZATION:

Each trip is carefully planned to provide an educational and memorable experience
All programs can be custom tailored to meet your school’s individual needs
Level of instruction varies based on grade level.
All programs are taught using a fun, interdisciplinary and hands-on approach
Local history is incorporated into the learning experience
Scholarships available so no student gets left behind

Florida State Standards following Grades 5-12

Students will:

investigate the history of slavery in the south and note the changes that have occurred as a result of the practice
- SS.7.G.2.4: Describe current major cultural regions of North America.
  
  SS.8.E.2.1: Analyze contributions of entrepreneurs, inventors, and other key individuals from various gender, social, and ethnic backgrounds in the development of the United States economy.
  
  SS.8.E.2.3: Assess the role of Africans and other minority groups in the economic development of the United States.
  
  SS.8.G.5.2: Describe the impact of human modifications on the physical environment and ecosystems of the United States throughout history.
  
  SS.912.G.5.4: Analyze case studies of how humans impact the diversity and productivity of ecosystems.
understand and appreciate the significance of preserved war time memorabilia
- SS.8.G.2.1: Identify the physical elements and the human elements that define and differentiate regions as relevant to American history.
  
  SS.912.W.1.6: Evaluate the role of history in shaping identity and character.
understand the intersection between history and art through the use of historic buildings
- SS.8.G.6.2: Illustrate places and events in U.S. history through the use of narratives and graphic representations.
  
  SS.912.G.6.4: Translate narratives about places and events into graphic representations.
  
  SS.912.H.1.1: Relate works in the arts (architecture, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts) of varying styles and genre according to the periods in which they were created.
  
  SS.912.H.1.2: Describe how historical events, social context, and culture impact forms, techniques, and purposes of works in the arts, including the relationship between a government and its citizens.
  
  SS.912.H.1.5: Examine artistic response to social issues and new ideas in various cultures.
  
  SS.912.H.3.2: Identify social, moral, ethical, religious, and legal issues arising from technological and scientific developments, and examine their influence on works of arts within a culture.
appreciate the significance of the African American contribution to the settlement of Savannah and Charleston
- SS.6.W.1.5: Describe the roles of historians and recognize varying historical interpretations (historiography).
  
  SS.6.W.1.6: Describe how history transmits culture and heritage and provides models of human character.
explore the elements of a city that contributes to its unique character and significance in terms of American history
- SS.7.G.2.3: Explain how major physical characteristics, natural resources, climate, and absolute and relative location have influenced settlement, economies, and inter-governmental relations in North America.
  
  SS.8.G.2.2: Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of regional issues in different parts of the United States that have had critical economic, physical, or political ramifications.
  
  SS.8.G.3.1: Locate and describe in geographic terms the major ecosystems of the United States.
  
  SS.912.G.2.1: Identify the physical characteristics and the human characteristics that define and differentiate regions.
  
  SS.912.G.4.5: Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of the development, growth, and changing nature of cities and urban centers.
connect historical events, particularly those related to the Civil War, with specific locations
- SS.6.W.1.1: Use timelines to identify chronological order of historical events.
  
  SS.8.G.5.1: Describe human dependence on the physical environment and natural resources to satisfy basic needs in local environments in the United States.
  
  SS.912.G.2.4: Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of how selected regions change over time.