Since that auspicious beginning in 1955, HSF started a Revolving Fund to buy and sell endangered historic properties which has now saved and protected 420 buildings and counting, in not just the Landmark District but throughout several of Savannah’s National Register districts. HSF has grown into one of the most respected local preservation organizations in the country—emphasizing not only the protection of individual historic buildings but also the revitalization of blighted neighborhoods.

Through this proactive approach, HSF positioned itself as a credible and forward-thinking non-profit organization that puts its money where its mouth is— saving the buildings, places, and stories that define Savannah’s past, present, and future. HSF is proud of its outstanding museum, the Isaiah Davenport House, its nationally recognized Revolving Fund, and its educational programs. 

Year-in and year-out, HSF demonstrates the economic, cultural, and social benefits of preservation as smart public policy. Anyone who has visited Savannah can see that preservation is, arguably, the backbone of the economy and, inarguably, what makes it different from any other city in America.  

"We save buildings, places and stories that

define Savannah's past, present and future."

Savannah is unique among American cities.  Lauded for its ingenious Oglethorpe Town Plan—which remains remarkably intact—the downtown area includes picturesque squares graced with an abundance of 18th, 19th and early 20th century architecture. Savannah's one square mile National Historic Landmark District and 12 National Register districts, features twenty-two of an original twenty-four squares and charming Spanish moss draped from the trees.

However, it was not always this way. A half century of economic decline and the impact of the automobile in the first part of the 20th century resulted in a city’s heritage wallowing in sad decay. By the mid-1950s, the loss of the Wetter House, beloved City Market and demolition threats to the Isaiah Davenport House sparked the formation of Historic Savannah Foundation. Led by seven visionary women, HSF purchased the circa 1820 Davenport House and thus began the organization’s formal entry into the world of preservation and real estate. What began as an effort to save one house quickly turned into an organized movement that went on to save an entire city.