Sep 5 2017

History of the Savanna Army Depot

Where were you Wednesday evening, Jan. 21st at 9:00pm?  

It might have been way back in 1948, but if you are over 75  I am sure you remember an event at the Savanna Army Depot that rocked all our area communities.

Savanna Museum is sponsoring an overview of the entire history of the SAD from 1917, through it’s closure in 2000.   October 7th, 2:00

Photos, past & present will be a part of the program, presented by Jo Carey and Cindy Irwin, both with over 30 years of involvement at the Depot.

Come share YOUR stories  of Jan. 21st and beyond, with the Savanna Army Depot!   

October 7th @ 2:00

Aug 22 2017

5th Annual Veterans Tribute Dance, Saturday, October 28, 2017, Lyle Beaver & the Brass Notes (6-pieces)

5th Annual Veterans Tribute Dance at Savanna Museum and Cultural Center

In honor of our veterans, the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center will host its 4th Annual Veterans Tribute Dance.  With our VFW and American Legion Posts directly across Main Street, it’s a heartfelt honor to celebrate our veterans who have endured individual tests of military service in defense of our beloved and God fearing republic.

Doors open at noon.  The dance is from 2 to 6 pm. with an Armed Forces medley of songs honoring veterans of each branch of the U.S. military at 3:30 p.m.

Bring your children to witness the Honor Guard in action.

Pop, coffee and a variety of chips will be available at the museum.

To hear recordings of Lyle Beaver & the Brass Notes visit: http://lylebeavermusic.com/recording.htm

Come in support of our veterans and enjoy another fun time at our museum in Savanna.

Click here for more details:

Aug 21 2017

2017 Gene Wright’s “Gallery of Civil War Soldiers” Display Saturday and Sunday’s Memorial Day through Labor Day from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Gallery of Civil War Soldiers

Gallery of Civil War Soldiers

The “Gallery of Civil War Soldiers”  weekends at the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center, 406 Main St. in Savanna, Illinois. Once again the soldiers will finish out their display time, and go back into storage, in order to make room for many upcoming events in the first floor Cultural Center. This fabulous display was created by Savanna History Teacher, Gene Wright over 35 years.  The hours for the museum are 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Suggested donation $5.00.

Visitors to the museum include Fco Javier Martinez and Laura Cordero from Madrid Spain.

Visitors from Spain

Visitors from Spain

On Friday, October 4th, we also had a visit from the P.E.O. group from the Quad Cities. Thanks for visiting ladies!

Chapter CE of P.E.O.

Chapter CE of P.E.O.

Jul 30 2013

Savanna Historical Society Receives Large Donation

Bill Dayton Donates

Bill Dayton Donates

Savanna Historical Society Receives Large Donation
Bill Dayton, center, shown with Savanna Historical Society members John LeComte and Jean Ferris, recently gave a $5,000 donation to the Society.  He said he is very proud to give to the SHS to help promote the “Give Us a Lift” campaign to raise funds for the new elevator. Though retired, Bill continues to be  a staunch supporter of community projects.  The SHS is very grateful for his contribution.

 

Gallery of Civil War Soldiers
Jul 24 2013

“Gallery of Civil War Soldiers” Reopens August 3rd at Savanna Museum and Cultural Center

The Savanna Historical Society is pleased to announce the reopening of  Gene Wright’s “Gallery of Civil War Soldiers” exhibit at the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center. Gene’s boys will be moving downstairs for exhibition starting on Saturday, August 3rd. The exhibit will be open Saturdays and Sundays through October 13th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.

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Gene Wright’s “ Gallery of Civil War Soldiers” tells a hundred short stories of the Civil War. This collection is the life’s work of local history teacher Professor Gene Wright, who has hand-made over 100 life-size mannequins. Dressed in authentic replicas of Civil War era uniforms, each mannequin has his or her own story. From a twelve year old drummer boy, to the Greybeard Regiment, to the woman who served as a man, each mannequin shines a light on a special moment in history.

Please stop by and visit this unique piece of history at 406 Main St. in Savanna.

Last day to visit the exhibit for this year is Sunday October 13th.

 

Jun 26 2013

The Great Sultana

The Great Sultana

This weekend at 2:00 pm, local historian and professor Gene Wright will be present at the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center, to tell the tragic story of the steamboat, The Sultana. The Sultan exploded and sank on April 27, 1865 carrying 2300 just-released Union prisoners of war, plus crew and civilian passengers. Some 1700 people died.

Gene Wright will also unveil his large scale model of The Sultana and provide a visual depiction of survivors and non survivors.

The museum will open at noon with the presentation at 2:00. A $5.00 donation will be appreciated. Hours for the Lincoln exhibit are Wednesdays through Fridays 5-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays Noon-5. The Lincoln exhibit is co-sponsored by the Savanna Historical Society and the Savanna Public Library and is made possible from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association.