Beach Institute African American Cultural Center

Built in 1867 as one of the first schools for African Americans in Savannah after emancipation — now a museum celebrating Black art and culture.

The Beach Institute was built in 1867 by the American Missionary Association as one of the first schools for formerly enslaved African Americans in Savannah following the Civil War. Named for Alfred E. Beach, editor of Scientific American, who funded its construction, the building now operates as a museum and cultural center dedicated to African American art, history, and culture in Savannah. It houses the Ulysses Davis Collection — an extraordinary body of woodcarving work by the self-taught Savannah artist.

History

Constructed in 1867 to educate formerly enslaved people in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, the Beach Institute was part of the American Missionary Association's nationwide effort to build educational infrastructure for freedpeople. The building served as a school for decades and later as a community center before being restored and reopened as a museum.

Quick Facts

Built

1867

Original purpose

First school for freedpeople in Savannah

Funded by

Alfred E. Beach, editor of Scientific American

Collection

Ulysses Davis woodcarvings