SAVANNAH, GA – March 16, 2022 – To end National Women’s History Month on a high note, Historic Savannah Foundation is celebrating a gift from the past that Savannah residents and visitors will enjoy well into the future. Special treasures donated by the family of one of HSF’s founder, Anna Colquitt Hunter, will soon be unveiled and the community is invited to share in the excitement.
Hunter, who rounded up six like-minded female friends in 1955 to help save HSF’s first-ever Revolving Fund property, the Davenport House, had many interests in addition to preservation. She was a writer, dancer, singer and painter. On March 31, three pieces of her art will return “home” to be displayed at HSF properties as part of a generous donation by Hunter’s grandchildren.
The three gifted paintings will be unveiled and put on temporary display for viewing at HSF’s headquarters, 321 E. York St., from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31. The public is encouraged to drop by, have a glass of wine, and celebrate the last day of Women’s History Month by enjoying artwork by the woman who is widely credited for starting the movement that saved Savannah.
After the initial unveiling, one painting will remain in HSF’s headquarters and the other two will be permanently displayed in the new Murray C. Perlman and Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center, which is scheduled to be complete in a few weeks.
HSF President and CEO Sue Adler expressed gratitude to Anna Hunter’s family for sharing such precious heirlooms with the organization who, in turn, will help to ensure they’re enjoyed by the public.
“We are incredibly grateful to Anna Hunter’s family for donating these beautiful paintings to us. Anna was a gifted artist – among her many talents – and we’re proud to display her work in the buildings that certainly wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her,” Adler said. “We encourage the community to drop by at 5:30 p.m. March 31 to view the paintings and celebrate the many ways Anna’s work has contributed to our wonderful city over the decades.”
To learn more about HSF and its other upcoming events, or to become a member, please visit www.myhsf.org or call 912-233-7787, and follow HSF on their social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading nonprofit preservation and cultural institution, saves buildings, places, and stories that define Savannah’s past, present, and future. Following its formation in 1955, the organization started a Revolving Fund to save endangered historic properties, now totaling nearly 410 buildings throughout several of Savannah’s historic districts. HSF continues to build capacity within its operations, secure new financial resources, improve its image and visibility, and increase public policy efforts to protect Savannah’s historic districts. For more information about the work of the Historic Savannah Foundation, visit www.myhsf.org.
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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).