Story by Molly Curley, Coastal Heritage Society Marketing Manager
July 3, 2026 – Loyalists & Liberty: Savannah in the American Revolution is now open to the public! Yesterday marked the start of a new chapter for Coastal Heritage Society and Savannah History Museum as we unveiled the new exhibition with our partners.
Following the Unveiling Ceremony, we welcomed the public to explore Loyalists & Liberty the very first time. Just in time for America 250, the exhibition is now open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as a fixed feature of Savannah History Museum.
Visit here for more information on the museum and to purchase tickets.
About the Exhibition
Loyalists & Liberty has transformed the landscape of Savannah History Museum. While we have always told the story of the Revolution, this new exhibit and enhanced educational programming expands our connection to the founding of our nation.
Spanning approximately 3,000 square feet, this exhibit goes beyond traditional Revolutionary War narratives, including stories of Indigenous communities, free and enslaved people, women and children, and Loyalists and Patriots.
At the heart of Loyalists & Liberty are 17 Revolutionary War-era cannons recovered in 2021-22 near Old Fort Jackson during dredging operations in the Savannah River and restored at Texas A&M University’s Conservation Research Laboratory. Two cannons are on display in their found condition as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts.
Researchers believe the cannons came from ships scuttled by the British during the Siege of Savannah to prevent the French fleet from sailing upriver.
This is likely the most extensive collection of 18th-century artillery from a single Revolutionary War naval event ever recovered from the water.
Special Thanks To...
Coastal Heritage Society is deeply grateful to our donors, partners, members, visitors, volunteers, and dedicated staff members who made this moment possible.
Thank you to our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and our Presenting Legacy Sponsor, Georgia Ports Authority.
The story of Loyalists & Liberty has already been widely shared in the news by the Associated Press, Smithsonian Magazine, FOX News, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Savannah Magazine, and many local media outlets.
The Making of Loyalists & Liberty
Coastal Heritage Society staff installed literal tons of historic artifacts for the exhibition and devoted countless hours researching the untold stories behind them.
One standout feature that’s impossible to miss: the cannon racks. Check out this video to see how these unique displays came to life.
The Story Doesn't End Here
Coastal Heritage Society is honored to interpret some of the city’s most remarkable stories and steward six unique sites, but we cannot continue this work without your help.
This new era at Savannah History Museum is a great reminder of our long-standing mission of education and preservation. The discovery of these sunken cannons shows us that Savannah’s history still has the power to surprise us.
To support the preservation and presentation of the historic resources of coastal Georgia, please consider giving to our Annual Fund today.
We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our mission!