Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is in the 1819 William Scarbrough House at 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, in Savannah’s Historic District, one block west of City Market. Its nine galleries trace the city’s maritime past through detailed ship models, paintings, carvings and other nautical objects. Look for models of the steamship Savannah, the first steam-powered vessel to cross the Atlantic, and ships connected to Georgia’s early history. The Greek Revival house and its garden add an architectural and outdoor stop to the visit.
The Scarbrough House
The museum occupies the William Scarbrough House, built in 1819 for a Savannah merchant who backed the steamship Savannah. That vessel became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. The house is an early example of Greek Revival architecture in the South, with a portico topped by half-moon windows. Its history is closely linked to the port and the ships represented in the galleries.
The building later changed hands after Scarbrough fell into debt. The museum was founded in 1966 and has been based in the house since 1994. The home itself is part of the visit: its rooms provide the setting for collections about maritime life and trade.
Ships, art and maritime objects
Nine galleries bring together models of vessels, maritime paintings and objects including carvings, knotwork and scrimshaw. The collection covers ships from different periods and includes both commercial and military material. Together, the exhibits explore Savannah’s connections to Atlantic travel and trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Several models have particular ties to the city and its history. The Savannah represents the steamship that crossed the Atlantic; the HMS Anne carried James Oglethorpe and other early settlers to Georgia in 1732. The collection also includes a model of the Wanderer, the last documented ship to bring enslaved people from Africa to the United States, in 1858, and one of the RMS Titanic. These vessels place ship design alongside the human histories associated with their voyages.
The displays are self-guided, so you can set your own pace through the rooms. A model maker is also the subject of an exhibit, giving attention to the skilled work behind the ships on display. The museum’s exhibits can change, so check its website for information about current displays before your visit.
The garden and visiting as a group
The grounds extend the visit outdoors, with a garden that is used for public events, including concerts. The garden has a koi pond, and the property also includes a parlor garden. Event use means the outdoor spaces can host gatherings as well as museum visits; check ahead if a particular event is part of your plan.
The museum is close to City Market and provides free parking in a lot on the south side of the building. Groups of 10 or more can request a guided tour with an advance reservation. Individual visits are self-guided. The museum has an elevator, an accessible entrance and restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating, and assistive listening equipment.
FAQ
How long do you need at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum?
Plan for at least an hour to see the galleries and garden. Some visits take about an hour and a half.
Is the museum self-guided?
Yes. Individual visits are self-guided. Groups of 10 or more can arrange a guided tour in advance.
Is there parking at the museum?
Free guest parking is available in the lot on the south side of the building.
What are the museum’s main highlights?
The nine galleries contain ship models, paintings and nautical objects. Models include the steamship Savannah and the RMS Titanic.
