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About Us

A Maritime Legacy in a Historic Setting

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is housed in the historic William Scarbrough House, an elegant example of early Greek Revival architecture in the South. Built in 1819 for William Scarbrough, a prominent shipping merchant and the first president of the Savannah Steamship Company, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of ship models, paintings, and maritime antiques. In addition to its exquisite interior, the museum features the largest private gardens within Savannah’s historic district, designed to reflect a typical 19th-century parlor garden.

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Our Story

Built in 1819, the house is a significant landmark in Savannah’s maritime history as Scarbrough was the lead investor in the SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross any ocean. A model of this historic vessel is part of our collection.

 

Founded by Mills Bee Lane Jr and enhanced by his son Mills Bee Lane IV, the museum celebrates this rich maritime heritage. After 150 years as a house and a school, restoration efforts on the building began in the 1970s, resulting in designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1974. Acquired by Ships of the Sea Museum in 1995, the house now serves as a testament to Savannah’s maritime legacy as well as as a vibrant venue for community events.

Meet The Team

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Molly Carrott Taylor

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Since becoming executive director of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in March 2023, Molly Carrott Taylor has infused the institution with fresh vision and extensive museum expertise. Drawing on her experience from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Telfair Museums, she is passionate about sharing Savannah’s maritime history and its unique stories. As she looks to the future, Molly is excited to steer the museum toward new horizons.

John Lutz

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Director of Operations

johnlutz@shipsofthesea.org

Nicole Elliott

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Bobby Hughes

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Tania Sammons

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Amanda Fournier

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Multimedia Marketing & Retail Manager

amandafournier@shipsofthesea.org

Jim Dunigan

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Caroline Berry

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Director of Education

carolineberry@shipsofthesea.org

Jax Ellis

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Curatorial & Administrative Assistant

jaxellis@shipsofthesea.org

Julian Churchill

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Our Board of Trustees

Laura Hardman Collins

Chair

John Hardman

Vice Chair

Elizabeth Dubose

Rexanna Lester

President

Dolly Chisholm

Secretary

John McEllen

Gary Arthur

Vice Chair

Stewart Bromley

Treasurer

Zelda Tenenbaum

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