SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM
LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC WILLIAM SCARBROUGH HOUSE AND GARDENS
MUSEUM EVENTS 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS 2026
2026
DRAWN
TO THE SEA
EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY
May 1 , 2026 - January 31, 2027
Drawn to the Sea: Maritime Stories from Savannah opens May 1, 2026 at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. This exhibition features four sequential artists who bring maritime history to life through original comic storytelling inspired by ship models in the museum’s historic ballroom.
OCTOBER 2026
MICHAEL P. GIBSON
FIRST TRIM
October 19-22 , 2026
Beginning this month, celebrated topiary artist Michael P. Gibson will begin the first shaping sessions for The Voyage, his May 2027 exhibition at Ships of the Sea. Working with several large-scale Yaupon Hollies in the Scarbrough Garden, Gibson will gradually transform the plantings into sweeping sculptural forms inspired by the rolling wake of a passing steamship.
Visitors are invited to watch the work take shape Monday through Friday during regular museum hours. Free and open to the public, these first-cut sessions offer a rare opportunity to see Gibson's process up close and experience the exhibition as it evolves
First Cut Garden Member Preview
Kick off the Year of the Garden with Michael P. Gibson as he completes the "first cut" in preparation for his May 2027 exhibition, The Voyage. Ships of the Sea Garden Members are invited to meet Michael, learn about the artistry and techniques behind living sculpture , and raise a glass to the beginning of this extraordinary exhibition.
This is a private Garden Member event.
The Voyage Exhibition
In May 2027, Michael P. Gibson will transform the historic Scarbrough Garden into a living work of art with his topiary installation, The Voyage. Inspired by Savannah's deep maritime history and the museum's celebrated connection, The Voyage will serve as a striking tribute to the city's enduring connection to the sea.
The Voyage opens on May 14th, 2027 and will be on view through January 2030. The exhibition will be accompanied by lectures, workshops, and. expanded educational and horticultural programming for visitors of all ages!
SEA MONSTERS
FAMILY DAY
October 25, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join us for a monstrous creative adventure! Design and built your own spooky, swamp sea monster using colorful collage, wild textures, and a splash of imagination. Will your creature be lurking below the waves or ruling the seven seas?
Workshop Included in a regular Museum Admission.
Free to Family Members.
NOVEMBER 2026
CELESTIAL SEAFARERS
November 5 & 6 , 2026
6:30 PM - 9:30PM
Local artists transform the museum grounds using light, sound, projection, and interactive technology inspired by maritime themes and the night sky. Wander through glowing installations, atmospheric soundscapes, and creative interpretations of navigation, astronomy, and the mysteries of the sea.
This is a rare opportunity to see the museum gardens come alive after dark through the lens of Savannah’s most innovative creators.
ART STUDIO VISIT WITH SHARON NORWOOD
November 17 , 2026 | 6-8PM
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
$22 Per Person | FREE for Members
Step inside the studio of Drawn to the Sea artist Sharon Norwood for a rare behind-the-scenes look at her creative process and artistic practice. This intimate visit offers a unique opportunity to experience the space where her work takes shape and connect more deeply with the ideas behind the exhibition.
DECEMBER 2026
A VERY
MARITIME HOLIDAY
December 10, 2026
Enjoy festive music, drink, treats, family photo moments with Santa, and cozy activities throughout the museum. It’s a laid-back, joyful evening designed to bring our community together during the most magical time of year.
More coming soon.....
PAST EVENTS ARCHIVE
WELCOME ASHORE!
STATE OF THE PORT COCKTAIL PARTY
Tue, October 13, 2026
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join us at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum for cocktails, conversation, and coastal camaraderie as we gather for the State of the Port. Raise a glass with fellow maritime leaders, port partners, and friends of the waterfront as we celebrate the people, partnerships, and progress shaping our port and Savannah’s maritime future!
Set in the gardens of one of Savannah’s most storied maritime landmarks, the evening features light bites, signature dockside drinks, and live music from the Intracoastal Playboys!
TALES OF THE SEA
JONATHAN BRYANT
October 1 , 2026 - 5PM
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is pleased to welcome author Jonathan Bryant for the first event in our new Tales from the Sea lecture series on October 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., with the lecture beginning at 5:45 p.m.
Bryant will discuss his newest historical novel, The Slaver’s Apprentice, set in 1819 aboard the slave ship Liberty. The novel follows a fifteen-year-old boy caught in a world of violence, corruption, and the brutal realities of the Atlantic slave trade before ultimately facing trial in Savannah.
Following the presentation, Bryant will be available to sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase at the event.
AN AFTERNOON WITH RICH KING
September 27 , 2026 | 3PM
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
FREE admission
Join Drawn to the Sea artist Richard J. King for a special presentation exploring the catastrophic 1838 explosion and sinking of the luxury steamship Pulaski. King will share the history behind his comic, his approach to maritime storytelling, and highlights from his wider body of work inspired by the ocean.
MAKING WAVES FAMILY DAY
September 13 , 2026 | 1-4PM
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
FREE admission from 1-4PM
See what’s making waves at Ships of the Sea!
Making Waves Family Day invites families to discover the museum together through hands-on activities, art-making, interactive experiences, and maritime fun throughout the museum and gardens.
Special activities from Deep Center, Georgia Southern University, Tybee Island Marine Science Center, and Loop It Up Savannah will offer even more ways to create, explore, and learn together.
And since Making Waves falls on Grandparents Day, grandparents and grandchildren are especially invited to make a few new memories together.
Free admission from 1–4 pm. Bring the whole family and come discover together at Ships of the Sea!
From lively family days in the gardens to thought-provoking exhibitions, concerts, and community celebrations, Ships of the Sea has hosted an incredible variety of programs over the years. Our past events gallery highlights just a glimpse of the energy, creativity, and connection that fill the Museum and gardens. We invite you to enjoy these moments — and to join us in creating new ones at our upcoming events.
EVENTS FAQ
ARE ALL EVENTS FREE FOR MEMBERS?
Most events are free for Museum members. If a specific membership level is required for complimentary admission, that information will be clearly noted on the event ticketing page and event description.
IS THERE PARKING ON-SITE?
Yes. We have a parking lot conveniently located at the garden entrance on MLK Jr. Blvd and Orange Street. Parking in our lot is free for event guests. If the lot is full, metered on-street parking is available along MLK Jr. Blvd, Orange Street, and Ann Street. There is also a private lot directly across from our entrance (between Zubly and Orange Streets on MLK Jr. Blvd), which is pay-by-the-hour.
IS THE MUSEUM ACCESSIBLE FOR VISITORS WITH MOBILITY NEEDS?
Yes. The Museum and gardens are designed to be as accessible as possible. Our parking lot includes curb cuts and four accessible spaces. The gardens are fully wheelchair accessible, and the North Garden ramp provides access to the Assembly Room with accessible restrooms. The main floor of the Museum can be reached by a wheelchair lift (800 lb capacity) located under the south porch, accessible via the Scarbrough Garden. Please note: the second floor and basement are only accessible by stairs.
WILL PHOTOS OR VIDEOS BE TAKEN AT EVENTS?
Yes. Photography, audio, and video recording may take place during Museum events. By attending, you consent to the Museum using these materials for promotional, educational, and archival purposes in print and digital media. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please let a staff member know.