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Savannah's Historic Architecture: Explore the Influences and Legacy of John Norris


  • The Green-Meldrim House 329 Bull Street Savannah, GA, 31401 United States (map)

Green-Meldrim House/ Andrew Low House Collaboration!

Learn about Savannah’s Mid-19th Century Architect of Note -

Two-Day Event Exploring the Influences and Legacy of John Norris

The two-day event begins with a lecture by Dr. Carl Lounsbury (PhD. The George Washington University) of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. He will speak on Innovation and Tradition: The Transformation of the Building Process in Antebellum America. This information will lay the groundwork for understanding the world Norris occupied as professional builder in America. Of interest, Norris began his career as a mason. He worked as a project manager for many years and only began referring to himself as an architect in 1847 at the age of 43. Lounsbury is uniquely placed to speak on the evolution of the building process.

During his 34-year tenure at CW, which ended in 2016, he was responsible for long-term architectural research projects and various architectural matters in the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg. Much of his research included the study of public buildings in the American colonies especially statehouses, courthouses, market houses, jails, churches and meetinghouses, theatres. In 2002, he helped establish the curriculum and serve as the Colonial Williamsburg coordinator of the National Institute of American History and Democracy (NIAHD) program in early American history and material culture, a joint venture with the College of William and Mary. He remains an Adjunct Professor of History at the College of William and Mary.

Following the lecture beginning at 6 p.m. on the 3rd floor of Cranmer Hall (Ralston Room), which is across Charlton Street from St. John’s Church, on the corner of Charlton and Whitaker Street, there will be a reception in the Green-Meldrim House as well as an opportunity for attendees to see the fine house as a remarkable example of Norris’s skill. For the event, John Norris’s account book for the building of Charles Green’s house will be on exhibit in the Sherman Room on the second floor.

On Saturday morning, November 9th at 10:30 a.m., a walking tour will begin in the courtyard of the Andrew Low House. There will be refreshments and a chance to see the first floor of the Andrew Low House. The exterior walking tour will encompass John Norris designed structures in the heart of the Landmark District.

The package price to attend the two-day event is a good value. For Friends of the Green-Meldrim House or Friends of the Andrew Low House, the total is $45 which includes a copy of the recently published book John S. Norris: Architect in Savannah 1846-1860* . For non-Friends the price is $65. Each event, lecture and reception or walking tour, is $20 for members and $25 for the general public. Find admissions information on the Andrew Low House website.

It is only through the collaboration of the two historic sites that this offering is possible. Please support it!

Ticket link: https://www.andrewlowhouse.com/explore/programs-events/

Please Note

Official Guides of Savannah aims to provide the most up-to-date information on events listed on The Lobby List. In the event of a change, we will do our best to make sure it is reflected in our list. However, the best source for current information is the link to the actual event included in The Lobby List posting.