Special Black History Month Exhibit at Bull Street Library

For Immediate Release

Live Oak Public Libraries

Sarah Collier, Director of Communications

912-652-3665

colliers@liveoakpl.org

Massie Heritage Center

Steve Smith, Curator

912-395-5070

steve.smith@sccpss.com

Panels with images and text from W.W. Law Exhibit

Image: Massie Heritage Center

Savannah, GA, February 2, 2023 - This February, Live Oak Public Libraries is hosting a special award-winning exhibit highlighting the work of civil rights leader W.W. Law.

In celebration of Black History Month, and in recognition of W.W. Law’s 100th birthday, Go Down to Savannah: W.W. Law’s Negro Heritage Trail is presented in collaboration with Massie Heritage Center and the City of Savannah Municipal Archives, made possible by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

Visitors are invited to learn the story of Savannah's first heritage tour that focused on African-American history in the city.

Westley Wallace Law (1923-2002) was born in Savannah, Georgia in an era of great inequality and social injustice. He earned a modest income as a postman and went on to become an icon of civil rights as a historian, teacher, preservationist, and an inspiring presence in the community.

The exhibit features display panels and upright banners sharing photos, text, and a map of the Negro Heritage Trail. Visitors will also find historical reference materials and informational handouts.

This display sheds light on a unique aspect of Law’s legacy, with documents and images capturing the inception and early years of the Negro Heritage Trail in historic Savannah. Law designed the tour to support the King-Tisdell Cottage, which he saved from demolition, and cast Savannah into the spotlight along with major cities, such as Washington, D.C. and New York City, to offer a guided black heritage tour.

“This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for Live Oak Public Libraries to be able to share this important experience with a new generation so that we can continue W.W. Law’s legacy of learning and teaching about local and national history,” said Lola Shelton-Council, Library Executive Director.

The exhibit is free and open to the public and is on view at Bull Street Library through February 28, 2023.

To learn about additional Black History Month events at Live Oak Public Libraries, visit liveoakpl.org/blackhistory.

Massie Heritage Center

The Massie Heritage Center strives to create a greater appreciation of Savannah's rich cultural heritage by preserving the historic Massie School as an interactive exhibit space and educational facility where both students and the general public can participate in interpretive programs that are designed to stimulate curiosity and to help achieve academic goals. Massie Heritage Center is a unit of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Learn more at sccpss.com.

City of Savannah Municipal Archives

The City of Savannah Municipal Archives collects, manages, preserves and makes accessible records documenting the City of Savannah’s history; administers the records management program and the City Records Center to increase the efficiency of City agencies; and shares the City’s history with City employees, citizens and visitors through outreach activities. Learn more at savannahga.gov.

Live Oak Public Libraries

Live Oak Public Libraries is a system of 16 libraries providing programs and services in Chatham, Effingham, & Liberty Counties. Our mission is to provide excellent, responsive service to enrich people’s lives, support lifelong learning and build and enhance our communities. Learn more at liveoakpl.org.

liveoakpl.org