Kiah Museum Historical Marker

The Kiah Museum was one of the first museums started by African Americans in the city of Savannah, Georgia.  In 1974 this museum was listed as one of the Reader's Digest Treasures of America.  The founders are deceased and the museum is in a state of deterioration and on a list of blight properties with the city, and could be targeted to be demolished. A neighborhood group has formed and wants to save this property and put a historical marker to document the history of this museum and its founders.  A marker could cost in excess of $5,00.00 and can be matched by the Georgia Historical Society if the group can raise $2,500.00.  We have hosted local Kiah Days of Remembrance and Folk Seminars for community awareness of the history and significance of this property. The building is located in Cuyler Brownsville, one of the the earliest African American communities.  Neighbors will be excited to see the property restored.  Virginia Jackson Kiah, was  in addition to being a museum founder, started the first Cuyler Brownsville Neighborhood Improvement Association.  As an artist she inspired others and promoted using the arts to build and support the community.  Her creative spirit saw art and beauty in everything and welcomed all people to the museum, never charging admission.  This community now wants to honor her and restore this property to its place of honor.  We need your help to make this a reality.  Every dollar counts toward our goal.