Tour 2- Land of Escapes, Freedom and Community:  Savannah, Georgia

Date and Time: Thursday, June 16 (8:00 am-5:00 pm)

Location: Meet in Hotel Lobby

$40 (lunch is on your own)

Description:

Journey to Savannah to visit Fort Pulaski National Monument (NPS and NTF site), historic First African Baptist Church, and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum.

Discover Fort Pulaski, which became a destination site for freedom seekers in 1862 when Union General Hunter issued an unauthorized General Order #7 which allowed emancipation of slaves in coastal Georgia.  Learn about the exploits of March Haynes who became involved in reconnaissance for the Union Army, conducting numerous missions into the heart of Savannah to uncover Confederate troop movements and area camp while also helping enslaved people escape to Fort Pulaski. Visit First African Baptist Church, organized and active since 1773, where Haynes was a member and later became a deacon. As the largest gathering place for blacks during segregation, the building was the site of many events and the courageous work needed during the Civil Rights Movement. Have lunch on your own at the adjacent City Market district (http://www.savannahcitymarket.com/ )   before following the freedom story to the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum.