Savannah, Ga., November 19, 2014 - The Georgia Historical Society officially opened the new Jepson House Education Center with an historical marker dedication and private reception.

"This is a day four decades in the making," said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. "Through the generosity of Bob and Alice Jepson the Georgia Historical Society has not only increased our footprint in the city of Savannah but also our ability to expand our base of operations throughout the state of Georgia."

The program included remarks by Dr. Groce and Robert S. Jepson, Jr., Chairman of the GHS Board of Curators. Mr. Jepson and his wife Alice Andrews Jepson are the principle benefactors of the Jepson House Education Center.   The marker was then unveiled by Mr. and Mrs. Jepson, Dr. Groce and Don Kole, GHS Chairman Emeritus.  The Marker text was read by GHS board member Phil Jacobs.

"With the completion of the Jepson House Education Center and other initiatives implemented in the last several years, the Georgia Historical Society is solidifying its place as a nationally recognized public history institution serving the people of Georgia and elsewhere," said Mr. Jepson.

Following a capital campaign for renovation Martin + Zittrouer began construction in late July 2013.  Laura Garcia-Culler Executive Vice President and COO of the Georgia Historical Society served as project manager while Andy Lynch of Lynch and Associates served as project architect.

“All of us at GHS are thrilled to have new office space that is both functional and beautiful,” said Ms. Garcia-Culler.   This building now gives the Georgia Historical Society the opportunity to expand and grow as our future needs demand.

The property, purchased in 2011, will be the place from which all GHS statewide educational programming and services will be planned and disseminated around the state.  More information about the Jepson House Education Center can be found here https://www.georgiahistory.com/about-ghs/jepson-house-education-center/

The marker reads:

Jepson House Education Center

This Italianate mansion was built in 1856 for Savannah grocer and Civil War mayor Thomas Holcombe and later owned by former Confederate officer and Superior Court Judge Robert Falligant and his descendants. The Oglethorpe Light Infantry, commanded by Francis Bartow, received its colors and departed from here for the First Battle of Manassas in 1861. During his last visit to Savannah in 1870, Robert E. Lee was hosted here. In 2011 the building was acquired by the Georgia Historical Society. It is named in honor of local philanthropist and businessman Robert S. Jepson, Jr., and his wife Alice, principal benefactors and leaders of the effort to obtain the building. Jepson House serves as the Georgia Historical Society's educational center, housing the office of the president and the program and administrative staff.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society

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