Savannah’s Laurel Grove Cemetery is a captivating destination for those intrigued by the rich history of remarkable women. The Savannah Women’s History Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the lives and legacies of trailblazers like Juliette Gordon Low and Phoebe Pember. Over the course of two hours, the guided tour delves into the Victorian-era mourning rituals and the evolving roles of women, showcasing the cemetery’s intricate architectural features and serene atmosphere. With fewer travelers, visitors can enjoy the personal stories that have shaped Savannah’s cultural landscape, making this a profoundly moving experience. But what secrets do these hallowed grounds hold, waiting to be uncovered?
Key Points
- The 2-hour Laurel Grove Cemetery tour in Savannah highlights the lives and legacies of remarkable women, including Juliette Gordon Low, Phoebe Pember, and Eugenia Phillips.
- The tour explores Victorian mourning rituals and the evolving roles of women, showcasing the cemetery’s unique architectural features like ironwork and chapel crypts.
- Laurel Grove Cemetery offers a more intimate and serene setting compared to the more popular Bonaventure Cemetery, allowing for a focused exploration of women’s history.
- The tour covers the influential impact of women’s associations on commemorative traditions at the cemetery, including organizing funeral services and maintaining gravesite decorations.
- The Laurel Grove Cemetery tour is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 2 PM and Saturdays at 10 AM, with advanced booking recommended due to limited spaces.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Savannah: Women’s History Tour at Laurel Grove Cemetery typically lasts 2 hours and is priced from €27.47 per person.
This English-language tour is led by a live guide and is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to explore the cemetery’s collection of accomplished women.
Booking is available through a reserve now, pay later option, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour highlights the lives and legacies of notable figures like Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, as well as Civil War nurse Phoebe Pember and Confederate spy Eugenia Phillips, all buried within the cemetery’s serene and historic grounds.
Tour Highlights and Experience
Visitors embark on a captivating journey through Savannah’s rich women’s history during the Laurel Grove Cemetery tour, showcasing the final resting places of accomplished females like the iconic Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low and Civil War nurse Phoebe Pember.
The tour highlights include:
- An in-depth look at the family gravesite of Juliette Low, where attendees learn about her legacy and the impact of women’s associations.
- Discussions on Victorian mourning rituals and the evolving roles of women in death customs.
- Exploration of the cemetery’s unique architecture, including its impressive ironwork and chapel crypts, providing a serene and historic atmosphere for visitors to discover Savannah’s remarkable women.
Laurel Grove Cemetery Features
Laurel Grove Cemetery is known for its large concentration of locally made ironwork and chapel crypts, offering visitors a more private experience compared to the more popular Bonaventure Cemetery.
The serene atmosphere of this historic necropolis allows guests to appreciate the unique architectural features, such as the intricate Victorian ironwork adorning the graves and mausoleums. Many of the chapel crypts found throughout the cemetery feature a distinct architectural style, further enhancing the cemetery’s captivating ambiance.
With fewer travelers than Bonaventure, Laurel Grove provides a more intimate setting for visitors to explore the lives and legacies of the accomplished women laid to rest within its hallowed grounds.
Inclusions and Restrictions
The tour includes entrance fees to Laurel Grove Cemetery, though visitors won’t find operational bathrooms available on weekends. Gratuities aren’t covered, and smoking, alcohol, drugs, and video recording aren’t allowed within the cemetery grounds.
This tour offers a unique and immersive experience, focusing on the lives and legacies of remarkable women buried at Laurel Grove. Guests can expect:
- Insightful discussions on mourning rituals and the impact of women’s associations
- Up-close encounters with Victorian ironwork and distinctive mausoleum architecture
- A more private and serene atmosphere compared to the busier Bonaventure Cemetery
Meeting Point and Availability
Guests will find the tour’s meeting point at the blue gazebo just inside the entrance to Laurel Grove Cemetery, where ample parking is available nearby. This convenient location allows visitors to easily access the historic cemetery and begin their immersive exploration of Savannah’s remarkable women’s history.
| Tour Availability | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 2:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 2:00 PM |
| Friday | 2:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM |
Interested guests are encouraged to check the tour’s availability and book their spots in advance, as spaces may be limited. With the tour’s flexible scheduling, visitors can choose the day and time that best fits their Savannah itinerary.
Notable Women Buried at the Cemetery
Several renowned women left an indelible mark on Savannah’s history, with their final resting place found within the serene grounds of Laurel Grove Cemetery.
The tour highlights the remarkable lives of:
- Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, whose family gravesite is a must-see.
- Florence Martus, known as the ‘Waving Girl,’ who greeted ships entering the Savannah River for over 40 years.
- Phoebe Pember, a pioneering Civil War nurse who cared for wounded Confederate soldiers with unwavering compassion.
These pioneering women’s stories come alive as you stroll through the cemetery’s Victorian ironwork and unique mausoleum architecture, offering a poignant glimpse into Savannah’s rich tapestry of female history.
Mourning Rituals and Women’s Roles
Women played pivotal roles in shaping the mourning rituals observed at Laurel Grove Cemetery, reflecting their profound influence on death customs in Savannah’s history.
The ornate ironwork and chapel crypts often served as public displays of grief, with women adorning these structures with flowers and personal mementos.
Elaborate mourning attire, such as black veils and somber dresses, were an important part of the grieving process, allowing women to visibly express their sorrow.
Mourning societies and ladies’ associations also organized funerals and cemetery visits, demonstrating the central role of women in the commemoration of the deceased.
These customs not only honored the dead but also reinforced women’s status as the gatekeepers of Savannah’s funeral traditions.
Impact of Women’s Associations
Women’s associations played a pivotal role in shaping the commemorative traditions observed at Laurel Grove Cemetery. They organized and funded elaborate funeral services, processionals, and gravesite decorations that honored the memory of prominent Savannah women interred within its grounds.
These women-led organizations ensured the proper observance of Victorian mourning rituals, including the display of black crepe and the performance of solemn hymns.
They also established endowments to maintain the upkeep and beautification of individual gravesites and family plots.
On top of that, they advocated for the installation of distinctive architectural features, such as ornate ironwork and chapel crypts, that reflected the cultural and social standing of the deceased.
Through their collective efforts, these associations cemented Laurel Grove Cemetery as a hallowed space that celebrated the legacies of Savannah’s most remarkable women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it focuses on the histories of accomplished women and discusses topics like mourning rituals and women’s roles in death customs that may be unsuitable for children. However, older children may find the tour engaging.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, visitors cannot bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The cemetery rules prohibit outside food and beverages to maintain the serene atmosphere. Participants should plan to enjoy the experience without consuming personal snacks or drinks during the tour.
Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for groups of 8 or more people. They also provide a 10% discount for seniors, students, and military personnel. Advance booking is recommended to take advantage of these special rates.
How Accessible Is the Cemetery for Visitors With Mobility Issues?
The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways and no steep inclines. Visitors with mobility issues can fully experience the tour’s highlights, including the Victorian ironwork and unique mausoleum architecture.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though video recording is prohibited. The tour guide can provide guidance on when and where photography is appropriate to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.
Recap
The Savannah Women’s History Tour at Laurel Grove Cemetery offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating lives and legacies of remarkable women who’ve left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.
Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere, uncover the evolution of women’s roles, and gain a deeper appreciation for the personal stories that have shaped Savannah’s history.
