SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM
WILLIAM SCARBROUGH HOUSE AND GARDENS
About Us
A Maritime Legacy in a Historic Setting
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is housed in the historic William Scarbrough House, an elegant example of early Greek Revival architecture in the South. Built in 1819 for William Scarbrough, a prominent shipping merchant and the first president of the Savannah Steamship Company, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of ship models, paintings, and maritime antiques. In addition to its exquisite interior, the museum features the largest private gardens within Savannah’s historic district, designed to reflect a typical 19th-century parlor garden.
Our Story
Built in 1819, the house is a significant landmark in Savannah’s maritime history as Scarbrough was the lead investor in the SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross any ocean. A model of this historic vessel is part of our collection.
Founded by Mills Bee Lane Jr and enhanced by his son Mills Bee Lane IV, the museum celebrates this rich maritime heritage. After 150 years as a house and a school, restoration efforts on the building began in the 1970s, resulting in designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1974. Acquired by Ships of the Sea Museum in 1995, the house now serves as a testament to Savannah’s maritime legacy as well as as a vibrant venue for community events.
Meet The Team
Molly Carrott Taylor
Executive Director
Since becoming executive director of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in March 2023, Molly Carrott Taylor has infused the institution with fresh vision and extensive museum expertise. Drawing on her experience from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Telfair Museums, she is passionate about sharing Savannah’s maritime history and its unique stories. As she looks to the future, Molly is excited to steer the museum toward new horizons.
John Lutz
Director of Operations
Nicole Elliott
Venue Manager
Bobby Hughes
Interpreter
Tania Sammons
Curator
Amanda Fournier
Multimedia Marketing & Retail Manager
Jim Dunigan
Interpreter
Caroline Berry
Director of Education
Jax Ellis
Curatorial & Administrative Assistant
Julian Churchill
Safety & Maintenance
Our Board of Trustees
Laura Hardman Collins
Chair
John Hardman
Vice Chair
Elizabeth Dubose
Rexanna Lester
President
Dolly Chisholm
Secretary
John McEllen
Gary Arthur
Vice Chair
Stewart Bromley
Treasurer
Zelda Tenenbaum