Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
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Introduction to the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
George Welshman Owens was a wealthy planter, lawyer, and politician who began living in this house with his wife, six children, and up to 14 enslaved people in 1833. The last Owens descendant to reside here was George Owens' granddaughter, Margaret Gray Thomas, who bequeathed the property to the Telfair Academy of Arts and Science in 1875. Unlike the other two Telfair Museums – the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy – the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters emphasizes the Owens family's furnishings and the history of one of the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the South.
A Glimpse Into 19th-Century Life
A tour of the Owens-Thomas House offers insights into affluent life in 19th-century Savannah. You will witness Greek-inspired craftsmanship and beautiful stained glass, along with the old carriage house and slave quarters. Visitors can explore common spaces such as the drawing room and dining room, where the family entertained guests. Interactive exhibits in the butler's pantry, working cellar, and slave quarters provide further understanding of the daily lives of the family's enslaved workers.
Visitor Experiences
Previous travelers have praised the attraction, calling it a fascinating and eye-opening experience regarding enslavement. Many found it worthwhile to tour this museum as part of the collective price for visiting all three Telfair museums. Tickets include admission to all three museums and are valid for one week from the date of purchase.
The Owens-Thomas House is located centrally in the Historic District, just a few blocks northeast of Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace.
Visiting Hours
The Owens-Thomas House is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday. Guided tours are available at 15-minute intervals between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ticket Information
Admission costs $30 for adults and $20 for students aged 13 to 25. Tickets for children aged 6 to 12 are $10, while children 5 and younger can visit for free. Note that admission to one site includes access to the other Telfair sites. For more information, visit the Telfair Museums website.
