Savannah Girl Scout History
Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low assembled 18 girls from Savannah, Georgia, on March 12, 1912, for the first official Girl Scout meeting. Daisy believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. With the goal of bringing girls out of isolated home environments and into community service and the open air, Girl Scouts hiked, played basketball, went on camping trips, learned how to tell time by the stars, and studied first aid.
Within a few years, Daisy's dream for a girl-centered organization was realized. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA has a membership of nearly four million girls and adults, a significant growth from its modest beginnings nearly a century ago. In fact, more than 50 million women in the U.S. today are Girl Scout alumnae. The organization has a rich and robust history, a willingness to tackle important societal issues and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. The remarkable organization that Juliette Low founded in Savannah is truly dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The Juliette Low Birthplace is a special treasure of Savannah's historic Landmark District- Savannah's only house interpreted for the Victorian period. The Wayne-Gordon House was built between 1818-1821 for Mayor James Moore Wayne, later United States Supreme Court Justice. The house was saved from destruction by Girl Scouts of the USA in the 1950's and is restored to a documented 1886 appearance, a year of extensive changes to the house. Guided tours explore the amusing and lively stories of four generations of one American family. Discover the "fun" Juliette Gordon Low promised the girls of the world when she founded Girl Scouts of the USA.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is owned and operated by Girl Scouts of the USA as a National Girl Scout Program Center and an historic house museum for the general public. The Birthplace is located on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Ave in the heart of historic downtown Savannah. Reservations are required for all groups including Girl Scout troops. Admission fees are charged for all tours and programs. To learn more please go to www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org.
A Few Tips for Girl Scout Troops Visiting the Juliette Low Birthplace
- The Birthplace accepts reservations for the Girl Scout Heritage program up to two years in advance.
- Reservations are required for all group tours and program visits so troops should make reservations with the Juliette Low Birthplace before finalizing their Savannah plans for accommodations and other activities.
- Girl Scout troops can check the Birthplace website for available dates on the troop calendar.
- Call (912) 233-4501or email for reservations using the reservation form on the JGLB website.
- Groups should allow plenty of time for making reservations.
- 18-20 months for June, Martin Luther King, Jr., President's Day, and Memorial Day weekends.
- 12-18 months for July, August, spring break, weekends January through May, and Labor Day weekend.
- 3-12 months for weekends September through December, weekdays September through mid-March.
- Always check the Birthplace website troop calendar or call to make reservations under 3 months. Small troops and other groups may be able to take advantage of late cancellations.
- Careful planning is required for the best possible Birthplace and Savannah travel experience.
- Always be Safety Wise to ensure your visit to the Juliette Low Birthplace is exciting, memorable and fun!
- For more details about making reservations, Juliette Low, the Gordon family, Girl Scout history, and the Wayne-Gordon House, visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace website for a wealth of information.