FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Brandy Mai, Director of Communications
912.651.2125, or Email

Boyhood Home of Noted African-American Journalist Robert Sengstacke Abbott Recognized With New Historical Marker

Savannah, GA, August 20, 2008 -- The Georgia Historical Society and the City of Savannah will unveil the city’s newest historical marker at the former site of Robert Sengstacke Abbott’s boyhood home on the corner of West Bay and Albion Streets on August 26, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. In 1905, Abbott, a prominent civil rights activist and journalist, founded the Chicago Defender, one of the nation’s largest and most influential black weekly newspapers. In 1956, it became the United States’ first black daily newspaper, the Chicago Daily Defender.

Robert Sengstacke Abbott Boyhood Home
Founder of the Chicago Defender

From 1878 to 1889, Robert Sengstacke Abbott lived in the parsonage of Pilgrim Congregational Church, once located on this site. His stepfather, John H.H. Sengstacke, minister of the church, published the Woodville Times. Abbott learned the printing trade here and developed his commitment to equal rights for African Americans. In 1905, he founded the Chicago Defender, a newspaper that revolutionized African-American journalism. He fought to abolish Jim Crow laws and establish a non-discriminatory society. The Defender played a major role in initiating the Great Migration (1915-1919) of approximately 1.3 million blacks to northern cities.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and the City of Savannah

2008.7 25-33

Historical markers, which recognize people, places and events, tell the story of Georgia's past in a format that is accessible to residents and visitors alike and are an effective tool for economic development, encouraging local tourism and general state-wide interest. GHS has administered Georgia's historical marker program since 1998, erecting nearly 150 markers statewide.

SAVANNAH: 501 Whitaker St., Savannah, GA 31401
ATLANTA: 260 14th St., NW, Ste. A-148, Atlanta, GA 30318

Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.

Atlanta Office:
260 14th Street, N.W., Suite A-148
Atlanta, GA 30318
Tel 404.382.5410
Fax 404.671.8570

Savannah Office:
501 Whitaker Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Tel 912.651.2125
Fax 912.651.2831
Toll Free 877.424.4789
Library & Archives: 912.651.2128

February 2012 Events

click here to view upcoming events

February 2012 Facts

click here to view upcoming events

FEB
09

Today in History

1861 Despite the fact that delegates from seceded states were meeting in Montgomery, Ala. to form the Confederate States of America, Tennessee voted against secession. read more

Hours

Office: Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Library: Wed-Fri noon - 5 pm

See GHS calendar for Saturday hours.