Richmond Hill, Georgia's story begins long before the modern city, with the Indigenous Guale people who first lived along Georgia’s coastal waterways. The area later developed through the plantation and rice-growing eras, shaped by the labor, culture, and resilience of African American communities and the events of the Civil War.
A defining chapter began in April 1925, when Henry Ford and Clara Ford arrived and eventually acquired approximately 85,000 acres of land. Through their investments in education, healthcare, skilled trades, and employment, the Fords helped transform Richmond Hill into a thriving model community. Today, many historic buildings and local traditions reflect this lasting legacy. As the community marks the centennial of the Fords’ arrival, the Richmond Hill Historical Society remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories that connect Richmond Hill’s past to its future.
A defining chapter began in April 1925, when Henry Ford and Clara Ford arrived and eventually acquired approximately 85,000 acres of land. Through their investments in education, healthcare, skilled trades, and employment, the Fords helped transform Richmond Hill into a thriving model community. Today, many historic buildings and local traditions reflect this lasting legacy. As the community marks the centennial of the Fords’ arrival, the Richmond Hill Historical Society remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories that connect Richmond Hill’s past to its future.
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Explore the Richmond Hill History Museum
Located in the former Ford Kindergarten building (1937), the museum invites visitors to explore the many layers of Richmond Hill’s story — from the Guale people and plantation era to African American history, the Civil War, and the lasting impact of the Ford era.
Visitor Information
Visitor Information
- 11460 Ford Avenue
- Open 11 AM - 4 PM Tuesday - Saturday
- Admission $8 per person, children under six are free
- 👥 Group Tours Available
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Become a MemberMembers help sustain the museum, support preservation projects, and keep local history accessible to all.
Membership benefits may include:
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Everyone has places that are important to them. Places they care about. Places that matter. The National Trust has used THIS PLACE MATTERS® to promote public awareness of the importance of maintaining, preserving, and recognizing the historic and cultural significance of locations and properties across the country. They began using THIS PLACE MATTERS® in 2008 to engage the broader preservation community, empower people to celebrate places meaningful to them, and draw awareness to threatened places. Look for the signs around Richmond Hill!
Upcoming Events
Rev Up for Cars & Coffee
Start your engines and join us as Cars & Coffee rolls at the Richmond Hill History Museum for the 2026 season. Cruise in on the first Saturday of each month, March through October, from 9–11 a.m. for classic cars, great conversation, and a morning fueled by community and automotive passion. Grab a cup of coffee and a donut and join the fun!
Start your engines and join us as Cars & Coffee rolls at the Richmond Hill History Museum for the 2026 season. Cruise in on the first Saturday of each month, March through October, from 9–11 a.m. for classic cars, great conversation, and a morning fueled by community and automotive passion. Grab a cup of coffee and a donut and join the fun!
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