A River Through History... The building in which the museum is housed was built in 1940 by Richmond Hill's most famous residents, automobile industrialist Henry Ford and his wife, Clara. The building served as a kindergarten to local children. Today, we continue that tradition by teaching residents and visitors alike about the history of the little town of Ways Station, Georgia, now known as Richmond Hill. Like the Fords, generations have made their homes along the Great Ogeechee river and surrounding waterways. Our first residents, the Gualie Indians, created villages along its sandy shoreline. General James Oglethorpe built defenses on it earliest days of the Georgia colony. The proximity of the Ogeechee was the salient factor in rice evolving into the primary cash crop here in the 19th century. African slaves worked the rice fields and helped build Fort McAllister on the Ogeechee which was known as the "Guardian of Savannah" during the Civil War. Visitors to the museum can take a step back in time to learn about the people and places that have shaped the coastal community of Richmond Hill.
Admission rates: $8 for adults (18 and over)
Admission is free for children and members of the Richmond Hill Historical Society
Admission rates: $8 for adults (18 and over)
Admission is free for children and members of the Richmond Hill Historical Society
We are pleased to have just completed the Richmond Hill History Museum renovation project. Our building has a new roof, new paint and wood repairs. Thank you for your donations which helped us do this important historic renovation.
The Bailey Carpenter Barber Shop, located on the Richmond Hill Historical Museum’s campus, was used by Bailey Carpenter, the local barber, for over fifty years. The barber chair was purchased by Henry Ford for Mr. Carpenter. Ford, during his winter residency in Richmond Hill, used Carpenter as his barber.
Ford's barbershop was recently selected as the "Coast's Secret Landmark" in the 2016 Georgia Travel Guide.
Ford's barbershop was recently selected as the "Coast's Secret Landmark" in the 2016 Georgia Travel Guide.
Tuesdays - Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $8.00 (adults 18 and over) Members of the Society are free.
The Richmond Hill History Museum is located at 11460 Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, Georgia.
When traveling south on I-95, take Exit 90. Turn left onto Ford Avenue (GA Hwy. 144 East). At the third red light, turn right onto Timber Trail Road. The museum entrance is on the left.
When traveling north on I-95, take Exit 90 and turn right onto Ford Avenue (GA Hwy. 144 East). At the third red light, turn right onto Timber Trail Road. The museum entrance is on the left.
When traveling south on I-95, take Exit 90. Turn left onto Ford Avenue (GA Hwy. 144 East). At the third red light, turn right onto Timber Trail Road. The museum entrance is on the left.
When traveling north on I-95, take Exit 90 and turn right onto Ford Avenue (GA Hwy. 144 East). At the third red light, turn right onto Timber Trail Road. The museum entrance is on the left.
