Mother Mathilda Beasley

Mother Mathilda Beasley Park is a large park and educational historic site located on East Broad Street in Savannah’s historic district. The park was named after Mother Mathilda Beasley, Georgia’s first Black nun who also opened one of the nation’s first orphanages for African American girls. Mother Mathilda has also been honored by the Georgia Historical Commission with an official marker at nearby Sacred Heart Church.

The park was dedicated in her honor in 1982, and its centerpiece is her small, restored cottage, which now serves as a museum filled with details about her remarkable life. The museum is managed by Chatham County Parks and Recreation and is open for free tours on Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.

The park includes a spacious green lawn, a baseball field with bleachers, a playground with bouncy turf, a decked pavilion that can be reserved for private events, a dog park, and a paved walking path. 

Know Before You Go:

Address: 500 E. Broad Street, Savannah, GA, 31401

Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week

Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed if on a leash no longer than six feet or in the fenced dog park.  Owners must clean up after their dogs and must not leave dogs unattended at any time in or near the park. Pets are not allowed in park buildings, on athletic fields or courts.

Service Animals: Allowed when serving in a working capacity in accordance with the Revised Americans with Disabilities Act Service Animal Requirements.

Reservations: To reserve a park amenity, or for more information on museum tours, call Chatham County Parks and Recreation’s main office weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 912-652-6780