Spring Lecture Series: The Bruckheimer Library

On Sunday, April 5th, the attendees of the Lecture Series were treated to an exciting examination of the Childhood Home's Bruckheimer Library. Moderators Joni Saxon-Giusti and Christian Kruse reviewed the books on hand that were of interest to Flannery and her family. Books written about Flannery and her work and their inclusion in the the Library were then discussed. Looking toward the future, the two Board members spoke of establishing a virtual library, something that would never be limited by the physical space here at the Home.

Mary Flannery's 84th birthday!

With some in costume and others as they are, friends and supporters of Flannery's Childhood Home gathered on the evening of March 25th to celebrate her birthday. 84 years ago, just a few blocks to the south at St. Joseph's Hospital, Mary Flannery O'Connor entered the world. Little did anyone guess just what an effect this writer-to-be would have on readers around the world. The guests were treated to recipes found in the Sanford House Cookbook: carrot sandwiches, smoked oyster roll and turtle cake were just a few of the delights enjoyed.

Meet Our Docents

Mary Lawrence Kennickell was born and raised in Milledgeville, GA. Her father was a dentist and had very important patients--the O'Connors. Mary Lawrence fondly remembers time spent talking to Flannery on Sunday afternoons. She arrived in Savannah in 1980 and is an artist specializing in graphite. She began leading tours here at the Home in 2007 following the historical restoration. Her favorite room to show is Flannery's bedroom.

Join Us for O'Connor's Birthday on March 25th!

The Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home, located at 207 E. Charlton Street on Lafayette Square, will host a special celebration in honor of Flannery O'Connor's birthday on Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

This event is open to the public ($25 suggested donation). Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Flannery O'Connor literary character and to enjoy drinks and hearty 1950's inspired hors d'oeuvres.

Please call 912-233-6014 or email billdawers@comcast.net with questions.

Hope some of you can make it!

Spring Lecture Series - Dr. Eddy Dupuy

The Childhood Home parlor on March 16th was was the setting for a discussion on Flannery O'Connor and Walker Percy led by Dr. Eddie Dupuy, seen here with Bill Dawers, the Board's President. Dr. Dupuy spoke on the similarities and differences of the two authors to a full house. Currently Dr. Dupuy is the Dean of Graduate Studies at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Be sure to join us here at 3 p.m. on April 5th when Joni Saxon-Giusti and Christian Kruse will speak on the Childhood Home's Bruckheimer Library.

Meet Our Docents

Gillian Brown has been involved with the Childhood Home before it was opened to the public. She is the widow of Dr. Hugh Brown, one of the original founders of the Foundation that purchased the Home in 1989. She remembers how everyone worried in those days about the mortgage, which has since been retired. One of her favorite stories to share with our visitors is the gathering of neighborhood children on Saturday mornings around the O'Connor radio so, along with Flannery, they could listen to the CBS radio program, 'Let's Pretend.' She also enjoys sharing the Home with the wide variety of guests who visit.

Meet Our Docents

Jane Thimme wears a number of hats here at the Home. She started as a docent in 2000. The next year she became the Newsletter's editor. She joined the Board of Directors in 2006. Her favorite part of the house to show is the parents' bedroom on the second floor. She invites our guests to look out the large, lace-curtained windows so they can see what the O'Connors saw each morning and evening.