Historic Savannah Foundation was established in 1955 in response to demolitions and disinvestment in the historic city. The organization began with the purchase of the threatened ca. 1820 Isaiah Davenport House, now a museum. It has since grown to include advocacy, education, and a robust revolving fund. Historic Savannah has directly saved over 350 buildings. It has worked not just to save "landmark" buildings, but to revitalize neighborhoods, to influence public policy, and to fuel the economic engine of preservation in fulfillment of its mission to save buildings, places, and stories that define Savannah’s past, present and future.
In 2013 Hanbury Preservation Consulting facilitated a strategic plan for Historic Savannah that identified three focus areas of increasing resources to fulfill the mission; broadening and diversifying its base of support; and increasing the awareness and relevance of the organization. The plan was a result of a board retreat based on organizational analysis and public input.