Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace? Our informative FAQ page answers some of our most commonly-asked questions. Hope you find your answers here! If not, feel free to contact us.
FAQs
Is the Birthplace wheelchair accessible?
Yes. A state-of-the-art elevator was installed in the main house in 2004.
What famous people have visited the house?
Over the years, distinguished guests from United States presidents to movie stars have visited the house where Juliette Gordon Low was born. The Gordons entertained such notables as President William Howard Taft, President William McKinley and Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. While Gone with the Windwas being filmed in Atlanta, Clark Gable and other members of the cast and crew came to the house for dinner. In recent years, Lorne Greene, Richard Chamberlain, Blythe Danner and Kate Mulgrew all appeared in projects filmed on site. Special VIP’s like actor Paul Newman, President Jimmy Carter, President Harry Truman, Lady Bird Johnson, Elizabeth Dole, Princess Benedikta of Denmark and Lady Olave Baden-Powell have all stopped by for a tour. What's on the top floor of the Birthplace, and why is it closed to visitors?
The top floor was added on by the Gordon family in 1886. For many years it has served as the administrative offices for the museum. In the summer of 2006, structural problems were detected, so everything was removed to alleviate stress. Plans are underway for future restoration and to return the offices to this floor. The layout of the rooms is identical to the bedroom floor; however, the top floor has lower ceilings and the decorative features are less elaborate.
Is there a good ghost story about the Birthplace?
The family tells the romantic story of Juliette Low's parents, Nelly and Willie Gordon. Family members who were present said that just before Nelly died, she rose up in her bed, opened her arms in greeting, smiled like a bride, and lay down and died. Mr. Gordon, who died five years before, was seen in an adjoining hallway. He was looking lovingly into the room where the children were sitting with their mother. Just after Nelly's death, the family butler saw Mr. Gordon come down the stairs and walk out the front door. The butler remarked that Mr. Gordon looked young, handsome and very happy. The butler declared that he had come to get Miss Nelly at last. How many people have visited the house since it opened?
More than 2.4 million people have toured the house and site since the dedication in 1956. Each year, about 65,000 visitors travel from all 50 states, the American territories, and many countries around the globe to be inspired by Juliette Low's home.
What was Juliette Gordon Low's number one reason for becoming a Girl Scout?
Because it's "real fun!" And fun is what we hope everyone will have when they come to Savannah for a visit to the Birthplace!
Is there a book we can read about Juliette Low?
Lady From Savannah: The Life of Juliette Low, by Gladys Denny Schultz and Daisy Gordon Lawrence, written in the 1950’s (New York: Girl Scouts of the USA, 1988), is a dated but informative book about Juliette's life and her family. It is available for purchase through the Birthplace museum store or through Girl Scout Merchandise, GoShop. How Girls Can Help Their Country, a reprint of the 1913 Girl Scout handbook, is also available through the museum store.
What is the weather like in Savannah?
Generally, it's very hot in the summer, temperate in the spring and fall, and cool but pleasant in the winter. Below is a list of average temperatures by month from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. Closer to the trip date, check the Weather Channel or your local newspaper for current forecasts.
Month High / Low
Month High / Low
- January: 60° F / 38° F
- February: 63° F / 40° F
- March: 70° F / 47° F
- April: 78° F / 54° F
- May: 84° F / 62° F
- June: 87° F / 69° F
- July: 91° F / 72° F
- August: 90° F / 71° F
- September: 86° F / 68° F
- October: 78° F / 56° F
- November: 70° F / 46° F
- December: 63° F / 39° F
What else is there to do in Savannah?
Savannah is a major tourist destination, so you can easily fill a week with activities related to your Girl Scout troop program and personal interests. Eco-tourism opportunities include everything from beach walks and dolphin watches to black-water canoeing adventures. Savannah museums also offer special programs for Girl Scout troops and groups.
www.savannahvisit.com
www.savannahvisit.com
How do I get to the Birthplace from Interstate 95?
Take Interstate 16 East to Savannah. Do not exit. Follow the I-16 ramp onto Montgomery Street. Get into the right lane and proceed to the second light. Turn right at Oglethorpe Avenue. The Birthplace is four blocks east on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue. Find directions for travel by air and train in Visit Us.
Is there a place to picnic near the Birthplace?
Downtown Savannah has 22 park-like squares suitable for picnics and games. Several of these squares are close to the Birthplace. View a map of historic downtown Savannah.
Do you require reservations for group tours?
All groups of 10 or more should make reservations for house tours. See Visit Us for more information.
How far is the Birthplace from the train station and the airport?
The Savannah train station is approximately 10 miles away in a remote area, and transportation must be pre-arranged. Savannah International Airport is approximately 20 miles from the Birthplace. Transportation from the train station and airport is available by taxi or limousine.
How can Girl Scout leaders make a test run to Savannah prior to the troop visit?
Many Girl Scout leaders choose to attend Sojourn in Savannah, an adult training weekend, before bringing a Girl Scout troop/group to the Birthplace. Sojourn in Savannah is offered two - three times yearly for Girl Scout adults. To make a reservation click here.
How can I donate to the Birthplace?
You can donate online to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Preservation Endowment—a special fund that provides for future restoration projects and the ongoing maintenance of the Birthplace. Donors who contribute $50 or more to this fund are entitled to an annual membership in the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Circle of Friends.
