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Frequently Asked Questions
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Here are some answers to frequently qsked questions about the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.

Q: Is the Birthplace wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes. A state-of-the-art elevator was installed in the main house in 2004.

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Q: How can I donate to the Birthplace?

A: You can donate online to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Preservation Endowment—a special fund that provides for future capital needs of the Birthplace. Donors who give $50 or more to this fund are entitled to an annual membership in the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Circle of Friends.

Visit the Support Us section of this site for more information about donations.

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Q: What famous people have visited the house?

A: President William Howard Taft visited the Gordons in 1909 and 1912.
During the years, visitors from presidents to movie stars have come to the house where Juliette Gordon Low was born. The Gordons entertained such notables as Presidents William Howard Taft and William McKinley, and Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. While Gone With the Wind was being filmed in Atlanta, Clark Gable and other members of the cast and crew came to the house. In recent years, Lorne Greene, Richard Chamberlain, Blythe Danner and Kate Mulgrew all acted in projects filmed or taped on the site.

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Q: What's on the top floor of the Birthplace, and why is it closed to visitors?

A: The top floor was added on in 1886. In the summer of 2006, structural problems were detected, so everything was moved from the floor to alleviate any stress. The floor is currently being evaluated for future restoration. The layout of the rooms is identical to the bedroom floor; however, the top floor has lower ceilings and less decorative detail.

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Q: Is there a good ghost story about the Birthplace?

A: 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 had died five years before, was also seen in an adjoining hallway, 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 Willie looked young, handsome and very happy and that he believed Mr. Gordon had come to get Miss Nelly at last.

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Q: How many people have visited the house since it opened?

A: More than 2.3 million people have toured the house and site since it opened in 1956. Each year, about 75,000 visitors and participants travel from all 50 states, two American territories, and many countries around the globe to visit Juliette Low's home.

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Q: What was Juliette Gordon Low's number one reason for a girl becoming a Girl Scout?

A: 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.

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Q: Is there a book we can read about Juliette Low?

A: Lady From Savannah: The Life of Juliette Low, by Gladys Denny Schultz and Daisy Gordon Lawrence (New York: Girl Scouts of the USA, 1988) is a very informative book about Juliette's life and family and is available for purchase through the Birthplace store, certain Girl Scout council shops or through the Girl Scout Online Shopping Mall. Also available through the Birthplace store is a reprint of the 1913 Girl Scout handbook. How girls can help the country.

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Q: What is the weather like in Savannah?

A: Generally, it's very hot in the summer, temperate in the spring and fall, and cool and rainy in the winter. Below is a list of average temperatures by month from the local Chamber of Commerce.

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

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Q: What else is there to do in Savannah?

A: Loads! Savannah is a major tourist destination. You can easily fill a week with activities related to your 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.

Contact the Savannah Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau or go to our Visit Us section for more local information.

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Q: How do I get to the Birthplace from Interstate 95?

A: 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. Get directions for travel by air and train in Visit Us.

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Q: Is there a place to picnic near the Birthplace?

A: Downtown Savannah has 22 park-like squares suitable for picnics and games. Several of these places are close to the Birthplace.

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Q: Do you require reservations for group tours?

A: All groups must make reservations for house tours. See Visit Us for more information.

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Q: How far is the Birthplace from the train station and the airport?

A: 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.

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Q: How can Girl Scout leaders make a test run to Savannah prior to the troop visit?

A: 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 twice yearly, in March and October, for 30 Girl Scout adults. For details, contact the Birthplace.

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Get more information on your trip to the Birthplace in Visit Us.

 
ALSO SEE:
Who We Are: History
History: Juliette Gordon Low Biography
International: Juliette Low World Friendship Fund
Support Us: Juliette Low Birthplace Circle of Friends
Birthplace Circle of Friends Contribution Form (PDF, 81KB)
Donate online to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Preservation Endowment

OUTSIDE LINKS:
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