The Telfair Academy in Savannah, Georgia was the first public art museum in the Southern United States. It was officially opened in 1886, and continues to operate as a museum today. The building in itself is an artifact of precious proportions, as it is one of the few surviving works of the esteemed architect William Jay. It was built in 1818 as a family home for Alexander Telfair, the son of one of Georgia’s early governors post-independence.

After Alexander’s death in 1832, his sister Mary Telfair inherited his estate, including his robust wealth which allowed her to travel throughout Europe. Mary had always been a lover of the arts, reading Lord Byron’s poetry as a schoolgirl and buying local art pieces for her meager collection. By the time she toured Europe, her art collection in the States had grown to over 200 pieces. 

Mary Telfair was a unique woman of her generation. A well rounded traveler, a literary aficionado, and a true “girl boss”- she never married as she didn’t see the point. She did, however, show much charity and generosity for her Savannah community, particularly the women in the city. She endowed the Savannah’s Widow Society, and took a great interest in the city’s education of art and history. 

In 1875, Mary Telfair passed on. In her will, she left a large portion of her wealth to found the Mary Telfair Hospital for Women, which was built in 1884 and opened in 1886. She also left her home to the Georgia Historical Society to be used as an art museum. Much of her art collection is on display within the historic mansion, as was her wish dictated in her will. Without Mary Telfair, much of our medical and educational resources would be far less advanced. SHe truly paved the way for a bright and well-rounded Savannah, and for that we are forever grateful.