Massie Heritage Center to celebrate Savannah’s historic May Day tradition Tuesday

by Shakuria Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Massie Heritage Center will continue a long-standing Savannah tradition Tuesday with its annual May Day celebration in Taylor Square.

The event will take place May 12 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in front of Massie Heritage Center on East Gordon Street.

Students from several Savannah-Chatham County Public School System elementary schools will perform a variety of cultural dances from around the world, including the traditional May Pole Dance.

The celebration will also include the annual crowning of the May Day King and Queen.

Before performances begin, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts, School Board President Roger Moss, and Friends of Massie representatives will offer greetings to attendees.

Beach High School JROTC cadets will present the colors, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy Symphonic Band.

Following performances, Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church will provide students with lemonade and homemade cookies.

Organizers say Massie’s May Day Festival dates back to the school’s opening in 1856 and has grown into one of the district’s largest multicultural events.

Massie School is recognized as the oldest school in continuous operation in Georgia and now serves as a museum focused on Savannah history and architecture.