Bethesda Academy Announces Plans to Open New Museum and Visitors Center in January of 2013

Online, February 10, 2012 (Newswire.com) - SAVANNAH, Ga. - Bethesda Academy, a successful boys high school and middle school in Savannah, has officially announced plans to develop a new museum and visitors center on its 600-acre campus located at 9520 Ferguson Ave. The facility is expected to open to the public in January of 2013.

The William H. Ford Museum and Visitor Center will be located on the main floor of Burroughs Hall, which was originally built in 1870, and will feature 2,200 square feet of exhibition space as well as digital video stations and a gift shop. Bethesda is currently conducting fundraising efforts on behalf of the museum and visitors center, raising an additional $100,000 to complete the facility, which will celebrate the institution's rich history and impressive legacy.

"Bethesda welcomes approximately 20,000 visitors on campus each year, and this new museum and visitor center will allow us to share the fascinating story of Bethesda through informative, state-of-the-art exhibits," said Bethesda Academy president David Tribble. "This exciting new facility will celebrate the historical role Bethesda has played in transforming young men and will allow us to share that story with new students, guests and visitors."

The museum will also honor the legacy of Rev. William H. Ford, who has the distinction of being the only Bethesda alum who also served as superintendent. The Ford family is honoring their father for his 19 years of exceptional service at Bethesda.

The William H. Ford Museum and Visitor Center will feature interactive exhibits, photographs, video, oral histories and artifacts that tell the story of Bethesda's past, present and future. The main exhibit hall will offer insight into early Georgia history, chronicle the founding of Bethesda, detail early life at the orphanage and trace George Whitefield's enduring legacy.

"This museum has been strategically designed to make the Bethesda story engaging, entertaining and accessible to a wide range of audiences," said Jody Marcil, owner of Jody Marcil Design Studio in St. Augustine, Fla., the company designing the exhibitions at Bethesda. "Bethesda played an important role in our nation's history. We are honored to share Bethesda's story."

Originally founded in 1740 by George Whitefield and James Habersham as a home for orphans, Bethesda has the distinction of being the oldest child care facility in America. Over the past three centuries, Bethesda has served more than 10,000 boys, each of whom has benefitted from George Whitefield's founding mission to teach "a love for God, a love of learning and a strong work ethic."

Today, Bethesda Academy is a successful school with a curriculum designed specifically around the ways boys learn most effectively. The school, which serves students in grades six through twelve, features a wildlife management program, an on-site video production studio, an organic farming program and a nationally-ranked chess team. Bethesda Academy alumni have gone on to enjoy successful careers in a range of fields including business, medicine and professional sports.

"The structured environment, commitment to excellence and strong sense of community at Bethesda have the power to change lives," said Tribble. "We're proud of Bethesda's positive impact on young men in our community and are delighted to share our story through this landmark new museum."

To learn more about Bethesda's new museum and visitor center or to support the fundraising initiative, please contact Andrea Dove at 912.644.4376 or [email protected].

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY:
Originally founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child caring institute in America. A successful school for boys, Bethesda Academy emphasizes a love of God, a love of learning and a strong work ethic. Bethesda is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and features a wide range of academic, athletic, vocational and spiritual development opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.351.2061.