"What’s this place all about? Savannah’s favorite daughter, the great American writer Flannery O’Connor, was born in Savannah in 1925, and spent her childhood in a charming row house facing Lafayette Square. Though O’Connor didn’t write her famed short story “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” here, nor did she complete her classic novel "Wise Blood," her early years were not without significant accomplishment. Famously, young Mary Flannery taught a chicken to walk backwards in the walled backyard of this building. The eccentric spirit of O’Connor and her work infuses the museum today, which is just about as weird as you’d expect. It's also as fun as a restored Depression-era writer’s home could possibly be. The O’Connor quote that figures prominently on its website—as well as some merch sold inside—sums it up: “Whenever I’m asked why Southern writers particularly have a penchant for writing about freaks, I say it is because we are still able to recognize one.” What will we see here? Built in 1856, the multilevel Greek Revival home is filled with artifacts from O’Connor’s life as well as period decor, including refurbished chandeliers in the parlor and original heart-pine flooring. You’ll see O’Connor’s crib, some drawings she made in college, and a room of rare books; a rear kitchen overlooks the beautiful backyard garden, and front windows afford a view of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, where O’Connor attended church. There aren’t rotating exhibits, but the museum does keep up a robust schedule of lectures and readings, recently updated to become virtual events. If you’re here in late March, don't miss the museum’s celebration of O’Connor’s birthday, which features a parade and street fair out front in Lafayette Square. A pure expression of the old weird Savannah, the event includes a raucous marching band, a peacock-decorated birthday cake, folks in costume, and a game of chickenshit bingo. What’s chickenshit bingo? You’ll have to come to find out. What did you make of the crowd? This isn’t a crowded museum. On the other hand, it can’t be: There’s not enough room. Any guided tours worth trying? You’ll learn the significance of each room and artifact on a 30-minute guided tour (included with the price of admission). The guides are charming, funny, and amiable—everything about this experience feels like a real labor of love, and it takes a special kind of person to really love O’Connor. Call ahead or schedule a tour online: Maximum capacity was limited to eight guests during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home is not wheelchair accessible. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? The Flannery O’Connor Home Foundation—which runs this space—stocks a great gift shop, which is located in the parlor on the first floor. Peacock-labeled shot glass and beer koozie? Check. Colorful magnets with wry quotes like “There’s many a bestseller that could have been prevented by a good teacher”? Check. Cup O’Connor House Blend from the excellent local roastery PERC? That’s here, too, along with a good selection of books by and about the author herself. What if we get hungry? Head just around the corner to Clary's Cafe, a charming (if heavily-trafficked) Southern diner where you can get your fill of biscuits and gravy. How much time will we need? It only takes about a half-hour to see this museum. That said, don't bring anyone who doesn't like O'Connor." - Sam Worley, Ariel Felton
