Is prior knowledge of Victorian history needed?

No, the lecture is designed to be accessible to everyone, whether you're a history expert or simply curious.

Where is the event held?

While the lecture focuses on Victorian London, it is hosted in Savannah, Georgia at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace venue.

Is registration required?

Yes, attendees must register in advance, especially Circle of Friends members who receive free admission.

How long is the lecture?

The event lasts approximately two hours, including the lecture, Q&A, and reception.

Are questions allowed during the lecture?

There is a dedicated Q&A session following the lecture where you can ask questions.

Is this event suitable for children?

The content is more suited for adult audiences and older teens interested in history and literature.

Exploring Victorian London: Juliette Gordon Low, Dracula, and the New Woman | History Tour | Events

Step into the charged atmosphere of fin-de-siècle London with a unique cultural lecture that blends literary intrigue and historical transformation. "Juliette Gordon Low and Dracula in Fin-de-siecle London" offers visitors an insightful journey through the societal anxieties stirred by Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel "Dracula," and the emergence of the so-called "New Woman"—a figure embodying gender, cultural, and social upheaval in late Victorian England. This two-hour experience, hosted in Savannah, Georgia, provides an immersive exploration of the intersection where literature, gender roles, and history collide. Professor Carol Engelhardt Herringer, an expert in British history with a special focus on Victorian culture, leads participants through the unsettling yet fascinating landscape of London as it grappled with shifting norms and fears embodied in Stoker’s gothic masterpiece. The lecture illuminates how these themes shaped the life and experiences of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, connecting the past’s cultural currents to a pioneering figure of American history. The lecture unfolds with penetrating insights into Victorian London’s societal fabric. Visitors will learn about the "New Woman," a cultural archetype that challenged traditional female roles through independence and assertiveness, much to the era’s unease. This character became a catalyst for debates on morality, identity, and power—discussions that echoed in the period’s literature and public consciousness. More than a lecture, this experience includes an engaging Q&A session, allowing visitors to dive deeper into the nuances of the period’s history and literature. Following the talk, attendees can enjoy a themed reception, offering a chance to socialize and reflect on the rich historical perspectives presented. Located in Savannah, Georgia, this event provides a remarkable gateway to understanding Victorian London from afar, lending new meaning to the cultural currents that influenced an iconic American figure. Professor Herringer’s expertise and approachable style transform complex subjects into accessible stories that resonate with a wide audience, from history buffs to literary fans. This lecture is a standout opportunity for visitors seeking a blend of educational depth and cultural enrichment. It reveals the layered tensions of an era marked by dramatic social evolution and literary creativity, making it a must-attend for those curious about how London’s past informs historical figures and narratives across the Atlantic. Whether you’re intrigued by gothic literature, women's history, or Victorian society, this event offers a thoughtful and memorable experience linked to Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy and the mysteries of Dracula’s London.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

No physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities

Wildlife

Pigeons commonly seen around the historic site
Eastern gray squirrels inhabiting the surrounding park areas

History

Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912, inspired by her experiences bridging American and British cultural spheres.

Conservation

The venue supports historical preservation efforts in Savannah, maintaining Victorian heritage and promoting cultural education.

The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is a historic house museum in Savannah, Georgia, preserving the childhood home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. The museum interprets Juliette Low’s life and legacy through period rooms, original artifacts, photographs, and immersive exhibits that highlight her leadership and the early Girl Scout movement. The site offers a variety of visitor experiences, including Self-Guided Tours with downloadable audio content, Guided Tours, specialized Girl Scout Troop Experiences, periodic lectures, and special events such as an afternoon tea program. The museum maintains a museum store featuring educational and commemorative items related to Juliette Gordon Low and Girl Scout history. Staff and trained docents support group visits and educational programming for youth and adults. Accessibility and visitor comfort are priorities: Quiet Hour visits provide reduced lighting and sound for guests with sensory sensitivities, and staff are available to assist with planning accessible visits. Educational programs engage Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors through hands-on activities and historical context that connect Juliette Low’s story to leadership and community service. As an established historic site in Savannah, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace offers factual interpretation, documented artifacts, and curated programming to inform and inspire visitors interested in women’s history, civic leadership, and the Girl Scout legacy.

Base locationSavannah, Georgia

Tours offered9+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace