Mayor Van R. Johnson II | City of Savannah
Mayor Van R. Johnson II | City of Savannah
The City of Savannah's Municipal Archives has announced that the Clemmons Family Collection is now accessible to the public for research. This follows its recent donation from the Thunderbolt Museum.
Initially discovered in a family home on East Victory Drive in Savannah before its demolition in 2017, the collection was first donated to the Thunderbolt Museum. Now, it has been transferred to the City of Savannah, with some original awards and digital reproductions of photographs and publications returned to the museum for display.
The collection mainly includes plaques, diplomas, awards, photos, and handwritten lecture notes from John Clemmons Sr. (1912-2012) and his wife Mozelle Dailey Clemmons (1921-2016). Both were significant figures in Savannah’s African-American community.
“The Clemmons were transformational figures in this community and Savannah’s history,” stated Mayor Van R. Johnson II. “We are thankful to the Thunderbolt Museum and former Thunderbolt Mayor Anna Maria Thomas for this incredible donation to the City’s Municipal Archives. We must maintain the legacy and stories of those who have contributed to the progress of our society and the community at large.”
The couple moved to Savannah in 1947 when Mr. Clemmons started teaching at what is now known as Savannah State University after graduating from Morehouse College. He later became chairman of its Mathematics and Physics Department and served as Director of Carver State Bank until his passing. He received an NAACP Freedom Award in 2003 due to his active involvement in civic, civil rights, and business organizations.
Mrs. Clemmons graduated from Spelman College in 1943 and began teaching language arts at Sophronia Thompkins High School around 1956. A lifelong advocate for civil rights, she was also dedicated to preserving African-American history in Savannah. She served as the first Vice President of the NAACP's Savannah Branch and was awarded their Freedom Award in 1994 for her leadership.
For media inquiries or interviews with Municipal Archives Director Luciana Spracher, please contact their Press Secretary.
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