Gene Wright is a retired history teacher from the Savanna Schools and the inspiration for the Savanna Historical Society. As a teacher, he brought history alive for his students, often dressing costume appropriate to the subject and ear being studied. Intensely interested in the history of the Civil War, he began constructing and dressing life-sized mannequins attired in authentic uniforms. Over the years, he has amassed nearly 100 mannequins that he uses while traveling and presenting programs at Civil War reenactments, schools, and organizations. Three years ago, a group of local citizens decided that after Gene retired, his collection should have a permanent home for even more to enjoy and founded the Savanna Historical Society, housed in a historic building on Main Street purchased through donations and memberships. At present time, volunteers, with the help of grant funding, are working to open the museum.

Wright has enriched the community and that of area residents through his dedication to preserve the community's history and heritage. His dedication to history, along with the cooperative efforts of many volunteers, will bring to Savanna a cultural center and a magnet for cultural tourism. Mayor Larry Stebbins says: "It all began with a small idea, that of inspiring the students he once taught, and now has evolved into a community project."