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Laura García-Culler, Executive Vice President
912.651.2125, or Email

GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES 275TH ANNIVERSARY EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND BIRTHDAY BASH AND AWARDS GALA

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Savannah, GA - December 3, 2007.  Georgia Historical Society will celebrate the 275^th anniversary of the founding of the colony of Georgia with a black-tie gala on February 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Savannah.  The keynote speaker is Michael Beschloss, NBC's Presidential Historian.  The evening will begin with cocktails at the site of Oglethorpe's landing; dinner will follow in a seating plan designed to evoke Savannah's famous historic squares.  The program will feature greetings from Her Majesty's government, the presentation of the Society's three major awards, and Mr. Beschloss' address on great moments of leadership in American history.  A book signing and dancing will round out the 275^th Birthday Bash.  Tickets are $175.  Approximately 500 guests are expected.

Other highlighted events marking the occasion are as follows (free and open to the public):

• Georgia Days Colonial Faire and Muster, February 2-3, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Wormsloe State Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Road, Savannah. Sponsored by the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Georgia. Bring your family back in time to one of the earliest and most beautiful colonial-era plantations of the Georgia Coast. The ruins of the plantation house, costumed interpreters, colonial-era musicians, and a host of demonstrations evoke the spirit of colonial Georgia for friends and families of all ages.

• Georgia Days Kickoff Event: An Evening with James Edward Oglethorpe: A Dramatic Historical Presentation, February 5, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker Street, Savannah. Sponsored by BG Group. The Kickoff Event for Georgia Days 2008 explores the life and legacy of Georgia's founder and the 2008 Honoree General James Edward Oglethorpe. Professional interpreter Scott Hodges brings thirty years experience as a re-enactor to the role of Georgia's founder. Hodges draws upon the journals, diaries, and letters of the time period to vividly bring to life the first years of the "Georgia Experiment." A little history, a little humor, and a lot of first person-character! An extensive display of English trade items, along with maps, accompany this "hands-on" program suitable for all ages. A reception will follow.

• Super Museum Sunday, February 10, 2008, 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by Richmond Hill Plantation. Georgians and visitors alike will experience our first city's rich history and cultural life as historic house museums, art museums, and other points of interest open their doors to the public at no charge during this Georgia Days tradition. Over 40 cultural institutions in and around Savannah participate in this popular annual family event.

• Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest, February 11, 2008, 5:00 p.m. at Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker Street, Savannah. Sponsored by Savannah Morning News. The five finalists of the Georgia Historical Society's annual Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest will present their essays publicly at the Georgia Historical Society's Hodgson Hall Library. The public presentations will be judged and three winners selected by a panel representing Savannah's academic and media communities. Prizes will be awarded and a reception will follow the event. This original, 500 word essay should explore the following questions: Why did Oglethorpe and the Georgia Trustees ban slavery in the new colony? What were the circumstances that eventually led to the introduction of slavery in Georgia? What were the long-term effects of the British government's decision to make slavery legal in Georgia? All entries must be received at the Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401, by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

• Georgia Day Parade, February 12, 2008, 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by The Savannah Bank with additional support from the City of Savannah. Elementary school students join dignitaries, costumed characters and local citizens in a colorful parade through the squares of Bull Street in a Georgia Day tradition. The Parade begins at Forsyth Park and continues north on Bull Street, ending at City Hall with greetings from the Mayor and other dignitaries as well as Banner Competition awards presentations to the students.

Georgia Days 2008 Corporate Sponsors

For more information on the events celebrating Georgia's 275^th anniversary, contact Georgia Historical Society at 912.651.2125 or visit http://www.georgiahistory.com/.