FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Georgia Days 2008 Kickoff Event

An Evening with James Edward Oglethorpe

and Rare Stamp Collection on Exhibit

Savannah, GA - January 29, 2008. The Georgia Historical Society will launch its 2008 Georgia Days festivities with a dramatic historical presentation at the Georgia Historical Society's headquarters, Hodgson Hall, on February 5, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.

"An Evening with James Edward Oglethorpe" explores the life and legacy of Georgia's founder and the 2008 Georgia Days Honoree, General James Edward Oglethorpe. Professional interpreter Scott Hodges brings thirty years of 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.

GHS will also display that evening a nationally recognized and award-winning collection of rare Oglethorpe stamps from the private collection of Mr. Charles J. O'Brien III of Alpharetta, Georgia. The "Georgia Bicentennial" exhibit celebrates the Oglethorpe stamp released in Savannah on February 12, 1933, to honor the 200th anniversary of the founding of Georgia. This unique exhibit features many exceptional pieces, including the only known large die proof of the Georgia Bicentennial stamp, formerly in the collection of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mr. O'Brien will also exhibit "Georgia," a rare collection of engravings of King George II and General Oglethorpe as well as 18th-century Georgia antique maps and news articles from October 1732 and April 1733 about the new Georgia colony.

The presentation will be followed by a reception, which will act as the official Kickoff to the 2008 Georgia Days.

This program is part of GHS's Georgia Days, a month-long commemoration of Georgia's rich history, and GHS's signature educational event of the year. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information about Georgia Days 2008 events, visit www.georgiahistory.com and follow the Georgia Days links.

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The Georgia Historical Society, headquartered in Savannah, is the oldest cultural institution in the state and one of the oldest historical organizations in the nation. It is the first and only statewide historical society in Georgia. For nearly 175 years, GHS has collected, preserved, and shared Georgia history through a variety of educational outreach programs, publications, and research services. For more information visit: www.georgiahistory.com.