Educational Resources and Opportunities

What is the Georgia History Festival?

The Georgia History Festival is the signature K-12 educational program of the Georgia Historical Society, reaching hundreds of thousands of students statewide. Beginning with the new school year in September, a variety of public programs, exhibits, events, and educational resources bring history to life for students of all ages and encourage Georgians to explore the richness and diversity of our state’s past. In addition to new online and in-person programming, the Festival includes popular annual events like the Colonial Faire and Muster living-history program held at Wormsloe State Historic Site, Super Museum Sunday, the Georgia Day Expo, and the elegant Trustees Gala.

Each year, GHS selects a significant topic in Georgia’s history as the focus of the Festival’s educational programs and resources. The 2025-2026 focus of study is A Nation of Laws: Courts and the Foundation of Freedom.

This focus of study, aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence, will support students’ understanding of the role and impact of an independent judiciary in Georgia and American history.

Featuring overviews of the Constitution, and groundbreaking court cases, this standards-based resource helps students better understand some of the most significant moments connected to the United States’s judiciary.

Classroom Educational Resources

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A Nation of Laws: Courts and the Foundation of Freedom Resource Bundle

GHS presents classroom-ready digital resources that encourage teachers and students to explore the role of an independent judiciary within our Constitutional system. Comprised of a unique digital resource, a primary source set, and a teacher guide, and educator guide, this classroom resource bundle is aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence and helps students understand the vital role that democratic institutions play in sustaining a republican form of government. Emphasis is on the role of an independent judiciary in maintaining the separation of power and the rule of law. We will explore the original design for the three branches of government in lawmaking as laid out by the Constitution, focusing on the specific role of the judicial branch at the local, state, and federal levels.

Constitution Day

September 17, 2025

Sponsored by Southern Company Hyundai

Visit the Georgia Historical Society Research Center on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, to view Abraham Baldwin's original draft copy of the US Constitution. One of only a few still in existence, the draft includes the handwritten margin notes of Baldwin, one of Georgia's signers of the Constitution of 1787.

This treasure of the GHS collection, along with other unique objects and documents highlighting Georgia's role in the development and evolution of our national story will be on display during this free public event between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Free and open to the public. School and Home School groups welcome!

Georgia Historical Society Research Center
501 Whitaker Street
Savannah,  GA 31401

Constitution Day Resources

Make the most of your Constitution Day Experience with these GHS resources.

Constitution Day Videos: GHS has a number of videos to help your students gain a better understanding of the American Revolution and the creation of the US Constitution. GHS suggests watching at least one of these short videos before Constitution Day.

Abraham Baldwin Biographical Online Exhibit: The Georgia Historical Society featured Senator Abraham Baldwin in 2007 during the Georgia History Festival. The biographical information below was developed to highlight Baldwin’s fascinating career, including his role as a Founding Father helping draft the United States Constitution and his role in founding the University of Georgia. Click on the links below to learn more about the life and legacy of Abraham Baldwin.

Georgia Day Expo in Savannah

February 12, 2026

Sponsored by

 

Students explore Georgia history through demonstrations and hands-on activity stations during this commemoration of the founding of Georgia at Savannah on February 12, 1733. Educators, parents, historical interpreters, and community and civic leaders take part in this fun and engaging program that utilizes an all-weather, indoor venue to encourage students to explore the Georgia History Festival theme.

Geared for elementary, with a focus on second grade students studying Georgia history.

Open to public, private, and home school groups with prior registration.

Check back soon to learn more about the event and how to register!

Georgia Day Statewide Student Art Contests

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Students are invited to get creative and participate in our annual Georgia Day Statewide Art Contest and Georgia Day Classroom Competition. Using a variety of artistic media, students create art that relates to the Georgia History Festival theme. Check back soon for more information!

See the Winners of the 2024-2025 Georgia Day Statewide Art Contest and Georgia Day Classroom Competition.

Field Trips to the GHS Research Center

During the school year, GHS will host field trips to the Research Center. Field trip options will include a theme-based Research Round-Up, designed to show K-12 students how to conduct primary and secondary source research using materials from the GHS collection.

Field trips may be scheduled for Tuesday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Limit 30 students per program.

To learn more please email education@georgiahistory.com or visit georgiahistory.com/field-trips.