Each year for the Georgia History Festival, the Georgia Historical Society selects a person or topic that made an impact on Georgia’s history as the focus of our education programs and resources. The 2016-2017 theme, “A State of Innovation,” will highlight the stories of Georgia’s pioneering people and trailblazing ideas from the time of the founding to today. From the creation of the Georgia charter in 1732 and the adoption of the noble principle of Non Sibi, Sed Aliis, “not for self, but for others,” Georgia has inspired people and ideas that have changed the cultural and economic landscape of our nation. From agricultural innovations to business ventures and cultural achievements, exploring Georgia’s many stories of innovation through GHF events and education resources will inspire and challenge a new generation of dauntless creators and risk-takers.
As part of the 2016-2017 Festival, GHS will explore Georgia’s history through the lens of innovation by highlighting a different story each month with the development of new online and print education materials, school programs, and local history events.
To help inform the public of Georgia History Festival news and activities, GHS will post a blog entry at the beginning of each month introducing a new aspect of Georgia’s innovative history and detailing upcoming events, school programs, and educational materials.
September
A State of Innovation: James Oglethorpe and the Vision for Georgia
September’s focus of study is James Oglethorpe and the Vision for Georgia. Innovation is all about introducing something new or doing something in a new way. The Trustees, with Oglethorpe leading the way, decided to try something new—establishing a new colony in North America. Oglethorpe was the only Georgia Trustee to set foot in the new colony, arriving with the first colonists in 1733. Oglethorpe traveled between England and Georgia between 1732 and 1743, acting as the colony’s unofficial governor, city planner, and military commander. Throughout September, GHS will explore Oglethorpe and the innovative vision for establishing England’s 13th colony in North America. See below for a list of September’s events and educational resources.
This month, the research center in Hodgson Hall is featuring an exhibit on Oglethorpe and the founding of the colony. This exhibit explores the evolution of Savannah’s city plan during Oglethorpe’s lifetime using rare books, maps, and prints from the Georgia Historical Society collection.
Be on the lookout for the popular Marker Monday Facebook posts this month! Following our theme of Oglethorpe’s vision for Georgia, September will feature information on James Oglethorpe, the colonists, the Trustees Garden, and Tomo-chi-chi’s Grave.
In addition to Marker Monday Facebook posts, each Friday GHS will highlight sites participating in Super Museum Sunday (SMS) 2017 across the state. Check out our Facebook page for more information on locations that will be open to the public and free of charge on February 5, 2017 from 12:00 to 4:00.
GHS will also publish an enhanced online exhibit on Oglethorpe. Explore Georgia history through the story of Georgia’s most famous founding father. Look for the new materials to go live on September 14 with biographical information, primary sources, educational videos, and an updated teacher guide to help educators use the online materials in the K-12 classroom.
We look forward to sharing this exciting series of events and all of the new educational resources throughout the upcoming Festival. Be sure to check in regularly for updates and to see when GHS will be in your neighborhood!