Historical re-enactors Hugh Golson as Dr. Lyman Hall; Greg Starbuck as George Walton; and Bill McIntosh as Button Gwinnett sign the Declaration of Independence - September 13, 1999. Photo: Lynn Wright
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Georgia Heritage Celebration in Savannah
The celebration of the founding of the colony
of Georgia at Savannah on February 12, 1733, by James Edward
Oglethorpe, has been a tradition among Georgians since
1734.
The Georgian Heritage Celebration began in 1965, at
the suggestion of Mrs. Robertine McClendon Phillips. The main
program took place in Washington Square. Leopold Adler II, Historic
Savannah Foundation president was master of ceremonies. The day's
events included a proclamation from the governor, a dramatic
portrayal of Oglethrope and the Native American Tomochichi,
colonial era music, and readings from a 1736 report to the Georgia
Trustees.
During the next thirty years, the celebration focused
on increasing awareness among Savannahians of their unique role in
the nation's history. During the 1983 celebration, which also
marked the 250th anniversary of the colony's founding, 14,000
costumed students participated in the festival procession. Among
nationally prominent figures who have spoken during the Georgia Day
Luncheon have been former President Jimmy Carter, Secretaries of
the Department of the Interior Walter Hickel and William
Ruckelshaus, and National Trust President Richard Moe.
Since 1997, the Georgia Heritage Celebration Day has
been organized by the Georgia Historical Society, and expanded to
encompass two weeks of activities that emphasize Georgia's history.
The society works closely with the Savannah-Chatham Public Schools
to promote the celebration, and to preserve the state's history and
historical sites and documents through school programs. The
celebration is sponsored by the City of Savannah, Department of
Cultural Affairs, Leisure Services Bureau. In year 2000, the
Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Georgia also sponsored the
celebration.
Documentation includes a history, brochures, program
flyers, proclamations, student study guides, photographs, and a
press kit.
Originally submitted by: Paul Coverdell, Senator.
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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