On Thursday, September 14, 2023, the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) and the UVA Club of Savannah will host a program, “The Promise of Self-Government: History and American Democracy,” about how the American experiment in self-government has evolved to meet the challenges of an ever-changing country over the last 250 years.

As the kickoff event for GHS’s commemoration of the 250^th anniversary of the United States this program will feature a discussion between Dr. Sidney Milkis, the White Burkett Miller Professor of Governance and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia, and GHS’s Dr. Stan Deaton, the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian. Dr. Milkis is the author of What Happened to the Vital Center?, which provides a long historical view of populism, party politics, and the growth of presidential power.

This free public event is on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at St. John’s Church in Savannah on 325 Bull Street

A book signing will follow the program.

The discussion also begins the 2023-2024 Georgia History Festival, the signature K-12 educational program of the Georgia Historical Society. The theme of this year's Festival is "Governing Georgia Across Three Centuries." Beginning with the new school year in September, a variety of public programs, exhibits, in-school 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. The Festival includes events like the popular Colonial Faire and Muster living history program held at Wormsloe State Historic Site, Super Museum Sunday, and the annual Trustees Gala.

This program is sponsored in part by Critz Auto Group. For additional information please contact Keith Strigaro, GHS Director of Communications at 912-651-2125, ext. 153 or by email at kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com.