The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) has named Georgia Humanities Council as the 2026 Affiliate Chapter of the Year. A statewide organization dedicated to connecting people and communities through the humanities, Georgia Humanities Council engages audiences through programs and resources that explore Georgia’s history and culture. Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society, presented the award at the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

A member of GHS’s Affiliate Chapter Program since 1998, Georgia Humanities Council works with schools, libraries, museums, and other cultural and educational organizations to provide humanities programs and resources across the state. Its programming includes the New Georgia Encyclopedia, National History Day, and the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street, helping Georgians explore their history and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.

“Since its inception, the Georgia Humanities Council has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to history and humanities education,” said W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “During the past few years, it has played a key role in leading the Georgia US250 commission, ensuring a successful commemoration of our nation’s 250th birthday in this state. GHS is honored to recognize the Council’s contributions to teaching Georgia’s history and advancing the humanities.”

The Georgia Historical Society’s Affiliate Chapter Program was established in 1996 to provide resources to local historical organizations and provide opportunities for those organizations to learn from each other, thereby developing a more informed network of institutions dedicated to sharing the many local stories that constitute Georgia’s rich and diverse history. Today, the program includes nearly 200 participating organizations. Each year, GHS selects one affiliate member as the Affiliate Chapter of the Year for its exemplary leadership in the field of Georgia state and local history. 

To learn more about GHS’s Affiliate Chapter Program and how your organization can become a member, visit georgiahistory.com/affiliate-chapter-program.

For additional details about the Georgia Historical Society, please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 912.651.2125, ext. 153, or by email at kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com.