ATLANTA - January 17, 2025 - To promote the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Governor Brian P. Kemp has established the Georgia US250 Commission. Georgia was one of the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, and the United States will officially commemorate the 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

"As the 13th colony, Georgia was represented by three courageous signers of the Declaration of Independence who pledged their very lives to support it. To this day, brave and proud Georgians continue to put their lives on the line and make significant contributions to American independence," said Governor Brian Kemp. "We look forward to empowering our communities in celebrating Georgia's unique role in our country's founding as we honor and commemorate this historic observance with partners across the state."

In 2016, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress to provide for the observance and commemoration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation's founding and encouraged the creation of commissions within each state.

The Georgia US250 Commission is led by Chairman Cameron Bean, Chair of the Georgia Humanities Board of Directors, with support from Vice Chairman W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society; Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Jaronski; and Georgia Humanities President Mary McCartin Wearn, who also serves as the Commission's Administrator.

The Georgia US250 Commission is calling on local and county groups in both the public and private sectors to celebrate, commemorate, and observe the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the founding of the U.S. through civic, cultural, educational, and historical events and programming starting now through December 31, 2026. New and recurring events, activities, and programming can be themed and planned specifically for this historic occasion. The Georgia US250 Commission will maintain a website where these activities will be shared at georgia250.com. Commemorative observances and civic activities submitted to the commission will, upon approval, be included in a comprehensive calendar of events. Organizers will receive access to the state's Georgia US250 marketing toolkit, including the official logo, template press release to spread awareness of local programming, and other helpful materials.

"The American Revolution and our experiment in self-government is an ongoing process," said Georgia Historical Society President and CEO Groce. "The Commission asks Georgia organizations and communities to plan and share information on their plans for civic activities that will inspire Georgians to renew their commitment to the lofty and timeless ideals embodied in the Declaration of Independence - namely, the equality of all people and their inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - ideals that have even greater meaning for all Americans 250 years later."

To learn more about Georgia US250 and ways to engage, visit georgia250.com.

For more information, questions, and correspondence regarding the Georgia US250 Commission, contact Commission Administrator Mary McCartin Wearn at 404-725-7181 or by email at [email protected].

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About Georgia US250 Commission
The Georgia US250 Commission is the state's representative to promote the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. It is spearheaded by the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp, Georgia Humanities Council, Georgia Historical Society, and Georgia Department of Economic Development. Through December 31, 2026, the Georgia US250 Commission is working with local and county groups in both the public and private sectors to celebrate, commemorate, and observe the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the founding of the U.S. through civic, cultural, and historical education, events, and programming.

Press Contact
Cayla Cardwell - Communications Manager
Georgia Department of Economic Development
[email protected]

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