The Georgia Historical Society (GHS)hosted a public viewing of a rare draft copy of the US Constitution yesterday to commemorate Constitution Day and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The special open house event attracted hundreds of students and members of the public, who had the opportunity to view unique artifacts and documents that highlight Georgia’s role in the development and evolution of our national story.

The 1787 draft copy of the US Constitution once belonged to Abraham Baldwin, one of Georgia’s signers, and includes Baldwin’s handwritten notes in the margins. One of only about twelve of these documents known to exist, Baldwin’s draft connects Georgia directly to the founding era and offered visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the creation of the nation’s governing document.

“The Constitution is the core document of our democratic republic and the foundation of everything that our country is and does,” said Dr. Stan Deaton, Senior Historian at the Georgia Historical Society. “GHS’s Abraham Baldwin draft of the Constitution reminds us also that it was a work of compromise, of give and take, and that by amendment the future could adapt it to challenges the Founders couldn’t imagine. The grand experiment in self-government continues every day.”

Guests also explored a range of Revolutionary-era artifacts from the GHS collection, including a battle-worn drum, a powder horn inscribed “Don’t tread on me,” the pistols believed to have been used in the 1777 duel between Button Gwinnett and Lachlan McIntosh, and John Wilson’s detailed map of the 1779 Siege of Savannah.

Educators and students used the Constitution Day event to enhance classroom learning with primary-source analysis. A popular feature was the “Cursive Corner,” hosted by Massie Heritage Center, where students practiced penmanship and participated in a “How Would You Sign?” activity, imagining how their own signatures might appear alongside the Founders’ on the Constitution.

The Georgia Historical Society was excited to open its doors for Constitution Day as the kickoff program of the 2025-2026 Georgia History Festival,” said Elyse Butler, Manager of Programs and Special Projects at the Georgia Historical Society. “As Georgians and Americans prepare for the United States' semiquincentennial, Constitution Day was the perfect opportunity for students and history lovers of all ages to reflect on our nation's founding."

Constitution Day was made possible by the generous support of Southern Company, The Home Depot, and Hyundai, whose contributions help make the Georgia History Festival and its educational programs accessible to K–12 students, educators, and community members across Georgia.

For additional details, please visit www.georgiahistoryfestival.org or please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 912.651.2125, ext. 153, or by email at [email protected].