Revolution in 1776: Georgia's Signers and Copy of the Declaration of Independence

The Georgia Archives will present a new exhibit, Revolution in 1776: Georgia's Signers and Copy of the Declaration of Independence, from May 15 through July 18, 2026, as part of its America250 programming. The exhibit will explore Georgia's connection to the Declaration of Independence through two related subjects: the three Georgians who signed the Declaration, Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton, and Georgia's recorded copy of the Declaration of Independence.

In January 1777, Congress ordered that authenticated printed copies of the Declaration, produced by Mary Katherine Goddard, be sent to each state for official recording. Georgia's surviving record of this text was entered by hand into an official state volume on March 2, 1777, alongside military appointments and bonds.

To support the long-term preservation of this 18th-century document, Georgia's recorded copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on display for public viewing on four select dates only:
- Friday, May 15, 2026
- Friday, June 12, 2026
- Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Friday, July 10, 2026

Throughout the rest of the exhibit's run, visitors can explore the exhibit and learn more about Georgia's connection to the Declaration of Independence.

Exhibit Details
Title: Revolution in 1776: Georgia's Signers and Copy of the Declaration of Independence
Main Exhibit Dates: May 15 to July 18, 2026
Georgia's Recorded Copy on Display: May 15, June 12, June 30, and July 10, 2026
Admission: Free
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Group Tours and Visits
The Georgia Archives welcomes schools, historical societies, and community organizations interested in exploring this history. To schedule a group tour or visit, please contact Robin Klemm at [email protected].