The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosts Georgia Day luncheons as part of its mission to promote patriotism, historic preservation, and education. Georgia Day, celebrated annually on February 12, marks the anniversary of the founding of the Georgia colony on September 12, 1733 by General James Oglethorpe on the bluff in Savannah. Oglethorpe designed the layouts for Savannah, probably the first planned community; not all the settlers were ‘debtors’.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historical preservation, education and patriotism across the United States. Since the society's founding more than 1 million women have found purpose and passion in DAR membership. The Archibald Bulloch Chapter was organized in 1964.
The Archibald Bulloch Chapter NSDAR is proud to follow his example of patriotic services; the members are direct ancestors of the American War Patriots and provide patriotic philanthropic services for Veterans, Students and others in the community through education, historical education and conservation.
This year marks the 27th local ‘Georgia Day’ celebration. Archibald Bulloch Chapter DAR began celebrating ‘Georgia Day' in 1993 and began ‘Georgia Day’ lunches in 1999.
“DAR is not a club nor a sorority; it is a non-profit, non-political volunteer Women's Service organization dedicated to service to our nation. The DAR celebrates the spirit of the men and women who achieved our Nation's Independence," shared Martha Middlebrooks Wells, Public Relations for Archibald Bulloch Chapter, NSDAR. "I personally have had a passion for DAR since I joined Archibald Bulloch Chapter NSDAR in 1993. I am deeply proud of the work we do with veterans and active duty military to support them and their families."
The Georgia Day Luncheon is an informative and educational event that includes guest speakers, experts on Georgia history, genealogy, or Revolutionary War heritage, historical presentations, and recognition of contributions. Georgia Day is a patriotic celebration emphasizing DAR’s dedication to American values and history.
This was a celebration of warmth and tradition from the moment of arrival, with exquisite hospitality and every detail, however small, carefully thought out to create an atmosphere of perfection.
To fully honor the occasion, Jan Tankersley requested Lehman Franklin to sponsor a Resolution in the Georgia State Legislature recognizing the Georgia Day event.
Approximately 90 guests were in attendance to celebrate at Statesboro First Baptist Church's Perry Fellowship Hall in Statesboro. As the event unfolded, meaningful moments, laughter, and shared stories came together in perfect harmony. A Georgia Day tradition is offering baskets, donated from membership, for purchase (raffle) through 'Voices', as ‘Ladies Don't Gamble’, to support event expenses.
The luncheon was catered by First Baptist Church Statesboro. The lunch menu featured chicken Sicilian, Georgia salad, fresh mashed potatoes, fresh roasted vegetable medley, honey wheat rolls, butter, tea, coffee, water, and crème brûlée cheesecake.
Max Greene, a sixth-grade student at Southeast Bulloch Middle School, won the Georgia State level of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) America History Essay Contest. His essay, written from the perspective of a woman involved in the Edenton Tea Party, stood out among 127 entries from local public and private schools. Celebrating his accomplishments the Archibald Bulloch Chapter NSDAR extended an invitation to Max, his family, his social studies teacher and school district personnel to attend the luncheon.
The annual contest challenges students in grades 5-12 to write about the American Revolution, keeping the history of the Nation's founding alive. Max was honored with a certificate and a $250 monetary award, presented by Dr. Mary Sue Smith, retired Bulloch County educator and First Vice Regent Archibald Bulloch Chapter NSDAR. Dr. Smith, American History Chair, promotes the contest in the schools and is the contact for the contest.
Guest speaker Dr. Lawrence Krumenaker, historian and author of From River to River: Lafayette’s Farewell Tour through Georgia and Nine Days Traveling: Lafayette's 1825 Alabama Tour, delivered an engaging presentation on Marquis de Lafayette’s travels through Georgia during his 1825 Farewell Tour.
Krumenaker's talk focused on Lafayette’s time in Savannah, highlighting key moments from the Revolutionary War hero’s visit. Drawing from his latest book, he shared fascinating discoveries and insights into Lafayette’s 13-day journey across Georgia, bringing history to life with stories and places that welcomed the French Patriot.
The Georgia Day Luncheon 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a memory that will linger in the hearts of all who attended. From the warm welcome at the door to the traditional song Georgia On My Mind, every detail was pure perfection--a seamless blend of hospitality and tradition, leaving a lasting sense of unity and belonging.
Georgia Day Committee: Jan Tankersley, Chair, Jennifer Bohlke, Joe Ann Bohler, Pat Long, Nancy Marsh, Mary Sue Smith, Brenda Steadman, Martha Ann Tanner, Martha Wells and Bette Wester.
Georgia Day 2025 was supported financially by Community Sponsors including BBWH Insurors, Bulloch County Schools, State DAR Essay Winner, Franklin General Motors: Robbie and Karen Franklin, Franklin Toyota: Robbie and Karen Franklin, Morris Bank, Ogeechee Technical College, Renasant Bank, St. Andrews Builders: Jamie and Dawn Cartee, Sarah Y. Hines, and Synovus Bank.