2026 Georgia Day Expo: 2nd graders took a trek back in time to learn about Georgia's history

Elyse Butler: In second grade. That's when they start learning about Georgia history.

Educator: We have a lot of squares. We have 22 of them.

Educator: Where are y'all from today? Isle of Hope.  Oh, there you go. Now, you guys going to have a chance to make your own ordinances, using a city ordinance.

Elyse Butler: And getting these kids in young with hands on materials, something that is tangible, that really helps instill that love of learning.

Educator: Right here we have Queen Brynn and we have our two tax collectors. And now this is about taxation without representation.

Educator: So I am from the Davenport House, which is a family-owned house downtown. This is what it looks like. It was built in 1820. 

Educator: I was on a ship. Which kind of ship was I on... a container ship, ship, or sailing ship. The manifest is just a long list of everything on the ship. Okay.

Elyse Butler:  We have kids that come back and they're like, we remember Georgia Day. We remember this activity.

Educator:  The U.S. Constitution. Who's heard of that before?

Educator:  So I have a copy here of the Declaration of Independence. You'll notice that this entire thing is written entirely by hand.

Educator: Do you know about the squares? What can you tell me about them? I've seen the square with the Tomochichi's grave in it.

Elyse Butler: And it's something that sticks with them. Even adults, remember, you know, commemorating towards the days.