A United States but a Divided America: Georgia Historical Society Panel Examines National Commemorations Amidst Discord

The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) will host a panel discussion, “A United States but a Divided America: How We Have Celebrated the Nation’s Birthday During Turbulent Times,” on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. At Christ Church Episcopal in Savannah, Georgia. The event is part of the statewide commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Exploring Historical Divisions

The panel will examine how major national commemorations have unfolded during periods of deep political and social division in American history. Specifically, the discussion will focus on the nation’s Centennial celebration following the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Bicentennial observed after the upheavals of the 1960s, including the Vietnam War, Watergate scandal, and the Cold War. The goal is to understand how previous generations navigated similar challenges and what lessons can be learned for the present day.

Distinguished Panelists

The discussion will feature Dr. William Hitchcock, James Madison Professor of History at the University of Virginia, and Dr. Elizabeth Varon, Professor of History and Associate Director of the Nau Center for Civil War History at the University of Virginia. Dr. Stan Deaton, the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at GHS, will moderate the conversation.

Dr. Varon is the recipient of the Georgia Historical Society’s Malcolm Bell, Jr. And Muriel Barrow Bell Award for her book, Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South (Simon & Schuster).

Accessibility

The event is free and open to the public. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person.

Christ Church Episcopal: A Historic Venue

Founded in 1733, Christ Church Episcopal is recognized as “the Mother Church of Georgia.” The current building, constructed in 1838, is located in the Savannah Historic District. The church has a rich history, with John Wesley serving as its rector from 1736-1737 and George Whitefield following him until 1740. Christ Church Savannah continues to be an active Episcopal parish within the Diocese of Georgia.

“The United States is celebrating our 250th anniversary in what we can all agree are very partisan times,” said Dr. Deaton. “But we know that all eras have been deeply divided by politics. Elizabeth Varon and Will Hitchcock are two outstanding scholars who will help us understand how earlier generations navigated the Centennial and Bicentennial and what we can learn from those who walked this difficult ground before us.”