Oglethorpe's Birthday Celebration, December 10th

Date: December 2, 2011
Contact: Jon Burpee, 912-638-3639

Event Flyer

 "This being Mr. Oglethorpe's Birthday the Magistrates, military Officers, and principal Inhabitants, met at the Fort, where some Bottles of Wine and some Biscuit being prepared, about Noon his Majesty's Health, and the Royal Family's were drank, under a Discharge of thirteen guns; then the honourable Trustees; and next the Captain General of these Provinces."                  
-William Stephens, 1737

St. Simons Island, GA: As the leading figure of the new colony of Georgia, General James Edward Oglethorpe was feted on his birthday in the young settlements of the colony. On Saturday, December 10th, the National Park Service at Fort Frederica National Monument will celebrate Oglethorpe's birthday in true colonial style from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Join park staff and living history volunteers for cannon and musket firings, toasts and joviality. To start the celebration, the Neptune Garden Club has decorated the visitor center in colonial style and members will serve refreshments throughout the day. Special programs are scheduled to highlight the history of Frederica:

11 am - 4 pm Refreshments served by the Neptune Garden Club.
12 noon Meet Mr. Oglethorpe and learn how these celebrations lifted the spirits of the settlers.
1 pm - 3 pm Colonial Music with the Stewart-Law Baroque Trio
2 pm Historic Weapons Demonstration
3 pm  Town Tour. Join a ranger and explore Frederica town.
3:30 pm A Roll of the Dice: The 18th Century game of Farkle.

The celebration of James Oglethorpe's birthday is one of the many special events the National Park Service at Fort Frederica hosts each year. "This event allows park visitors to step away from the hectic pace of the modern holiday season and relax a little in the 18th century," says Fort Frederica Superintendent Mary Beth Wester. "We hope people can join us and learn about Oglethorpe's role at Frederica."

Entrance for the event is free. For further information, please contact the park visitor center at 912-638-3639.