The history of the Revolutionary War came alive Sunday afternoon at the Northeast Georgia History Center, complete with visits from three of the nation’s founding fathers.

The center’s monthly Family Sunday events feature activities and games centering around a theme. Sunday, that theme was “Liberty in Georgia,” teaching about the state’s role in the Revolutionary War. It coincides with the opening of the center’s newest exhibit, “Unite or Die.”

Julie Carson, the center’s administrative coordinator of the History Center, said the exhibit and the Family Sunday activities are “designed to teach Georgia’s role in the Revolution.”

Making special appearances at the event were Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and George Washington, all three portrayed by K. Ken Johnston. He has portrayed many historical figures before.

“What I do is called living history,” said Johnston. “It’s where you project the essence of the person’s personality and written thoughts.”
He has just recently moved back to Georgia after spending five years in Williamsburg, Va. He said he enjoyed “telling the aspects of the story that people might not be familiar with.” His favorite out of three to portray was Patrick Henry.

Other activities at Sunday’s family day included a citizenship test with some questions that are actually on the test to become a U.S. citizen or games of checkers or marbles, both popular with early colonists.

Visitors also could sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence with an actual quill and homemade ink and hear about the consequences for the original signers of the Declaration.

There were Colonial-era crafts for the kids, including making marble pouches for the boys and sachets for the girls. Families also could get their photo taken in Colonial-era clothing.

Emily Warlick of Flowery Branch brought her two daughters, Madison, 9, and Camille, 5.

“I was just really drawn by the speakers,” said Warlick. “Hearing Thomas Jefferson speaking first-hand is more interesting than reading it to them.”

Warlick said her family has come out to several of the center’s Family Sunday events.

“It has really enriched their history just coming here,” she said about her daughters, who especially love the crafts offered at each month’s Family Sunday.

Next month’s Family Sunday theme is the “Good Old School Days,” and includes a glimpse at what school was like during the 1800s. It will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at the center. Admission is free for history center members and $5 for nonmembers.