On Oct. 18 the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (CGRDC) will sponsor a one day special program, “Diversity of Coastal Georgia Archaeology” at The Midway Congregationalist Church in Midway. Located in the heart of the National Register district, the church provides a historic setting for learning about important archaeological recovery work on a fast-developing coastline.  

This full-day program is free and opens to the public at 9 a.m. with the morning session lasting until noon; the program resumes at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Eight archaeologists and one museum professional will give presentations, and tell about their work. An exhibit of artifacts, rarely seen, will be prepared by John A. Mitchell, Collections Manager, Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Marys.  

Rita Elliott, Curator of Exhibits and Archaeology at the Coastal Heritage Society and the Savannah History Museum will talk about “Three Blocks of Archaeological Diversity in Savannah.” Dan T. Elliott, President of the non-profit LAMAR Institute, will tell about “Living South of Hell Gate: History and Archaeology of the North End Plantation, Ossabaw Island.”  

Cultural Resources Manager Brian Greer will give a presentation on archaeological investigations at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. Fernbank Museum’s Dennis Blanton will talk about “The Archaeology of St. Catherines Island: Past Findings, Continuing Studies, and Future Prospects.” His colleague, Leslie Perry will provide a “History of Dugout Canoes in Georgia.”   

Chad Braley, co-owner and founder of Southeastern Archaeological Services, Inc. found the home of a princess; his talk on “Mary Musgrove and the Excavation of The Grange” is reminiscent of a colonial figure, whose home place provided an expansion opportunity for the Georgia Ports Authority.

Paul Brockington’s diverse background contributes to serving the cultural resource management needs of both public agencies and private developers.

His presentation will be on “Archaeology, History and Georgia’s Coastal Comprehensive Plan.”  

Carolyn Rock, an educator and affiliate of Brockington and Associates, currently serves as president of The Society for Georgia Archaeology (SGA). She will give a presentation on “A Collector’s Survey in Camden County, Georgia.”  

Handouts will be available for participants to take home, including a program providing a short biography on the presenters.

Vernon D. Martin, CGRDC’s Executive Director, said “This is an excellent opportunity for coastal residents to learn about the important archaeology work being done in coastal Georgia. We hope that a diverse group gathers to learn about what these professionals share with the general public.”  

This project is supported by the Georgia Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities and through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. For more information, contact the CGRDC by dialing (912) 264-7363, ext. 218.