http://thesga.org SGA site, redux Fri, 18 May 2012 09:00:27 +0000 en hourly 1 http://thesga.org/2012/04/urbanization-causes-archaeological-resource-destruction/ http://thesga.org/2012/04/urbanization-causes-archaeological-resource-destruction/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:00:32 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=10686 Call it a megapolitan area or a megaregion, but Georgia's Piedmont is experiencing an increase in human settlement that endangers—and destroys—archaeological remains. Join the Society for Georgia Archaeology and help preserve Georgia's archaeological heritage. Once you've joined the SGA, volunteer with the Society to actively help the SGA to preserve, study and interpret Georgia’s historic and prehistoric remains.]]> http://thesga.org/2012/04/urbanization-causes-archaeological-resource-destruction/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2012/01/combating-damage-and-deterioration-of-artifacts/ http://thesga.org/2012/01/combating-damage-and-deterioration-of-artifacts/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=10309 Museums and other institutions store and display artifacts. Curators—the professionals who care for artifact collections in museums and other institutions that preserve artifacts—must be very careful to make sure that artifacts are preserved and not damaged while in their care. Read about many potential agents of deterioration, degradation, and destruction in the full article.]]> http://thesga.org/2012/01/combating-damage-and-deterioration-of-artifacts/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2012/01/ocmulgee-75th-anniversary-celebrated/ http://thesga.org/2012/01/ocmulgee-75th-anniversary-celebrated/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:55:58 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=10217 SGA Vice-President Tammy Herron and two colleagues, George Wingard and Keith Stephenson, attended the 75th Anniversary Reception on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Ocmulgee National Monument. In a later ceremony, the SGA received a Certificate of Appreciation for helping to "preserve and protect the 'Ocmulgee Old Fields'" and for helping to "create Ocmulgee National Monument" in 1936.]]> http://thesga.org/2012/01/ocmulgee-75th-anniversary-celebrated/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/12/the-sgas-endowment-fund-wants-you/ http://thesga.org/2011/12/the-sgas-endowment-fund-wants-you/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:15:38 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=10091 As you consider your charitable gifts for the 2011 tax year, the SGA asks that you add the Society's Endowment Fund to your list. The Fund supports educational outreach and the preservation of archaeological sites. The SGA is a registered non-profit organization. If you have already donated to the SGA for 2011, the Society thanks you.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/12/the-sgas-endowment-fund-wants-you/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/11/fort-daniel-a-geophysical-survey-of-an-1813-georgia-frontier-fort/ http://thesga.org/2011/11/fort-daniel-a-geophysical-survey-of-an-1813-georgia-frontier-fort/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:19:59 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9948 Where was Fort Daniel? This frontier fort was long believed to have been on a ridge-top knoll on Hog Mountain in Gwinnett County. In 2007, the Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society, a Chapter of the SGA, began a research program under the direction of Dr. James D’Angelo to locate physical remains of the fort using two forms of subsurface remote sensing, metal detection and ground penetrating radar. This detailed article reports the happy results of that research.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/11/fort-daniel-a-geophysical-survey-of-an-1813-georgia-frontier-fort/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/11/historic-preservation-primer-available-from-hpd/ http://thesga.org/2011/11/historic-preservation-primer-available-from-hpd/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:00:59 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9866 Careful preservation planning means knowledge about important historical and archaeological resources are part of the planning process. In late October 2011, Georgia's Historic Preservation Division released Preservation Primer: A Resource Guide for Georgia, available in both high- and low-resolution PDFs. The Primer will help you identify historic properties, evaluate them, and develop local preservation planning strategies. And help protect your community's resources.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/11/historic-preservation-primer-available-from-hpd/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/11/coosawattee-foundation-issues-challenge-grant-for-sgas-endowment-fund/ http://thesga.org/2011/11/coosawattee-foundation-issues-challenge-grant-for-sgas-endowment-fund/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:32:33 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9845 Step right up and contribute to the SGA's Endowment Fund, and help the SGA twice! One way is your check; the second way is that the Coosawattee Foundation has issued a challenge grant—the Foundation will match up to $250.00 any donation received by December 31 in support of the Endowment Fund. Contributions made to SGA, a non-profit organization, help support education initiatives throughout Georgia and protect archaeological sites.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/11/coosawattee-foundation-issues-challenge-grant-for-sgas-endowment-fund/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/10/volcanoes-and-archaeology-pros-and-cons/ http://thesga.org/2011/10/volcanoes-and-archaeology-pros-and-cons/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:00:12 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9630 While volcanoes are undeniably destructive, they can aid archaeological tourism by preserving ancient homes and settlements. We discuss the case of AD 79 Roman Herculaneum, formerly on the Bay of Naples, Italy, and offer a few photographs.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/10/volcanoes-and-archaeology-pros-and-cons/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/10/take-home-silver-or-bronze-audacious-archaeology-auction-items-3/ http://thesga.org/2011/10/take-home-silver-or-bronze-audacious-archaeology-auction-items-3/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:38:43 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9672 You are invited! Come out for an adventurous evening and leave with a treasure! Participate in both a silent and live auction to benefit the SGA on Saturday evening, October 22, 2011, at the Terrapin Brewery, just outside of Athens. Entry is free. Silent auction and tours begin at 6:30pm. The live auction begins at 8pm, with Georgia Hall of Fame Auctioneer Colonel Wilbur C. Mull. We offer two kinds of items for both the live and the silent auctions: 1) Ethnic Objects from Around the World (no archaeological artifacts, of course), and 2) Outdoor Adventure items. Access sample auction item photos in several stories.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/10/take-home-silver-or-bronze-audacious-archaeology-auction-items-3/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/09/conservation-news-near-and-far/ http://thesga.org/2011/09/conservation-news-near-and-far/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:21 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9621 This Weekly Ponder considers what archaeological resources are, and what it means to conserve them, using two examples. Earlier this month, the Secretary of the Interior awarded a 2011 Partners in Conservation Award to the Camp Lawton Preservation Team, which has been working to investigate and conserve this recently rediscovered Confederate prisoner of war camp that's near Millen. The second example is the joint effort by The Israel Museum in Jerusalem and Google to put digital images of the Dead Sea Scrolls online; five are now accessible.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/09/conservation-news-near-and-far/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/09/help-save-uga%e2%80%99s-rutherford-hall/ http://thesga.org/2011/09/help-save-uga%e2%80%99s-rutherford-hall/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:07:05 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9453 Plan to attend a meeting at 6:30pm tonight, September 6th, at UGA’s Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, 315 Riverbend Road, to help change the fate of historic Rutherford Hall, which is currently slated for demolition. Rutherford is a dorm in the Myers Quad on the University of Georgia campus in Athens.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/09/help-save-uga%e2%80%99s-rutherford-hall/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/08/camp-lawton-artifact-news/ http://thesga.org/2011/08/camp-lawton-artifact-news/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:00:33 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9372 Georgia Southern University’s archaeology team has announced more artifacts that have been identified from Camp Lawton. Camp Lawton was a Confederate prisoner of war camp located just outside of Millen. The camp was occupied for only six weeks before evacuations began in the middle of the night on November 26, 1864, as the Union army approached during Sherman’s March to the Sea. “The amount of artifacts and the variety of artifacts we are finding at this site is stunning,” said Georgia Southern archaeology professor and director of the project Dr. Sue Moore. Dr. Moore is a Past President of the Society for Georgia Archaeology. This story considers a trade token found by archaeologists that was issued in 1863 by a grocer-wholesaler in Niles, Michigan.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/08/camp-lawton-artifact-news/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/07/comment-period-ends-mid-august-2011-for-cumberland-island-plan/ http://thesga.org/2011/07/comment-period-ends-mid-august-2011-for-cumberland-island-plan/#comments Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:31:42 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9242 The National Park Service manages the Cumberland Island National Seashore, along Georgia’s coast. The 30-day comment period for the management of seven small parcels within the park will end on 12 August 2011. You can submit your comments via email. Follow this link to access the plan online and for instructions on making your comments.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/07/comment-period-ends-mid-august-2011-for-cumberland-island-plan/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/07/thanks-archaeology-volunteers/ http://thesga.org/2011/07/thanks-archaeology-volunteers/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:00:45 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9180 Long-time SGA member Dr. Jack T. Wynn of Dahlonega thanks “the hundreds of volunteers who have helped keep the pursuit of archaeology alive, vibrant, and fun for me for all these years!” He suggests that “if you have been wondering what you could do in archaeology, then contact the SGA leadership, or members of the SGA Chapter in your area, and find out what’s going on in archaeology in your neighborhood.”]]> http://thesga.org/2011/07/thanks-archaeology-volunteers/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/07/in-the-national-park-system-cultural-resources-%e2%80%9care-in-serious-trouble%e2%80%9d/ http://thesga.org/2011/07/in-the-national-park-system-cultural-resources-%e2%80%9care-in-serious-trouble%e2%80%9d/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:00:17 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9166 A June 2011 report called The State of America’s National Parks warns on page 25 “that cultural resources in the National Park System—considered the most important to our country’s heritage—are in serious trouble. In fact, these places and collections are being maintained in a condition well below the level that the National Park Service itself has deemed appropriate.” The report concludes on page 27 that the reason this has happened is that “[t]here simply aren’t enough qualified and trained people overseeing the parks’ cultural heritage.” Given the many National Park System properties with an historic or archaeological slant in Georgia (e.g., Ocmulgee National Monument and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site), are you surprised at this situation?]]> http://thesga.org/2011/07/in-the-national-park-system-cultural-resources-%e2%80%9care-in-serious-trouble%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/06/fire-fighting-can-threaten-archaeological-resources/ http://thesga.org/2011/06/fire-fighting-can-threaten-archaeological-resources/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:00:36 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9087 One consequence of wildfires is that they not only threaten homes, but they can also threaten archaeological resources. Buried features may be protected by the soil above them, but many archaeological features extend above the soil. This is true for hundreds of archaeological sites currently threatened by fires in New Mexico and Arizona. This is also true for Georgia sites now threatened by fires near Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Consider how we can effectively fight fires and at the same time provide protection for irreplaceable archaeological resources—is it possible?]]> http://thesga.org/2011/06/fire-fighting-can-threaten-archaeological-resources/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/06/governor-proclaims-may-georgia-archaeology-month/ http://thesga.org/2011/06/governor-proclaims-may-georgia-archaeology-month/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:27:34 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=9064 On May 31st, 2011, Governor Nathan Deal signed the proclamation declaring that May is Georgia Archaeology Month. Seven SGA leaders and members witnessed the signing in the Governor’s office in the Capitol in Atlanta. The Proclamation affirms the importance of Georgia’s archaeological heritage and resources, and notes that the “study, interpretation and preservation of our archaeological sites offer important educational, cultural and economic benefits to all Georgians”.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/06/governor-proclaims-may-georgia-archaeology-month/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/05/hpd-uses-online-survey-and-public-discussions-to-frame-5-year-plan/ http://thesga.org/2011/05/hpd-uses-online-survey-and-public-discussions-to-frame-5-year-plan/#comments Fri, 06 May 2011 09:00:24 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=8958 From mid-2010 to early 2011, Georgia’s Historic Preservation Division sought public input on what HPD should emphasize in their programs over the coming five years. The current State Historic Preservation Plan will be replaced by a new plan by the end of 2011. In general, archaeological resources take a back seat to historical resources, especially standing buildings and historic districts.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/05/hpd-uses-online-survey-and-public-discussions-to-frame-5-year-plan/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/05/gars-investigates-berkmar-%e2%80%9cmystery%e2%80%9d-site/ http://thesga.org/2011/05/gars-investigates-berkmar-%e2%80%9cmystery%e2%80%9d-site/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 14:59:43 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=8969 Members of the Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society (GARS) worked over the weekend at the Berkmar “mystery” site—this was part of the old Wynne-Russell Plantation but is now Berkmar Middle School, Gwinnett County property. GARS members plan to record the site on 14 May, and are clearing brush, etc., in preparation for doing that with Berkmar MS 8th graders.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/05/gars-investigates-berkmar-%e2%80%9cmystery%e2%80%9d-site/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/04/order-frontiers-in-the-soil-now/ http://thesga.org/2011/04/order-frontiers-in-the-soil-now/#comments Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:57:37 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=8654 Frontiers in the Soil is a classic in archaeological literature that should be useful to everyone. Using easy-to-read text by Roy S. Dickens, Jr., and creative color cartoon illustrations by James L. McKinley, Frontiers interprets Georgia’s past with humor in over 100-pages of delightful reading. Click here to download the order form for Frontiers in the Soil.]]> http://thesga.org/2011/04/order-frontiers-in-the-soil-now/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2011/04/oas-members-visit-shinholser-mound-site/ http://thesga.org/2011/04/oas-members-visit-shinholser-mound-site/#comments Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:27:58 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=8590 On March 5, 2011, Ocmulgee Archaeological Society members chose the Shinholser Mounds site on the Oconee River near Milledgeville for the group’s annual winter hike. Member Dr. Bob Cramer made the arrangements with the Thompson family, which owns the site. Thompson family member Tom Wood guided the group. The OAS is very appreciative of the family’s interest in preserving this important part of Middle Georgia’s past, and wishes to thank them for the site tour and for getting to spend a wonderful rainy day along the Oconee River at Shinholser!]]> http://thesga.org/2011/04/oas-members-visit-shinholser-mound-site/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/11/warfare-and-the-protection-of-archaeological-resources/ http://thesga.org/2010/11/warfare-and-the-protection-of-archaeological-resources/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:00:25 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6921 The destruction inherent in modern warfare—for example, bombing, high-powered artillery, defensive construction by heavy equipment—is counter to the preservation of archaeological resources. The September 2010 issue of the newsletter of the Society for American Archaeology includes three articles in a section titled Antiquities in Warfare. More articles discuss Conflict Archaeology.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/11/warfare-and-the-protection-of-archaeological-resources/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/10/preserving-the-last-remaining-school-house-on-st-simons-island/ http://thesga.org/2010/10/preserving-the-last-remaining-school-house-on-st-simons-island/#comments Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:00:40 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6631 Preservation of aging buildings can offer knotty problems. Indeed, preservationists are often first faced with difficulties in purchasing the land a building sits on. Since 2004, preservationists have been working to purchase a 12-acre tract that includes the parcel on which the last remaining African American school house on St. Simons Island stands, called the Harrington Tract. The full story recounts where efforts stand as of Fall 2010.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/10/preserving-the-last-remaining-school-house-on-st-simons-island/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/10/2010-fall-meeting%e2%80%94in-pictures/ http://thesga.org/2010/10/2010-fall-meeting%e2%80%94in-pictures/#comments Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:00:33 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6551 The SGA met on St. Simons Island, east of Brunswick, on a lovely fall weekend in mid-October, and explored archaeological sites there and in the SSI area. Enjoy dozens of pictures from the tour in the full story. The SGA thanks all who organized the trip, discussed the places we visited, and gave us permission to visit them—and to all non-members who joined our tour.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/10/2010-fall-meeting%e2%80%94in-pictures/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/10/road-trip-scull-shoals/ http://thesga.org/2010/10/road-trip-scull-shoals/#comments Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:00:39 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6290 By the Oconee River between Athens and Greensboro are the ruins of a fascinating historic industrial complex—with a captivating name: Scull Shoals. Plan a road trip to this interesting place, and bring a picnic!]]> http://thesga.org/2010/10/road-trip-scull-shoals/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/10/two-days-at-the-georgia-national-fair-with-the-archaeobus/ http://thesga.org/2010/10/two-days-at-the-georgia-national-fair-with-the-archaeobus/#comments Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:36 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6520 In the full story, click through photos from two days spent with the ArchaeoBus at the Georgia National Fair, in Perry. Visitors of all ages enjoyed the Fair from October 7–17, 2010. SGA members pulled together to staff the ArchaeoBus exhibit with three or more volunteers at all times, helping thousands of fair-goers learn about Georgia archaeology.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/10/two-days-at-the-georgia-national-fair-with-the-archaeobus/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/10/cave-spring-hotel-has-log-walls/ http://thesga.org/2010/10/cave-spring-hotel-has-log-walls/#comments Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:00:45 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6418 The Cave Spring Historical Society is seeking to restore the town's old hotel, which has two-story squared-log walls that were long obscured by blue siding.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/10/cave-spring-hotel-has-log-walls/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/10/fort-daniel-named-regionally-important-resource/ http://thesga.org/2010/10/fort-daniel-named-regionally-important-resource/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:23:40 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6377 The Atlanta Regional Commission has recently released a draft of its PLAN 2040: Regional Resource Plan. Among the many important archaeological and historical resources highlighted in this 89-page document is Fort Daniel, a late 18th/early 19th century frontier settlement in Gwinnett County.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/10/fort-daniel-named-regionally-important-resource/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/09/gars-update-archaeology-month-2010-and-fort-daniel-activities/ http://thesga.org/2010/09/gars-update-archaeology-month-2010-and-fort-daniel-activities/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:44:28 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6329 The Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society teamed with the Fort Daniel Foundation to again combine their public archaeology event with FDF’s 2nd annual Frontier Faire at the Fort Daniel site in Gwinnett County, May 22-23. A highlight of the weekend was a brick making project employing methods and technology that would have been used in the late 18th–early 19th centuries.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/09/gars-update-archaeology-month-2010-and-fort-daniel-activities/feed/ 0 http://thesga.org/2010/08/heritage-management-system-discussed/ http://thesga.org/2010/08/heritage-management-system-discussed/#comments Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:00:29 +0000 sammy http://thesga.org/?p=6309 Heritage management involves several basic steps. Resources must be located and described. Once found, some kind of filing and data retrieval system is needed to manage them properly. Here in our state we have the Georgia Archaeological Site File. For places with fewer options than we have in the US of A, the Getty Conservation Institute has spearheaded development of an electronic inventory system that includes locational data; the pilot project is based in Jordan, but probably will be expanded to other areas.]]> http://thesga.org/2010/08/heritage-management-system-discussed/feed/ 0