An introduction to the archaeological study of Georgia’s earliest history through hands-on participation
- What? Week-long summer day program
- When? Monday-Friday, June 2-6, June 9-13, or June 23-27, 2008 for adult sessions; June 16-20, 2008 for high school session
- Where? Two archaeological sites in Telfair and Coffee Counties, Georgia (near Jacksonville, GA) along the historic and beautiful Ocmulgee River
- Why? To learn how Georgia Indians interacted with Spanish explorers and missionaries at a remote frontier location nearly 400 years ago
- Who? Eligible participants must be at least 19 years old. Enrollment will be limited to 10 students per week. Professional archaeologists and archaeology educators on the Fernbank Museum of Natural History staff will supervise the program.
This Fernbank Museum of Natural History program offers an extraordinary opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the methods of archaeology. In the process you will help trained professionals in their search for new evidence of early Spanish colonization. You will learn about Georgia’s earliest historical period when Europeans were first exploring the region and establishing isolated missions among Native American Indian communities. In addition to helping with field excavation, program participants will be instructed in basic laboratory procedures for processing artifacts, they will learn about the unique information artifacts can reveal, and they will be treated to occasional special lectures and activities.
Information about the program’s activities in previous years can be
found on our web site at:
http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/education/research_collections/SantaIsabel
Program Details Activities: Each week will begin with an introduction to the goals of the project, our current knowledge of the archaeological sites, and basic field and lab methods. By the second day participants will become directly involved in the field excavation. On some days students will be moved from the laboratory area where finds are processed to the excavation on a half-day rotation. Historical and technical instruction will be ongoing during all activities. Special presentations and other activities will be offered periodically. Daily activities will run from 8:00 AM-3:30 PM. The program will be directed by Dennis Blanton, Fernbank Archaeologist/Curator.
Conditions: All activities will be outdoors and the excavation area may be only partially shaded. Participants must be prepared to be outside during the summer heat and humidity, and anticipate some presence of insects. Also, field archaeology is a physical activity and requires reasonable fitness and stamina. Participants should provide their own bag lunches, as well as personal items such as insect repellent, sunscreen, etc. Daily transportation to and from the program site is the responsibility of the participants. Fernbank will supply water/drinks and equipment.
All artifacts are to be left on the premises in the care of the archaeologists so that they can be properly studied.
Accommodations: Participants will be responsible for local accommodations and meals. Numerous motels and campgrounds can be found within a reasonable drive, and nearby Little Ocmulgee State Park offers a variety of lodging options (a partial list of area lodging is attached). Cost: The cost is $200 per person for each 5-day session. The cost covers Fernbank tuition, student information packets, and a t-shirt. Equipment will also be provided by Fernbank.
Teachers who participate in our archaeology program can earn PLU credit!
Please contact [email protected] or call
(404) 929-6414 for more information.
A special session will be held June 16-20 only for high school
students.
Registration: Eligible participants must be at least 19 years old for
adult sessions. Enrollment will be limited to 10 students per
week.
For registration and other information:
Kathryn Ruedrich, Archaeology Programs Specialist
Phone (404) 929-6414
Posted online on Saturday, March 1st, 2008