As usual, the Augusta Archaeological Society members have been involved in a number of activities related to archaeology and history. John Arena and John Whatley worked with the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society on an artifact identification day at the Old Capitol Museum in Milledgeville July 12. Following this, John Arena worked with Megan O’Neil regarding the identification and reorganization of a couple of the lithic displays in the museum. Also in the realm of public archaeology, John Whatley worked with Pam Johnson and Chris Moore (of the Savannah River Archaeological Research Program) handing out literature and talking archaeology at the Georgia on My Mind Program, July 18 at the Georgia I-20 welcome station coming in from South Carolina. In support of our stewardship mission, John Arena followed up with the Archaeological Conservancy concerning monitoring of the Stallings Island site with our thoughts and recommendations about the goats the Conservancy has placed on the island.

Several members have traveled to sites and events near and far. John Arena and John Whatley visited an R.S. Webb & Associates project at the Pig Pen site on the Augusta Canal led by archaeologists Beth Gantt and Ken Styer. Tammy Herron and family visited Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Virginia while on vacation, including visits with archaeologists conducting excavations at Williamsburg and Jamestown. Rob Moon was one of the speakers at the Augusta Genealogical Society’s 29th Annual AGS Homecoming Weekend held August 16th at Augusta State University. Rob presented a general overview of archaeology and the mission of the Savannah River Archaeological Research Program. And, of course, Tammy Herron attended the SGA Board meeting on August 16th.

Our August 14th meeting featured a presentation by Savannah River Archaeological Research Program Archaeologist Chris Moore. Chris' program involved his dissertation work at East Carolina University entitled “Geoarchaeological Investigations of Stratified Archaic and Woodland Sites along the Tar River in North Carolina.” Details included survey and testing intended to identify the geologic context for site burial and stratification through wind-blown processes. Analysis included radiocarbon
and luminescence (OSL) dating. Conclusions included specific climate change concepts and the identification of associated projectile point types.

Dr. Al Goodyear from the University of South Carolina is scheduled to speak at our October 9th meeting.

Posted online on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008