In a letter from Governor Sonny Perdue, long-time SGA member and past president Rita Elliott was informed that she will be a recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Award in the Humanities. The Georgia Humanities Council’s Governor’s awards recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations working to increase understanding and appreciation of the humanities.

Rita Elliott, an active archeologist with the Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah, has devoted her life to educating the public, especially children, about the rich, fascinating history and prehistory of Georgia as told through archaeology. Rita has been a tireless proponent of SGA for almost 20 years, spearheading the revitalization of the group in the 1990s.

The award recognizes Rita’s career of archeological research and her numerous, varied and creative contributions to public education, much of which was done through SGA. The award was prompted by the successful launching of her most ambitious project to date, the ArchaeoBus.

Rita was nominated for the award by Tom Gresham with supporting letters provided by Dr. David Crass (DNR Division Director, State Archaeologist), Dennis Blanton (current SGA President), Betsy Shirk (former SGA president), Scott Smith (CEO and President of the Coastal Heritage Society), and Ellen Provenzano (educator and long time SGA member).

This is the 25th anniversary of the Governors’ Awards, and the presentation ceremony will be held Tuesday May 11, 2010 at the Old Georgia Railroad Depot in Atlanta, beginning at 10:30 AM with a lecture by Jim Leach, Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities and former United States Congressman. The awards luncheon will follow at noon.

The Society for Georgia Archaeology congratulates Rita for a well deserved honor.

For more information or to purchase tickets ($50) click here for information or to purchase online, or contact Jamila Owens 404-523-6220 ext. 12, or or 800-523-6202, or via email by clicking here.\

Posted online on Thursday, April 1st, 2010