Submitted by Pam Baughman (pajgriffin@comcast.net)

For the 18th year, SGA is coordinating Georgia Archaeology Month, a statewide promotion that encourages the public to learn about the archaeological resources present in our state and creates awareness about the importance of protecting Georgia’s archaeological heritage. Archaeology Month occurs during the month of May, and the 2011 theme is “Gone But Not Forgotten: Rediscovering the Civil War Through Archaeology.”

Many activities and programs have been planned during this month by various groups and organizations. Click here to read a list of these events on the SGA’s online calendar, which includes links to the maps of the locations of these events. Some ongoing events, mostly exhibits, are listed below. Please patronize these events, programs, and exhibits, and enjoy archaeology all month long!

Ongoing events list

Palmetto Creek Revisited: A Site for All Times

• Starting at the end of May 2011. Free admission.
• Hours: M Tu W, F 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Sat 10AM –2 PM.
• Location: Harris County Public Library, 138 N. College St., Hamilton, GA 31811 (just north of downtown Hamilton)
• Contact: Debbie Marino, 706-628-4685 or via email; Teresa Lotti, 404-631-1284 or via email
• This exhibit displays artifacts from excavations done at the Palmetto Creek sites in Harris County as well as discuss the cultural time periods represented, archaeology in general, and the archaeological project/GDOT archaeology in particular.
• Sponsor: Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

Two exhibits: Conveyed in Clay: Stories from St. Catherine’s Island and De Soto’s Footprints—New Archaeological Evidence from Georgia

• All of May.
• Conveyed in Clay displays artifacts from excavations done at the Palmetto Creek sites in Harris County as well as discuss the cultural time periods represented, archaeology in general, and the archaeological project/GDOT archaeology in particular.
• De Soto’s Footprints includes findings of Fernbank’s ongoing archaeological explorations along the lower Ocmulgee River, highlighting the unexpected discovery of early Spanish materials, dating from before 1550, possibly associated with Hernando de Soto’s 1540 trek across Georgia.
• Hours: M through Sat 10AM–5PM, Sun noon–5PM
• Location: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Contact: Fernbank Ticketing Office, 404-929-6400
• Admission: Adults $17.50, Students and Seniors $16.50, Children 3-12 $15.50, 2 and under free, Free for Museum members.

Two exhibits: Commemorating Confederate History and Heritage Month (April) and Georgia Archaeology Month (May)

• All of April and May. Free admission.
• April exhibit features information about Georgia and Georgians during the Civil War. Book titles and travel brochures about Civil War related historic sites to visit throughout Georgia will also be displayed.
• May exhibit features archaeological research of some of the Civil War sites within Georgia. Replicas of artifacts and book titles regarding this research will also be displayed.
• Hours: M 10AM–6PM, Tu through Fri 9AM–6PM, Sat 10AM–5PM
• Location: Screven County Library, 106 South Community Drive, Sylvania, GA 30467
• Contact: Main Office, 912-564-7526, Tammy Herron, 803-725-5259

From the Field to the Museum: Exploring Archaeology at Georgia State University

• May 2–30. Free admission.
• This display presents various aspects of the archaeological process, highlighting activities ranging from background research, fieldwork, to the dissemination of archaeological findings. In addition, the display includes various artifacts from prehistoric and historic sites in the Atlanta area, and from collections from Costa Rica, Iran, and Mexico, with dates ranging from 5000 BC to AD 1000. These artifacts exemplify the material culture that archaeologists use to reconstruct the lives of past peoples.
• For hours, call 404-413-2800 or check the GSU online calendar here for General Public hours on the date of your visit.
• Location: Georgia State University Library, 100 Decatur Street SE,
  Atlanta, GA 30303-3202. Detailed directions are available online here.
• Contact: Kelly Woodard, 347-308-0397

Posted online on Friday, April 1st, 2011