If you are traveling near Sylvania, Georgia, stop in and see the Georgia Archaeology Month 2017 display at the oldest Visitor Information Center in the state. The center is located at 8463 Burton’s Ferry Hwy. (also known as U.S. 301) and is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You will be greeted with a warm Southern welcome, learn about the local history of the area, and treated to your choice of a refreshing Coca-Cola fountain drink. In a July 19, 2012, article in The Sylvania Telephone, Rep. Jon Burns was quoted as saying, “The Sylvania Visitor Information Center is not only a rich piece of history, but it also spurs economic growth in our community by providing visitors with information on area businesses.” The article also states that this center is the “oldest operational visitor center in the United States. It assists visitors and tourists with their trips to area (and statewide) attractions, including Screven Motor Speedway, Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area, the Wade Plantation, Millhaven Plantation and the Dell Goodall House.” Currently 1 of 12 Visitor Information Centers in the state, this center was only the second such center in the United States at the time of its opening in 1962. The SGA thanks the center for allowing us to promote Georgia Archaeology Month 2017 and finds it fitting that the display is housed at this historic location. Hopefully, the display will pique the interest of many travelers and entice them to attend one or more of the events listed in the Calendar of Events for Archaeology Month. This endeavor is also in keeping with the SGA’s vision to help the public understand the significance of archaeological sites and garner their support of archaeological preservation, education, and research.

Posted online on Friday, May 12th, 2017