On Saturday, May 3rd 2008, learn about Archaeology at Fort Frederica

Date: April 18, 2008
Contact: Ellen Strojan, 912-638-3639

On Saturday, May 3rd 2008, park staff will present a program about Archaeology at Fort Frederica. The program will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. It is limited to 20 participants. This program offers the public a rare opportunity to explore Fort Frederica’s Archaeological Field School site. The program will cover the topics of research, excavation and laboratory work. Please call the park visitor center at [phone] for reservations. Insect repellent is recommended. The park is located at 6515 Frederica Road on St. Simons Island.

In 2001, the State of Georgia proclaimed the month of May to be Archaeology Month. Each year, the Society for Georgia Archaeology declares a theme for this special month. This year’s theme is Archaeological Encounters in Georgia’s Spanish Period. This theme ties directly into Fort Frederica’s history. It is thought that one reason General Oglethorpe selected the site of the town and fort is because the land had already been cleared by the Native Americans. It is known that there were at least two Spanish Missions on St. Simons Island. The Spanish built missions up and down the coast during the 14th and 15th centuries. One of the reasons the Spanish built missions was to attempt to convert the Native Americans to the Catholic religion. The missionaries encouraged the Native Americans to farm and grow food. It is thought that the land Frederica was built on was once a field used for farming by the Native Americans during the mission period of St. Simons Island history.

Archaeology is an important part of Frederica’s story. Extensive excavations were conducted in the town site and fort area during the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Each artifact that was found tells a story about the people who lived at Frederica and gives modern-day people a glimpse of everyday life during the twenty-two years that Frederica town existed.

Admission Fees: Adults (age 16+) are $3.00 per person. Children under age 16 are free. Fort Frederica, National Parks, Golden passes are valid for admission to the park and its events.

For further information about this event and the expanding number of programs at Fort Frederica National Monument visitors may contact the park Visitor Center at 912-638-3639.