fbpx

Mission and History

The mission of the Society is to connect people to Coastal Georgia’s dynamic history through the stories we share and the collections we preserve.

In 1965, a small group of local residents formed the Society with an ambitious vision: to lead in the preservation of the artifacts and buildings that are the treasures of our coastal heritage. Their goal was to match the best historical societies in existence. The momentum and enthusiasm generated in the Society’s first year has never abated.

Today, as owner of the St. Simons Lighthouse, the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, and custodian of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Dwelling and Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach, the Society has become the guardian of Coastal Georgia history and a driver of heritage tourism. These sites are essential pieces of our collective history. They are also alive with vibrant interpretation of our cultural resources, telling our coastal story through tours, lectures, exhibits, and other educational programs.

In 2015, the Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary. A booklet commemorating the first 50 years was created and handed out during the celebration. To learn more about what we accomplished in the first 50 years, view the booklet.

To learn more about our most accomplishments, read our most recent Annual Reports: 2023 Annual Report, 2022 Annual Report, 2021 Annual Report; 2020 Annual Report; 2019 Annual Report; 2018 Annual Report2017 Annual Report2016 Annual Report.

To read about the Society’s goals for the next five years, please see our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.