Are you passionate about archaeology? If so, you’ll be interested to know that since 2012, the Coastal Georgia Historical Society has operated an archaeology laboratory at the Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach.
The lab was established by the late Dr. M. Ray Crook, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at the University of West Georgia and well-known authority on coastal archaeology. His vision for the lab was to advance the study of coastal archaeology and to preserve local collections in a local repository. We honor Dr. Crook’s vision by curating collections that reflect the cultural heritage of the surrounding region. These include materials from approved archaeological projects as well as donated collections, which together help us preserve and share a more complete story of the past.
Currently, the lab curates over 50 collections, encompassing tens of thousands of artifacts. Most of our collections originate from Cannon’s Point, a 644-acre preserve managed by the St. Simons Land Trust. Collections curated at the lab have been highlighted in professional publications, academic papers, master’s theses, and conferences. Alongside supporting university field schools, the lab has hosted internships and provided a workspace for graduate students in anthropology and archaeology.
