Gallery Seeks WW II Era Artifacts for New Exhibit

A German officer’s ceremonial sword, passports of an Auschwitz survivor, a copy of Hitler’s Mein Kampf, and a rare B-17 bombsight are the first four artifacts that have been donated to the Israel Arbeiter Gallery of Understanding at the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School in Norwood (Mass.).

This past year supporters of the Gallery launched a campaign to collect and preserve memorabilia from the pre-war through post-World War II era, mainly between 1933-1948 – from the rise of the Nazis to the founding of the modern State of Israel.

“World War II era books, letters, photos and other artifacts are in danger of being lost, thrown out, or sold,” says Gallery Co-Chair Dr. Gila Kriegel. “We hope to create an exhibit that tells the story of that period to students and other visitors in a tangible, dramatic way. We want to ensure that artifacts are permanently preserved so they continue to bear witness to the Holocaust.” The second Gallery co-chair is Irv Kempner. Both are children of Holocaust survivors.

Each artifact has an interesting background of how it found its way to the Gallery, and an exhibit card tells each story.

Dr. Kriegel says, “Many Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, collectors, historians, their families and others may possess historically important, unique and interesting Holocaust-era artifacts. Here’s a way to preserve rare items and use them for educational purposes for generations to come.”

The focal point of the Gallery is a series of large panels tracing 86 year-old Izzy Arbeiter’s life from pre-war Poland through emigration and building a new life in America. Asked about the mission of the Gallery, he said, “To teach children not to hate.” He said, “We can't ignore people with crazy ideas. They must be stopped before they gain strength." Dedicated three years ago, the Gallery is a meeting place for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about prejudice and ways to build bridges.
Also on display in the Gallery is artwork on interfaith understanding by Jewish and Catholic children and a display about Raoul Wallenberg, Swedish diplomat credited with saving some 10,000 people from the Nazis, who received (posthumously) the Gallery’s second annual ‘Righteous Among Nations’ Award. Among visitors to the Gallery have been Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Peter Yarrow, Alan Dershowitz, and Loren Galler Rabinowitz, Miss Massachusetts 2010 and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors.

To be accepted, donated items must meet parameters related to historical value, educational aspects, appropriateness for a K – 8 school, etc. Monetary value is not important. Donors could receive a tax deduction in accordance with IRS regulations, and a plaque describes the object’s importance and gives credit to the donors.

Anyone interested in donating papers, photographs or artifacts may contact Stan Hurwitz: 508-269-0570 / stanhurw@comcast.net, or sgoodwin@sassds.org or call 781-769-9400. The Gallery committee is also raising funds to make the exhibit more interactive, to develop an educational curriculum, and to produce a video featuring its namesake. Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

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National Archives at Atlanta Presents Day-Long Civil War Program April 16, 2011

/PRNewswire/ -- The National Archives at Atlanta will present The Civil War: America's Long Struggle on April 16, 2011, at its Morrow, GA, facility, located at 5780 Jonesboro Road. The program, which costs $20.00, including lunch, is open to the public, pre-registration required.

This day-long program commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, features lectures from leading Civil War scholars and archivists, an exhibition of original 19th century newspapers chronicling the African-American experience, and an opportunity for attendees to learn more about their own Civil War heirlooms.

"The symposium will attract Civil War historians, as well as members of the general public whose lives were forever impacted by this great conflict," said Jim McSweeney, Regional Administrator, National Archives at Atlanta.

"It's one thing to hear about the Civil War in a lecture or read about it in books. It's another to dig through your attic and find your family's place in the greater narrative."

Speakers include:

* David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States
* Trevor Plante, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
* Shane Bell, National Archives at Atlanta
* Daniel Stowell, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
* Eric Leonard, Andersonville National Historic Site
* Kenneth Noe, author of Reluctant Rebels and Auburn University professor


Slavery and Freedom in Black and White: The African American Experience in 19th Century Newspapers, an exhibition of original newspapers, features articles on African American history, including editions of Harper's Weekly, The Globe, The Liberator, and Savannah Daily Herald, drawn from the private collection of Christine Mitchell. The exhibit will remain on display through September 2011.

One hundred registrants will have the opportunity to display their Civil War artifacts and heirlooms and learn more about the significance of the objects from experts in an afternoon program entitled "Civil War Treasures in Your Nation's Attic." Georgia Public Broadcasting will film some of these objects for a program by the same name to air on a future date. This portion of the program is sponsored by the Foundation for the National Archives, Scott Antique Markets, the National Archives at Atlanta, and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Objects must be pre-approved. See the registration form for more details.

Registration begins today and is $20 per person, which includes a catered lunch. For more program information and to register, go to www.archives.gov/southeast.

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Seven Islands Artifacts Day

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Indian Spring Hotel, Indian Springs, Ga. 30216
Sponsored by the Butts County Historical Society

The Public is invited to bring their artifacts to be identified and dated by members of The Ocmulgee Archaeological Society. Archaeologist Stephen Hammack and other members of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society will be on hand to identify Indian Artifacts from all periods and historic artifacts from the earliest days of settlement. Of special note, Georgia Paleoindian Recordation Project Coordinator Jerald Ledbetter and John Whatley, author of “An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Selected Cutting Tools,” will be on hand to identify and record Clovis, Dalton, and other early projectile points. There will be several collections on display, flintknapping demonstrations by Dave Swetmon and atl-atl, primitive weapons and friction fire demonstrations by Ken Ruff. Also this year we will have “PICKING ON THE PORCH”, so come out, and join in the acoustic jam on the back porch.

Seven Islands Artifacts Day is sponsored by the Butts County Historical Society, The Village at Indian Springs and Generations Gallery. For more information contact W.J. Shannon at wjshanon123@bellsouth.net or call 770-361-7185.
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Exhibit of Newly Discovered Civil War Artifacts Now Open at Georgia Southern University Museum

Artifacts uncovered earlier this year at Camp Lawton, the site of the Civil War’s largest prisoner camp, is now on display at the Georgia Southern University Museum.

The artifacts, which include many priceless and unique finds, were discovered by a Georgia Southern University archaeology team excavating at Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen, Ga. The team, led by University anthropology professor Sue Moore, Ph.D. and graduate student Kevin Chapman, was working to locate the stockade wall that surrounded Camp Lawton during the Civil War. In addition to locating parts of the wall, the team uncovered numerous personal artifacts left behind by soldiers who were imprisoned there or were stationed there as part of the Confederate Army.  News of the discovery made headlines around the world when it was announced in August.

The artifacts, which include a tobacco pipe, tourniquet buckle, and photo frame, are very personal in nature. Researchers believe many of the artifacts may have been left behind when Union prisoners of war were awakened in the middle of the night by Confederate soldiers as the camp was evacuated in advance of Sherman’s approaching army during his “March to the Sea.” Researchers were stunned by the numerous finds at the Camp Lawton site, because artifacts from most Civil War prison camps have been lost due to farming, development and looting.

In addition to the artifacts, museum displays will also educate visitors on the harsh realities of life at Camp Lawton, including a display that shows the meager amount of food allotted to each person at the camp.

The exhibit will be on display during regular Georgia Southern University Museum hours until May 1, 2011. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. The museum is closed Monday and on University holidays. Museum admission is $2 per person. Georgia Southern students with a valid I.D., museum members, and children under 3 years of age are admitted free of charge.

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Seven Islands Artifacts Day

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Indian Spring Hotel, Indian Springs, Ga. 30216
Sponsored by the Butts County Historical Society

The Public is invited to bring their artifacts to be identified and dated by members of The Ocmulgee Archaeological Society. Archaeologist Stephen Hammack and other members of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society will be on hand to identify Indian Artifacts from all periods and historic artifacts from the earliest days of settlement. Of special note, Georgia Paleoindian Recordation Project Coordinator Jerald Ledbetter and John Whatley, author of “An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Selected Cutting Tools,” will be on hand to identify and record Clovis, Dalton, and other early projectile points. There will be several collections on display, flintknapping demonstrations by Dave Swetmon and atl-atl, primitive weapons and friction fire demonstrations by Ken Ruff. Also this year we will have “PICKINING ON THE PORCH”, so come out, and join in the acoustic jam on the back porch.

Seven Islands Artifact Day is sponsored by the Butts County Historical Society, The Village at Indian Springs and Generations Gallery. For more information contact W.J. Shannon at wjshanon123@bellsouth.net or call 770-361-7185.

Apollo Discovery Tells a New Story

A University of Haifa/Hebrew University excavation team is taken by surprise as it discovers a ring revealing a Hellenistic elite lifestyle.

Newswise — A rare bronze signet ring with the impression of the face of the Greek sun god, Apollo, has been discovered at Tel Dor, in northern Israel, by University of Haifa diggers. "A piece of high-quality art such as this, doubtlessly created by a top-of-the-line artist, indicates that local elites developing a taste for fine art and the ability to afford it were also living in provincial towns, and not only in the capital cities of the Hellenistic kingdoms," explains Dr. Ayelet Gilboa, Head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, who headed the excavations at Dor along with Dr. Ilan Sharon of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

When the ring was recovered from a waste pit near Hellenistic structures, it was covered with layers of earth and corrosion, and the archaeologists had no indication whatsoever that it would reveal the shape of a legendary figure. Only after the ring was cleaned up at the Restoration and Conservation laboratory at the Hebrew University's Institute of Archaeology, was the profile of a beardless young male with long hair, clean shaven and adorned with a laurel wreath, revealed. The ring was examined by Dr. Jessica Nitschke, professor of classical archaeology at Georgetown University in Washington DC, and by Dr. Rebecca Martin, assistant professor of art at Southeast Missouri State University, both of whom are partners in the Tel Dor excavations. Both confirmed that the image is that of Apollo – one of the most important of the Olympian gods in Greek mythology, god of the sun, of light, music and song.

The archaeological context and style of the signet ring date it back to the 4th or 3rd century B.C.E. This type of ring was used as a seal or was dedicated to the temple of the god imprinted on the ring. Since it was found in an urban context and at an orderly archaeological dig, the discovery is of great significance: Most of the small pieces of art originating in the Near East until now are of unknown origin, having been displaced through illegal antique trade, or purchased by museums and collectors before scientific archaeological research began.

The ring also testifies to the cosmopolitan character of this region as far back as 2,300 years ago. Despite the damage caused over the centuries, its high quality is easily recognizable. The precious object was found in the same area as a small gemstone with an engraved image of Alexander the Great and a rare, exquisite Hellenistic mosaic floor that were unearthed during earlier excavation seasons. All these discoveries are very likely to be linked to a nearby structure which is currently being excavated, the architectural features of which indicate that it is a grand elite structure.

These finds indicate that the circulation of fine art objects was not limited to the capital cities of the Hellenistic kingdoms in the east, such as Alexandria in Egypt or Antioch and Seleucia in Syria, where the main populations were Greek, but also spread to smaller centers, such as Dor, which was primarily populated by local Phoenician inhabitants.

The town of Dor was an important port on the Mediterranean shore from 2000 B.C.E. until 250 C.E. Pieces of Greek-style art, such as signet rings and miniature gems, began to appear in the east at the time of the Persian Empire (6th-4th centuries B.C.E.) and became more common after Alexander the Great conquered the region, passing through Dor on his journey from Tyre to Egypt in 332 B.C.E. Subsequently, the town of Dor became one of the centers of Greek culture in the land of Israel, and that culture left its mark even after Dor was conquered by Alexander Jannaeus, King of Judea, around 100 B.C.E. and its impact is evident well into the Roman era.

Tel Dor is located next to the Dor (Tantura) beach, between Haifa and Tel Aviv. It has been excavated continuously for some thirty years and is in the process of being declared a National Park by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. University of Haifa and Hebrew University teams collaborate in the excavations, along with a team headed by Prof. Sarah Stroup of the University of Washington in Seattle and a team directed by Dr. Elizabeth Bloch-Smith of St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia. Some 130 researchers, students and volunteers from Israel and the U.S.A. participated in the 2010 season of excavations. The ring was discovered in an excavation area directed by Yiftah Shalev and Hagar Ben-Best, a PhD candidate and a graduate student of the University of Haifa's Department of Archaeology. The Tel Dor excavations are supported by the Goldhirsh Foundation, USA, by the Berman Foundation for Biblical Archaeology and by the Israel Science Foundation.

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Georgia Southern University Archaeology Students Uncover Priceless Civil War Artifacts

Georgia Southern University archaeology students have uncovered numerous priceless and unique Civil War artifacts at the site of a Confederate prison camp in Millen, Ga.

"This is truly a stunning find with historical implications that will be studied for decades," said Georgia Southern University Archaeology Professor Sue Moore, Ph.D. "While we knew we were searching in the immediate vicinity of the site of the Civil War’s largest prison camp, we were amazed by some of the artifacts that were uncovered and at their condition. These pieces tell the story like nothing else can of what life was like for the thousands of prisoners and soldiers who lived here at the close of the war."

The artifacts—including a makeshift smoking pipe, bullets turned into gaming pieces, a tourniquet buckle, jewelry, eating utensils, and coins—were found at Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen, Ga. The area was the site of Camp Lawton, which at the close of the Civil War was believed to be the largest prison camp in the world. The state park was established in the 1930’s, after the exact boundaries of the prison camp were no longer known. The widely accepted view by many archaeologists was that there were no significant or personal Civil War artifacts to be found at the site.

Georgia Southern University archaeology graduate students began conducting research there in the fall of 2009 at the request of Georgia Department of Natural Resources Director Chris Clark. Clark, an alumnus of Georgia Southern University, hoped the team could pinpoint the location of the stockade walls that originally surrounded the prison. If the team was successful, Clark eventually planned to reconstruct the walls to bring additional tourists to the park. However, no one believed the land still contained much else in the way of Civil War artifacts.

"Many Civil War sites have been stripped by a century and a half of farming and development," said Georgia Southern University graduate student Kevin Chapman, who is heading the project and discovered the first artifacts. "Now we have unearthed numerous items that haven’t been touched in 150 years. We never believed that we would find anything of this magnitude."

Camp Lawton was constructed in 1864 by the Confederate Army to replace Georgia’s notorious Andersonville prison. Camp Lawton housed more than ten-thousand Union prisoners, and hundreds of Confederate soldiers. But, the camp was only occupied for six weeks before evacuations began in the middle of the night on November 26, 1864 as the Union army approached during Sherman’s March to the Sea. Chapman believes that hasty exit may be the reason so many artifacts remained on the site.

"What we’ve found were treasures of the prisoners who were kept here," Chapman explained. "They would have hidden these things from the Confederate guards. When they were roused in the middle of the night to begin the move out, there may not have been time to retrieve them. Also, records tell us anywhere from 750 to 1,200 men died at Camp Lawton over the course of six weeks. Some of these items may be things the soldiers hid away and were never found between their death and the time of the evacuation."

Under an agreement with the federal government, the portion of the land in Magnolia Springs State Park where the artifacts were found was recently transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This area is now enclosed by a fence and is under 24 hour video surveillance and manned security to prevent looting of the site. Anyone caught looting in the area is subject to prosecution, with penalties that could include prison time and hefty fines. Georgia Southern University students will continue their scientific research and excavations in an effort to study the area as thoroughly as possible.

"This is sacred ground," said Moore. "Hundreds of men died here and what they, and the other prisoners, left behind belong to the public and future generations. When these artifacts are excavated and preserved in the correct, scientific way they give us a detailed picture of the people who lived and died at Camp Lawton. We are dedicated to preserving these pieces so everyone can have an up close look at these secrets that have been buried for more than a century."

The artifacts will be on exhibit at the Georgia Southern University Museum beginning October 10, 2010. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the custodian of the artifacts, which belong to the American people. For more information about Georgia Southern’s discovery at Camp Lawton, please visit www.georgiasouthern.edu/camplawton.



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Waitin' for the Clock to Strike 1

It's almost time for the great revealing of the archaelogical artifacts of Camp Lawton!  While we wait for the final few minutes, here's a great site by Georgia Southern University on the dig and the history of Camp Lawton in Jenkins County, GA.

http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/camplawton/index.php/home

If you want to see the artifacts in person, Georgia Southern University in Statesboro has announced they will be on exhibition starting Sunday, October 10, at 2pm at the Georgia Southern University Museum.

We'll be there!!! How 'bout you?

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The World War II Preservation Trust

/24-7/ -- The World War II Preservation Trust is a non-profit organization specializing in the examination, research and acquisition of WWII artifacts. Our mission is to preserve Second World War souvenirs sent home by Veterans. We hope to accomplish this goal through the acquisition and conservation of these items which otherwise might be neglected; this would prevent future generations from understanding these symbolic relics.

We have served as consultants to museums, auction houses and historical societies throughout the Country. Our goal has, and will remain, the education and enlightenment of all those interested in the dynamic history associated with this intense period in our Nation's past.

The goal of our organization is to help preserve the history and the artifacts from this very dramatic part of the 20th century. We are enthusiasts and historians of this period, and have had the opportunity and pleasure of talking with 100's of WWII Veterans and their families. We know what an impact this experience had on their lives.

Fast forward to the present day and the majority of these voices have been silenced by Father Time. We hope to contact as many remaining members of "The Greatest Generation" and their families to hear their stories and record their experiences.

Our goal is to gather the words, photographs, and anecdotes of our veterans, in order to convey their enormous sacrifices to present and future generations. Many veterans returned home with souvenirs from their adventures overseas. These artifacts, whether they be something as simple as a medal or badge, or as symbolic like a flag, jacket or helmet, represent the spoils of war. Remember the old saying, "To the victor goes the spoils," and the American G.I. was the most prolific souvenir hunter of all time.

It is through these souvenirs, along with other visuals, that we hope to keep the spirit and history of the era alive. Our organization is not-for-profit. It exists for the love of history and the people involved in making this history.

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Seven Islands Artifact Day in Flovilla Sept. 26th

9/15/09 Got Arrowheads? Artifacts? Here's your chance to show them to somebody who just might know what they are....and where they came from.

The public is invited to bring arrowheads and other artifacts to be identified and dated by the Ocmulgee Archeological Society at The Indian Springs Hotel/Museum in Flovilla, GA on September 26th, from Noon to 4 pm.

The free event offers individuals a chance to chat with Archeologist, Stephen Hammock, and Historian, Sam Lawson. Jerald Ledbetter, the Georgia Paleoindian Recordation Project Coordinator, and John Whatley, author of "An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Selected Cutting Tools", will be on hand to identify Clovis, Dalton, and other early projectile points.

Last year, a 10,000 year old clovis point was identified, so bring whatever you may have found, even if you are not sure what it is.

There will be several collections on display, flintknapping demonstrations by Dave Sweatman, several atl-atls, primitive weapons, and friction fire demonstrations by Kim Ruff.

The event will take place on the porch of the Indian Springs Hotel Museum. Everyone is invited to join in with the PICKIN ON THE PORCH acoustic jam on the back porch.The event is sponsored by the Historic Village at Indian Springs, Generations Gallery and The Butts County Historical Society. The Museum is inside the restored Inn where the Treaty of 1825 was signed by Chief William McIntosh, deeding the lands that are now Georgia to the US. The museum, cafe', gallery and all the village shops are open weekends.

The Hotel is located across the street from the the entrance to the Indian Springs State Park, six miles south of Jackson, GA at 1807 Highway 42 South. You may call 1 800- 352 -7212 for directions and more information. From I-75, take Exit 205 East thru Jackson on Highway 16. Look for signs to Indian Springs State park as you turn south on Highway 42.

Seven Islands refers to the site of a large Indian Settlement where over 1400 families once lived in the Lake Jackson Area.
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Seven Islands Artifact ID Day September 26

The public is invited to bring their artifacts to be identified and dated by members of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society. Archaeologist Stephen Hammack, Historian Sam Lawson, and other members of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society will be on hand to identify Indian Artifacts from all periods and historic artifacts from the earliest days of settlement.

Of special note, Georgia Paleo-Indian Recordation Project Coordinator Jerald Ledbetter and John Whatley, author of “An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Selected Cutting Tools,” will be on hand to identify and record Clovis, Dalton, and other early projectile points.

There will be several collections on display, flint napping demonstrations by Dave Swetmon, and atl-atl, primitive weapons and friction fire demonstrations by Ken Ruff. Also this year we will have “PICKING ON THE PORCH,” so come out and join in the acoustic jam on the back porch.

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Indian Spring Hotel
1807 Hwy 42 South
Indian Springs, Georgia 30216

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UGA uncovers history: Workers find clues to university’s beginnings

Remnants of a former building and artifacts dating back more than 200 years have been uncovered beneath the foundations of New College on the University of Georgia’s North Campus, allowing a glimpse into a long-lost chapter of UGA history.

“I felt privileged to climb into the lower basement and view what may actually be the most basic beginnings of this great university,” said UGA President Michael F. Adams. “This appears to be a truly significant find that causes me to anticipate what our archeologists, anthropologists, and others may report based on this finding.”

Workers unearthed the finds in the midst of a $3 million renovation to update the building and restore its look to an approximation of what it looked like when it was built in 1822.

“The find was pure serendipity. The crews must have had a magic touch,” said Erv Garrison, the UGA archaeologist overseeing the findings and recent head of the anthropology department. “What they’re finding is basically intact. And it’s from the very beginning of the university. We can’t trace it back to Josiah Meigs (the president who taught the first classes at UGA) exactly, but we do know it’s at the very dawn of the New College.”

The oldest university-related find is a brick floor discovered about 7 feet beneath New College’s present-day ground level. Sandwiched between two stone walls that still bear scars from an 1830 fire that destroyed the original building, the cross-laid floor may have been part of a kitchen or other room used by the first students or faculty at UGA, said Danny Sniff, associate vice president for facilities planning.

“All these bricks were made from local clay, and you can see a definite difference between these pre-1830 bricks, which are more of a beige to terra cotta color, and the ones used in the later construction,” Sniff said. “The interesting part of this is that brick structure is under the foundations, which we know are from 1819, so this pre-dates that.”

The crew was moving earth to install an elevator for handicapped access and extend the building’s storage space when the discovery was made, Sniff said.

Among the other artifacts found are a handmade spoon, wrought iron nails, blown-glass bottles, glazed cookware and an instrument that resembles a modern fire poker. The crew also found a pottery bowl that dates from Georgia’s late prehistoric Lamar period (1350-1600 A.D.), suggesting that someone at the university found and kept the piece of Native American culture.

But the finds don’t end there.

Garrison and his students used ground-penetrating radar to pinpoint other relics beneath the building. While the images show more objects buried in the rubble, it may not be wise to uncover them just yet, he said.

“My students and I have just started to plow into what we’ve taken out of there, not only drawings, photographs and artifacts—we have a lot of radar data that we just went through. We’re perfectly willing to argue that there’s more down there,” Garrison said.

As the crews continue to renovate New College, danger of disturbing the artifacts is low, Garrison said. The radar has given workers a good idea of where artifacts are located, and if the workers find anything that may be of interest, they call Garrison, who makes it to the site most every day to study what’s been found.

“I’m on speed dial with the contractor right now. If they see anything, I’ll be over in 10 minutes with my hard hat talking with the job superintendent and Danny Sniff, and we’ll try to figure out what we’ve found now,” Garrison said. “It’s been an exciting few days.”

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Valdosta State Biology Department Secures Natural History Collection

A 2,000-pound stuffed buffalo is one of the nearly 300 specimens the Valdosta State University Biology Department acquired when the state of Georgia began distributing items once displayed in the Georgia Capital Museum. Dr. Leslie S. Jones, associate professor of science education and equine reproductive physiology, said the extensive collections of fish, birds, reptiles and mushrooms will bring curriculum to life for students enrolled in science courses at VSU. When not being used in class, the specimens will be displayed in educational dioramas within the Hugh C. Bailey Science Center.

“This is a bona fide treasure for the biology department, and we are ecstatic about how these specimens will improve classroom instruction and up the educational value of the display cases,” said Jones, who traveled in early June to retrieve the collection with Dr. Colleen McDonough, professor of animal behavior, and Dr. Mitch Lockhart, professor of parasitological and wildlife disease. “Faculty members have been coming in to look at the collection, drooling at the educational possibilities.”

Jones said the study of fungi, for instance, is a challenge to teach because students often observe a limited collection of specimens that look like “pickles in a jar.” The addition of 45 colorful wax mushroom and fungi representations will enable students studying mycology to examine lifelike subject matter rather than picturing the species from images in textbooks.

Senior biology major Holly Dekle, who has been helping to unload and catalog the collection, said she is impressed with the nearly 130 stuffed birds in lifelike poses as well as the array of animals, reptiles and amphibians - including a sperm whale, bald eagle and alligator.

“Being able to handle and view animals and birds in natural states is going to be such an asset for students studying zoology and ornithology (the study of birds). There is just something about being able to get up close to an animal when you are studying it to truly take it in,” said Dekle. “The lab is covered with specimens right now as we unpack, and the faculty are bouncing off the walls like excited little kids.”

McDonough, who helped pack items into the 15-foot passenger van, attached trailer and truck, said the team of professors had predicted specimens would be in questionable shape after 20 years of storage. The state capital boxed up natural history items during renovations in the early 1990s, and specimens remained in storage when the state decided not to restore the exhibits after remodeling.

“We use scientific specimens in a number of our classes, but students observe from a distance. We thought these items would be in relatively poor shape so that students could handle them freely, giving students another dimension to the learning process,” said McDonough. “However, the specimens are much nicer than we imagined, so we are going to be extra careful and choosey about what and how items are handled. It is unbelievable how well they have been preserved.”

The various shells, corals plants and other items not used in classroom instruction will be displayed in educational dioramas throughout Bailey Science Center. Jones said many of the 39 fish - including an 8-foot sailfish - are wall mounts, which lend themselves to expansive sea displays. The giant American buffalo will be displayed on the second floor near windows overlooking the pedestrian walkway.

Jones and McDonough plan to dedicate two displays to biology faculty members who died recently. Dr. Linda Chamberlin, associate professor of biology, who died in 2005 after a long battle with cancer, loved the beach. Jones said the department will create an educational setting of shorebirds to honor their friend and colleague. They are also developing a display to showcase wetland birds in honor of the passionate biology professor Dr. David O’Drobinak - more commonly known as “Dr. O” - who died in November 2006.

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History Unearthed on Jekyll

The Brunswick News
February 25, 2009
By Anna Ferguson

Although Jekyll Island has been a state park for only about 60 years, the land has long been used as a resort area. It may have been a seasonal stomping ground for individuals seeking refuge centuries ago, say archaeologists who are unearthing artifacts at an island excavation site....
http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/local_news/DIG-w-brkout

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Seven Islands Artifacts ID Day October 11 in Indian Springs

Saturday, October 11th, 2008
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
At the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum
1807 Highway 42 South
Indian Springs, Ga. 30216

The public is invited to bring their arrowheads and other artifacts to have them identified and dated. There will be several local collections on display with demonstrations in flint knapping and primitive weapons, by Dave Swetmon and Kim Ruff. Come join in the fun and learn something about the people who lived here hundreds on years ago. Archaeologist Stephen Hammack and several other members of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society will be on hand to identify Indian artifacts from all periods and any historical artifacts from the earliest days of the settlement. Of special note, John Whatley, author of “An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Selected Cutting Tools” will be on hand to identify and record Clovis or other early projectiles.

“Picking on the Porch”. Musicians are invited to bring their guitars, fiddles, mandolins or other acoustic instruments. Whether you play blues or bluegrass, come out, join in the fun, make some new friends, and enjoy some good down home music.

For more information contact:
W.J. Shannon
Wjshannon123@bellsouth.net or
Call 770-361-7185

Sponsored by:
Butts County Historical Society

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