Archaeology Month Programs

Beaufort County is fortunate to have many significant archaeological sites.  On September 23th, Beaufort County Council proclaimed October as "Archaeology Month." The following evening the City of Beaufort Council issued its Archaeology Month proclamation.

Ian Hill, the County Historic Preservationist, and I have been putting together archaeology month programs for almost a decade now.  This year we are very pleased to be collaborating with the Hilton Head Chapter of the Archaeological Society of South Carolina to highlight the significance of archaeology here in Beaufort County.   

Two of the Archaeology Month events are being held in the Beaufort District Collection, the library system’s special collections and archives unit.  On Tues., Oct. 15, archaeologist Helena Ferguson will talk about efforts to raise public awareness about the value of archaeology.  A few days later, on Saturday, Oct. 19, Dr. Jon Leader and Dr. Eric Poplin will identify objects for the public during the “What the Heck Is It?” session from Noon to 4 pm.  

· “Sharing Our Past” lecture by SCAPOD Co-founder Helena Ferguson

   Tues., Oct. 15, 2013

   Beaufort District Collection, 2d floor, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort 

   6:00—7:00 pm

· “What the Heck Is It?” relic identification with archaeologists 

   Dr. Jon Leader and Dr. Eric Poplin

   Sat., Oct. 19, 2013

   Beaufort District Collection, 2d floor, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort  

   Noon - 4:00 pm 

At the end of the month, Oct. 24-26, the inaugural Arkhaois Film Festival gets underway at the Coligny Theatre on Hilton Head Island.  The South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, Coastal Discovery Museum, and the Humanities Council of South Carolina hope to turn this into an annual event on Hilton Head Island.  More than 30 films are set for screening.   

Each of these Archaeology Month events is free and open to the general public.   

We hope that you can come celebrate Archaeology Month with Beaufort County Library, Beaufort County Planning Department and the Hilton Head Chapter of the Archaeological Society of South Carolina.

Reminder: The Research Room will be closed Wed., Oct. 16th from Noon to 1 pm.  We will be open 10 - Noon and 1 - 5 pm that date.