Lower Altamaha Historical Society

08/12/2026

We are excited to announce that LAHS is starting its monthly presentations this month! Our first program will be held on August 20 at 7:00 p.m. at Fort King George.

We are pleased to welcome Michael Putnam, Site Manager of Fort King George Historic Site, who will present “Spanish Missions and the Georgia Martyrs.” Michael will explore the history of the Spanish mission system in Georgia and the events surrounding the Georgia martyrs, offering an engaging look at this important and often overlooked chapter of our region’s early history.

We hope you will join us for this special kickoff to our monthly presentation series. Bring a friend and come learn more about the fascinating history of our area! LAHS members attend free of charge, as this program is included with your membership. For non-members, there is a $5 admission fee at the door.

When: August 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Fort King George

We look forward to seeing you there!

07/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BELuLoHTE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📌Sapelo Island Shell Ring — Sapelo Island, Georgia
📍31°30'53.10"N, 81°14'39.79"W

Dating to approximately 2170 B.C., the Sapelo Island Shell Ring is one of the earliest known village sites in North America. Measuring roughly 250 feet in diameter, the ring appears as a subtle circular rise hidden beneath dense maritime forest, becoming unmistakable only through LiDAR.

For many years these shell rings were thought to be intentionally constructed monuments. However, archaeology suggests they formed gradually over generations as residents repeatedly deposited oyster shells, fish bones, animal remains, and other household refuse in a circular pattern around a central open plaza. Excavations revealed that the ring began as a series of evenly spaced shell-filled pits that slowly merged into the continuous, slightly irregular ring visible today. While the shell ring itself represents the accumulated refuse of daily life, the central plaza appears to have been intentionally maintained as a communal gathering place for ceremonies, feasts, dances, games, and other village activities.

Together, these discoveries provide an extraordinary glimpse into the lifeways of Indigenous coastal communities more than 4,000 years ago.

06/14/2026

Hey Y'all, come see what we discovered!
In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) conducted archaeological investigations ahead of the widening of US 17 in Glynn County.

GDOT will host a public talk and exhibit at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Park on June 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM. This exhibit aims to document and honor the significance of the Needwood community and other African American communities in rural Georgia.

Glynn County Board of Commissioners The Brunswick News Darien-McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce Darien News

06/10/2026

Annual Family Picnic June 20, 4-6. Please see our website to signup

https://loweraltamahahistoricalsociety.org/
Hope to see you there!

05/19/2026

This Thursday!
7pm at Fort King George, Darien:

We invite you to join us for a presentation on Ossabaw Island, led by Elizabeth DuBose. Elizabeth serves as Executive Director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation, where she works to protect the island’s cultural and natural resources. She brings extensive experience in coastal conservation and public engagement, offering a well-rounded perspective on the island’s stewardship.

Ossabaw Island is a 26,000 acre barrier island, a heritage preserve property managed by the Georgia Department of Natural resources and the Ossabaw Island Foundation. Previously owned by the Torrey family, it is Georgia’s first heritage Preserve. Evidence of human presence dates back 4,000 years and it was occupied by the Guale people when Europeans arrived. Access is limited, with visits by application only for natural, scientific, and cultural study, research, and education.

We hope you can join us for this engaging and informative event!
Members are free. Guests are $5. Join at the presentation

05/04/2026

MAY 21st PRESENTATION:

We invite you to join us for an upcoming presentation on Ossabaw Island, led by Elizabeth DuBose. Elizabeth serves as Executive Director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation, where she works to protect the island’s cultural and natural resources. She brings extensive experience in coastal conservation and public engagement, offering a well-rounded perspective on the island’s stewardship.

Ossabaw Island is a 26,000 acre barrier island, a heritage preserve property managed by the Georgia Department of Natural resources and the Ossabaw Island Foundation. Previously owned by the Torrey family, it is Georgia’s first heritage Preserve. Evidence of human presence dates back 4,000 years and it was occupied by the Guale people when Europeans arrived. Access is limited, with visits by application only for natural, scientific, and cultural study, research, and education.

Join us on May 21st at 7pm, Ft King George.

We hope you can join us for this engaging and informative event. Members free! Drop ins:5$

04/12/2026

✨ Wishing you a beautiful Sunday from one of my favorite churches in all of the South, Antioch Baptist, located in Taliaferro County, Georgia.

This church has been empty for years and we weren't sure if it could be saved, but I'm so happy to share the news that, thanks for a grant from the National Park Service, this place is being restored!

This is what it looked like on my most recent visit last Fall and if you'd like to learn more about the work being done here, I will post more information about that in the comments below.

04/07/2026

You are invited to join us for our upcoming monthly presentation on historic freshwater wetlands, featuring Brittany Dodge of the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR).

Brittany will share insights into the historical extent and ecological function of freshwater wetlands and their role in supporting coastal resilience. This presentation will provide both scientific context and practical relevance for our region’s landscapes and communities.

Event Details:
Date: April 16th, 2026
Time: 7pm
Location: Ft. King George, Darien, GA

We hope you can join us for this informative session and engaging discussion. FREE for members! Guests $5.
Join at the meeting