The Jekyll Island Museum began actively managing the archaeological resources of the island in the 1970s. Since that time, the museum has conducted archaeological surveys, site testing, and research projects on Jekyll Island’s historic and prehistoric resources.
Many Jekyll Island Club Members financed archaeological expeditions, voyaged to dig sites around the world, and began museums so the public could enjoy the mysteries of the past just as they did.
Early archaeological digs took place on Jekyll Island in 1966 and 1967 at Horton House and the nearby tabby warehouse ruins. The first formal archaeological survey took place in 1971. Since that time, the Club Members, as well as Native Americans, English and French colonists, and African Americans, have been the subjects of ongoing archaeological research on Jekyll Island.
The Jekyll Island Museum manages 60 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites dating from 3,500 years ago to the present, giving visitors occasional opportunities to experience archaeology firsthand.
Preservation
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stewart Maurice and John Mason Loomis spearheaded the island’s first preservation efforts in 1898. They headed a subscription drive to preserve Horton House, affectionately termed “Old Tabby” by the Club Members. They raised $600 to stabilize the building so it would “last many years.”
In 1971, Horton House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The former Jekyll Island Club was granted National Historic Landmark District status in 1978.
The Jekyll Island Museum, responsible for the care of these historic sites, is a national treasure preserving 34 historic structures under the stewardship of the Jekyll Island Authority. The cottages of the historic district are maintained by one of the largest ongoing preservation programs in the Southeast. Visitors can often observe workers restoring roofs, painting cottages, repairing original stained glass windows, or gilding architectural features.
Can I hunt for artifacts or use a metal detector on Jekyll Island?
Please do not bring a metal detector to Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is a state park protected for the enjoyment of the public and future generations. Georgia state law (OCGA 12-3-10(n), 12-3-52) states that it is illegal to surface collect, dig, or metal detect on state or federal land. Use of electronic devices, such as metal detectors, for "treasure hunting" is prohibited. To report the illegal use of metal detectors on state property, call the Georgia State Patrol, 912-635-2303.
What should I do if I find something?
Leave it where you found it. If you locate historic or prehistoric artifacts or structures do not move the objects. Context, where an object is found and what it is found with, is very important in archaeology. If you move it, it no longer has the same meaning, importance, or value that it had when it was in its original location. To report the location of artifacts found on Jekyll Island, contact the Jekyll Island Museum, 912-635-4036. Your help in protecting and preserving history and prehistory is greatly appreciated.
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