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State's Spanish era highlighted during month
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ATLANTA - This month marks the 14th anniversary of The Society for Georgia Archaeology's archaeology awareness promotion.  The annual Georgia Archaeology Month fosters better public awareness of archaeology and a sense of stewardship for our state's archaeological sites.  
This year's theme, Archaeological Encounters in Georgia's Spanish Period, highlights Georgia's Spanish period (1525-1700) and archaeological discoveries that reveal the story of Spanish colonists and Native people during this pivotal time in world history -- the exploration and initial settlement of the New World.  Posters, event calendars and teaching materials can be distributed statewide free to students, teachers, parks and historic sites, legislators and the public.  These materials are designed to make teachers and the interested public more aware of our state's prehistoric and historic archaeological resources.
The Spanish period in what is now Georgia is believed to have started off Liberty County on St. Catherines Island.
Throughout the month, organizations, museums, parks and historic sites in communities across the state are sponsoring educational programs and events to promote public awareness of the existence and value of Georgia's archaeological resources.  With Georgia's wide spectrum of archaeological sites - from Native American cultures dating as far back as 12,000 years to Civil War battlefields to 19th-century shipwrecks - there will be something for everyone to enjoy.  
Some activities include: Athens, Georgia Archaeological Site Files Open House, University of Georgia; Atlanta, Archaeology Day, Fernbank Museum (which has thousands of artifacts from St. Catherines); Augusta, Archaeology Day, Ezekiel Harris House; Buford, Archaeology Celebration: Travel through Time, Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center; Jonesboro, Digging Into the Past, Clayton County Libraries; Rome, Archaeology Laboratory Open House, Chieftains Museum; Savannah, ArchaeoFest, Battlefield Park; St. Simon's Island, Archaeology at Fort Frederica, Fort Frederica National Monument; Carrollton, Archaeology Laboratory Open House, University of West Georgia.
Archaeology Month is funded by grants and donations, with SGA as the primary sponsor.  The Office of the State Archaeologist, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as well as other state agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations and professional organizations contribute as co-sponsors.
To discover more about the month, visit SGAís Web site at www.thesga.org.
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