Savannah’s Shield
Module 440: Effective Interpretation of Archaeological Resources Workshop Rob Bolling Lonnie Davis Larry Murphy Della Scott-Ireton
Fort Pulaski, Georgia March 2008
TANGIBLES
CSS Georgia artifacts cannon dive barge divers/archaeologists kiosk media
INTANGIBLES
loss recovery defense innovation struggle lifecycle heritage/legacy preservation responsibility danger
UNIVERSALS
loss recovery danger struggle
THEME:
The innovative CSS Georgia was created to defend Savannah and her loss signaled the end of the city’s Civil War struggle. Now, Savannah is defending CSS Georgia from destruction as archaeologists dive into the dark, swift water to recover her remains and bring this unique piece of our heritage back to life.
GOALS:
Understand the role of CSS Georgia in naval and local history Appreciate Savannah’s contribution to Civil War
gunboat innovation and technology Learn how archaeologists document and recover submerged cultural resources
OBJECTIVES:
1.Describe CSS Georgia’s role in the defense of Savannah 2.Describe Savannah’s importance as a Southern
port 3.Name two tools of archaeological research and recovery
INTERPRETIVE STRATEGIES:
Media Events
• kick-off celebration • recovery of large artifacts (cannon) • weekly press releases of latest recoveries and coming events • end of project
Website
• history of vessel • history of project and previous work • archaeological methodology • schedule of daily events, including when artifacts are coming ashore • webcam on barge, linked to shore kiosk and museum • photos and daily log (blog?) • plans for conservation and exhibition
Shore-based Kiosk at Fort Jackson
• headquarters for excavation interpretation
• staffed by Fort Jackson interpreter , or possibly project staff • schedule of daily events • model , side-scan sonar images, other images if available • opportunities to talk to archaeologists/tenders/barge personnel • small finds in conservation/preparation for moving to lab • coin-operated telescope for viewing barge • interactive exhibits – aquarium with muddy water and artifacts, reach
in with one hand to identify artifact and draw with the other hand • move CSS Georgia cannons to kiosk and interpret, both as artifacts and as example of need for conservation of waterlogged artifacts • illustrator to depict what artifact fragments would have been used for
Savannah Historical Museum
• tie-in to existing Savannah River/gunboat exhibit
• example of what’s to come when CSS Georgia material is conserved
and ready for display • “Artifact of the Week” exhibit as material is recovered • live feed from webcam at site • encourage repeat visitation • encourage visitors to go to Fort Jackson and vice-versa