Archaeological Overview and Assessment Jekyll Island, GA

In 2007, the National Register Review Board and the Historic Preservation Division of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources (HPD) requested that the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) conduct a Phase I investigation of the island's archaeological resources in advance of proposed redevelopment activities. Consultation between HPD and the Jekyll Island Museum regarding this request revealed that a lack of information about the JIA's past archaeological efforts had contributed to concerns for the protection of the island's archaeological resources. In partial response to these concerns, the Jekyll Island Museum therefore conducted an overview and assessment compiling what is known about Jekyll Island's archaeological record. This project reviewed the locations, methodology, and findings of 26 prior archaeological investigations conducted on the island. It identified priority areas for future archaeological research, to be conducted in advance of ground-disturbing activities on the island. It also noted the locations of 53 known archaeological sites on the island, to be avoided or mitigated in the planning stages of future ground-disturbing activities. This data was compiled into an ArcView GIS database to dynamically illustrate the locations of possible redevelopment activities, the locations of past studies and their methodologies, and the locations of known archaeological sites. This geo-spatial data was presented as a tool to indicate areas of the island where future archaeological investigations need to take place before development or redevelopment activities occur. In addition to reviewing what was known about past archaeological work on the island, this overview and assessment presented management recommendations for future stewardship of the island's resources. These recommendations included the establishment of a Cultural Resources Management program on the island to: 1) oversee the completion of archaeological investigations by island planners and developers in advance of ground-disturbing activities; 2) identify, monitor, update, and evaluate archaeological sites; and 3) create interpretive opportunities for the public. The study specifically identified a need to conduct a Phase I archaeological survey of the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District/ Millionaire's Village site noting that prior beliefs that the area had been adequately surveyed were misconceptions. Consultation with a professional in the creation of an island-wide Landscape Management Plan was also recommended in order to identify significant vistas of the natural and cultural landscape that should be preserved or restored as part of island planning efforts.