Mission Statement
From the Ocmulgee River to
the Flint and Oconee...
The Ocmulgee Archaeological Society (OAS) is a non-profit society that promotes the preservation of information and educates the public about the past, including the importance of conservation of archaeological sites and artifacts. OAS members subscribe to professional standards of conduct and encourage informed citizens to appreciate and follow these standards. The OAS primarily serves Middle Georgia counties located within a two county geographic range from Macon-Bibb County.
The Ocmulgee Archaeological Society celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. But our roots go back to the first archaeological organization in the state, which was founded in Macon in the 1930’s. We are a very active group whose members believe strongly that archaeology is for everyone, and so we continue to strive to share our knowledge and expertise with the people of Georgia.
Accordingly, we host monthly meetings at Fort Hawkins in Macon, sponsor several Archaeology Day events across Middle Georgia every year, publish bi-monthly newsletters six times a year, and actively engage the public through field work opportunities led by our professional archaeologists. We will even begin publishing our own annual electronic journal: “Ocmulgee: The Journal of the Ocmulgee Archaeological Society” before the close of this year.
We believe that the scientific pursuit of knowledge gained through archaeological research should not only adhere to the highest scientific standards, it should also honor and recognize the many contributions of those who came before us. And that we have a duty to share this knowledge with all Georgians. We love seeing so many folks at our events having that "Eureka!" moment when they start understanding the age and significance of the artifacts they find on their farm or in their woods. This is especially true with children, in whom we try our best to inspire an understanding of the past.
Our members have recently decided that we will best be able to achieve our mission by becoming an independent non-profit organization. Of course, it will take the continued dedication of our membership, financial growth & sustainability, and good leadership to continue serving the public going forward. We are excited about the possibilities and eager to work with even more individuals and historical organizations in putting on our public events in Macon and across Middle Georgia.
We invite you to join your enthusiasm for Georgia archaeology and history with our own. Attend our monthly meetings at 6:30 pm on the first Monday of each month and listen to amateur and professional researchers talk about their latest fieldwork - which might be anything from historical research, archaeological field work on an Archaic site or on a 19th-century farm, or even an analysis of gravestones from regional cemeteries. Come meet the experts at our Archaeology Days, have your artifacts identified, learn pottery-making skills with your kids, learn how to use an atlatl, and see some tools used by the folks who walked these hills and plains hundreds or thousands of years ago.
Thanks to all of you who have supported us during our first 20 years. We are still growing strong, we have big goals for the future, and we want to include you. We hope to meet you soon.
