GA-3965
February 7-11, 2011
Must commit to entire session
In 1864, Union forces under the command of General William T. Sherman advanced from Chattanooga to Atlanta, passing through part of what is now the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, and meeting heavy Confederate resistance. Several sites resulting from the ensuing battles of that year are present on Forest Service land, but they have never been formally researched. Over the five days of this project, PIT volunteers and Forest Service archaeologists will work with staff from the Lamar Institute to document sites in the area through systematic archaeological survey. We will create topographic maps and use metal-detectors and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to identify and define the boundaries of these important historic sites.
Applicants with metal-detecting experience will be given preference for this project, but it is not a requirement for participaction. However, please note on your application if you own and can bring a metal detector. Again, this is not required, but it certainly helps our efforts if there are enough detectors to go around. Join us this winter as we rediscover Georgia's Civil War heritage!
Number of openings: 10
Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking several miles per day over moderate to rough terrain in a variety of weather conditions; previous experience with metal detectors, GPS systems, digital photography, archaeological survey, and/or knowledge of metal artifacts from the Civil War period helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Primitive tent camping at site locations; other camping facilities (developed and undeveloped and at the volunteer's expense) available within the project area; Dalton is a full-service community with a range of motels, B&Bs, restaurants, and other amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging/camping equipment, food, water, and transportation
Nearest towns: Project based in Dalton
Applications due: December 6, 2010
GA-4045
November 14-18, 2011
Must commit to entire session
In the early morning hours of the once bustling community of Scull Shoals, set on the east bank of the Oconee River in Greene County, mid-19th century workers trudged across the little brick bridge over the raceway to the Fontenoy cotton mill. After a long day at work breathing cotton dust with the ever-present sound of clanking machinery in the background, they trudged back across the bridge to their homes and evening meals. This routine and the site itself have both been long abandoned, and since the mid-20th century, the ruins of the Historic Scull Shoals Mill Village have been the property and responsibility of the US Forest Service.
Early in its tenure, the agency raised a chain-link fence around the bridge to prohibit vehicular traffic. Unfortunately, the fence merely provided a growth framework for the lush southeastern vegetation that has, in the 30-plus years since its installation, completely obscured the little structure. Compounding preservation issues, soil has collected across the top of the bridge, where even more plants have taken root. During this project, PIT volunteers and Forest staff will remove the fence and its attached greenery, scrape back the accumulated soil from the structure surface, remove nearby dead trees, and reveal the little brick bridge once again. Because the threat of vehicular traffic remains, we will then install bollards at either end of the bridge. The Scull Shoals site is a fantastic place with much to catch the eye. We hope you'll join us this fall as we "shed light" on this part of its history!
Number of openings: 6
Special skills: Previous construction and/or landscaping experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 10 years old, under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Primitive on-site tent camping at Scull Shoals; chemical toilet, no potable water; additional camping available at Oconee Recreation Area; facilities vary, fees may apply; Greensboro and Watkinsville are full-service communities with hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment/lodging, food, water, and transportation
Nearest towns: Greensboro, 23 miles; Watkinsville, 30 miles; Madison, 42 miles
Applications due: September 12, 2011