This free program is about the archeological history of the Gullah people and how much of what is known about their past cannot come from written texts, but archeological finds.

From a release, "The African American citizens of the Sea Islands and tidally influenced areas of the coast from Northern Florida to Southern North Carolina developed a distinctive dialect and culture and became known as the Gullah people.

"Few of them could read or write, and almost none left a written record of their lives. But like all humans they left material evidence of their time here. Therefore archaeology is one of the few avenues we have into documenting their lives."

It is being presented by Carl Steen who will cite some examples,
including the Penn Center site for the proposed new St. Helena Branch
Library where he was responsible for the recent dig. Co-presenting will be Dr. Jodi Barnes of the State Historic Preservation Office.

It's Tuesday, October 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Council Chambers, 100 Ribaut Road.

The event is part of "Archaeology Month 2010" and is brought to you by Beaufort County Library, Beaufort County GIS, and Beaufort County Planning. Anyone older than 12 is welcome to attend.