Friends of Fort Frederica
The Fort Report!
DONATIONS HELP TO FURTHER MANY PROGRAMS AT FORT FREDERICA
If you are already a member of the Friends of Fort Frederica, this is a reminder to make your donation for 2026. You can make a donation through the website or by contacting us at fortfredericafriends@gmail.com and asking to be sent a membership envelope. Your kindness is deeply appreciated and will directly support our mission to preserve, protect and promote the natural and cultural, and recreational resources of this unique and important historical site.
Fort Frederica Featured on National Websites
Fort Frederica was featured on two national websites! Read the full article in the Brunswick News below!
Karl Meschke Archaeology Lab Building
In 2019, Paul Meschke, Ross Meschke, and Janice Whorton gave a generous gift to the Friends of Fort Frederica in honor of their father Karl Meschke. Karl was a scientist by trade and an archaeologist at heart who loved giving back to his community and enriching the lives of others through history and cultural explorations. The National Park Service, the Meschke family, and the Friends of Fort Frederica have collaborated to bring Karl Meschke's two passions, science and archaeology, to Fort Frederica National Monument in the form of an archaeology laboratory. The lab is the focal point of archaeology research and education for years to come.
did you know?
Fort Frederica archaeology programs, with support from the Friends of Fort Frederica, has uncovered hundreds of anomalies that require further investigation. The public was invited to be involved with all aspects of the process from screening to digging to analysis. Over 200 individuals have volunteered to assist with the excavations, both young and old. They revealed unrecorded clay and tabby floors, plantation era warehouses, and even storage pits dating back to 600 AD from the indigenous inhabitants of Saint Simons. If you are interested in volunteering with archaeology, call Fort Frederica and speak with Chief of Cultural Resources Michael Seibert.
Digging Into Discovery with Jolee Johnson
Friends of Fort Frederica Formed
Friends in the beginning: November 2017, Coastal Illustrated published an account of the occasion.
DIGGING INTO DISCOVERY WITH JOLEE JOHNSON
For many young people, summer means lazy days and trips to the beach. But for Jolee Johnson, a bright 7th-grade student who recently moved to Saint Simons from Portland Oregon, summer meant something entirely different: uncovering the past, one carefully brushed layer of soil at a time. Jolee is a testament to the captivating power of the archaeology camp programs at Fort Frederica National Monument. Click to Read More of Jolee’s Interview…
Summer Archaeology Camp: Ready to dig into the past?
Registration is now OPEN for the 2026 Archaeology Camps at Fort Frederica National Monument! These spots are highly coveted and fill up very quickly, so head over to our website to secure your child’s place in history.
Why join the fun?
Your young explorer will get hands-on experience as a junior archaeologist! From excavating at our education dig site and identifying artifacts in the lab to colonial crafts and games, it’s a week packed with science, history, and outdoor adventure.
Save the Dates:
• Archaeology Camp (Completed 3rd-5th Grade): June 8th – June 12th
• Advanced Archaeology Camp (Returning Campers): June 15th – June 19th
Details:
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM daily
Fort Frederica National Monument
Includes a camp T-shirt!
Don’t wait—visit www.fortfredericafriends.org to register today!
Archaeology Internship Program
Unearthing Tomorrow: Fort Frederica's Archaeology Interns Bring History to Life!
Friends of Fort Frederica, have you ever wondered how history truly comes alive? It's not just dusty books; it's the vibrant, ongoing work at Fort Frederica National Monument, largely thanks to our incredible archaeology internship program!
This isn't your typical summer job. Our interns aren't just filing papers—they're getting their hands dirty, digging into the stories buried beneath our feet. This summer, five bright minds—three college students and two high schoolers—are gaining invaluable experience and sharing their passion for the past with our community.
Learn more about this program here.