Nothing says Americana like root beer. This beverage, with origins in Native American traditions, is uniquely North American. In Southeast Georgia, we have an even deeper connection to this drink: the local Timucua tribe named nearby Cumberland Island “Missoe,” or “sassafras,” the key ingredient in root beer, which they brewed Read more…
At Cumberland Island’s Dungeness Mansion, a bird’s shrill cry pierces the silence. The ospreys have returned to their nest atop the ruins’ lofty chimney. Maybe you have heard ospreys’ calls in your neighborhood, too. Let us learn about these majestic birds, their superior hunting skills, and their fight for survival Read more…
We all know that Abraham Lincoln’s iconic Emancipation Proclamation marked a turning point not just in the Civil War but in our country’s history. However, many enslaved African Americans did not receive word of Lincoln’s address or the freedom it granted them for years. The United States’ most recent holiday Read more…
When we think of cotton, the image of sprawling white fields in the southern United States often comes to mind. However, along the coast, cotton should also conjure images of sandy beaches. This was the case for the most valuable staple on Georgia’s barrier islands: Sea Island cotton. Let us Read more…
In the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry, Gullah traditions add vibrant color to this area’s history. A key facet of its culture – and one of the oldest continuously practiced African-American traditions – is the “Ring Shout,” a sacred form of dance and music. In honor of Black History Month, Read more…
Either way, let us uncover Valentine’s Day’s fascinating history featuring legends and rituals spanning thousands of years. The Roots of Valentine’s Day: Pagan Origins Valentine’s Day most likely originated as an ancient Roman festival known as “Lupercalia,” celebrated on February 15. This festival honored Lupercus, the Roman god of fertility Read more…
We have all heard how the South is renowned for its hospitable nature, but did you know that a non-Southern fruit – the pineapple – symbolizes that hospitality? Below, learn how this delectable fruit became a symbol of welcome. Indigenous to South America around present-day Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, the Read more…
In the summer, we crave iced coffees, frozen margaritas, fruit smoothies – anything refreshing to combat the Southern heat. However, in this article we will discuss a hot, caffeinated beverage that would cause Native Americans to vomit. Sound appetizing? Read on. Native American Delicacy? As early as 8,000 years ago, Read more…
Strength. Pride. Determination. What does America’s symbol of the bald eagle mean to you? Let us discover the bald eagle’s significance to the Founding Fathers and its importance to Georgians today. Symbolism That Runs Deep Since ancient times, eagles have been symbols of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality. For instance, Read more…
Summer is here, which means slow, relaxing days at the beach. Storm season, too, has arrived, resulting in plenty of shells washing onto our beaches and making for rewarding beach combing. A particularly prized shell is the elegant knobbed whelk, but did you know it has a deeper significance to Read more…