Abby the ArchaeoBus has been Georgia’s Mobile Archaeology Classroom since 2008. The ArchaeoBus has been a traveling representative for the Society for Georgia Archaeology (SGA) bringing dynamic educational programs to students and adults around the state. Although it is time for Abby to retire, the ArchaeoBus has been a major tool in the SGA educational outreach program and we want to celebrate all that went in to this work. Abby served to fulfill the SGA’s mission to unite all persons interested in the archaeology of Georgia and actively preserve, study and interpret Georgia’s human past. As the SGA begins to work on future outreach plans, we look back at Abby and the amazing amount of outreach that she provided during her years of service.
As a traveling archaeology classroom, Abby provided the public with hands-on activities both inside and outside of the bus itself. You could explore Abby’s interior by participating in engaging activities and exhibits such as an interactive Q&A exhibit, a matching game, a slide show of archaeologists in action, and educational posters lining the walls.
Abby was filled with so many fun and educational exhibits, she was literally overflowing! Table-top exhibits were available outside of Abby and included a pottery stamping activity using sand, a pottery re-fitting activity, and a plant specimen identification activity.
Throughout its life as a traveling archaeology classroom, Abby the ArchaeoBus was featured at numerous events all over Georgia. She has been to CoastFest in Brunswick, the SGA Spring Festival in Chehaw Park, the Fort Frederica Archaeology Festival, a Junior Ranger Program at Fort Morris State Park, the Georgia National Fair in Perry, public archaeology events at Fort Hawkins and many others. Abby has also been to several Southeastern Archaeological Conferences, as well as the Georgia Council for the Social Studies conference in Athens. When not attending events, Abby could be found at regional libraries and schools across Georgia.
Check out this video tour of Abby the ArchaeoBus:
Although Abby can no longer travel from place to place, the SGA is planning a new and exciting archaeology education program. And they want to hear from you! To provide feedback on your experience with Abby and suggestions for the new education initiative, please complete this Google Poll.