St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum & A.W. Jones Heritage Center
Standing over the St. Simons Island Village at 104 feet, the St. Simons Lighthouse was built in1872 and is the oldest brick building in Glynn County. It, along with the adjacent keeper’s dwelling, comprise the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Displays inside the lighthouse keeper’s dwelling highlight local history and tell the stories of the families who operated the light. Climb the 129 steps to the top of the Lighthouse for a breathtaking view of St. Simons Sound and nearby islands.
Enter the museum through the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, which features a new and exciting exhibit entitled, “The Sea Island Summit: Coastal Georgia Welcomes the World.” There you’ll learn the remarkable story of the historic Summit, including how Sea Island was chosen as its site, the international leaders who attended, Summit accomplishments, and a fascinating look behind the scenes in preparing for and staging such an important and complex world gathering. Be sure to stop by the museum store for a memento of your visit.
Maritime Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station
Enter the museum through the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, which features a new and exciting exhibit entitled, “The Sea Island Summit: Coastal Georgia Welcomes the World.” There you’ll learn the remarkable story of the historic Summit, including how Sea Island was chosen as its site, the international leaders who attended, Summit accomplishments, and a fascinating look behind the scenes in preparing for and staging such an important and complex world gathering. Be sure to stop by the museum store for a memento of your visit.The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and A.W. Jones Heritage Center are located at 101 12th Street. Hours are Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; Sun. 1:30 to 5 pm. Summer hours (Easter to mid-August) are Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; Tues., Thurs. 10 am to 9 pm; Sun. 1:30 to 5 pm. Admission is charged*. For information, call (912) 638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.
Maritime Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station
This interesting museum is located in the restored U.S.
Coast Guard Station at East Beach, which was built during the Depression as part of a WPA project. The museum features seven galleries that explain the importance of our coastal ecosystem and its preservation, the coast’s military history, and the important role played by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Your “guide” throughout the exhibits will be Ollie, a young Coast Guardsman who was assigned to duty on St. Simons Island. His journal entries, based on actual documents, help tell the story of station life and the natural wonders of the nearby beaches and marshes. Visitors of all ages will enjoy hands-on exhibits and activities along with the exhibits.
The Maritime Museum is located at 4201 First Street at East Beach. Hours are Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; closed Sun. Summer hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) are Mon. - Sat. 3 to 9 pm; closed Sun. Admission is charged*. For information call (912) 638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.
* Combination tickets, good for admission to the Lighthouse Museum, A.W. Jones Heritage Center and the Maritime Museum, are available.
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Frederica National Monument
When it was built in 1736, Fort Frederica was the most expensive military installation in British North America. The town and fort, established as an outpost by Maj. General Oglethorpe, played a crucial role in establishing England’s claims to the disputed Georgia territory.
Begin your visit with a stop at the park visitor center, where you can see an orientation program and examine exhibits that help tell the story of this vanished town and its former inhabitants. Stroll along the town’s streets to view the sites of homes, barracks, tabby fortifications and the magazine.
Fort Frederica National Monument is located at 6515 Frederica Road. The Visitor Center is open daily 9 am to 5 pm and closed Christmas Day. Admission is charged. For information call (912) 638-3639 or visit www.nps.gov/fofr
Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum
Many people are surprised to learn of St. Simons Island’s significant connections to Methodist Church history in the United States. That story is told at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum, located at Epworth by the Sea, a Methodist conference center off Sea Island Road.
Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum
Many people are surprised to learn of St. Simons Island’s significant connections to Methodist Church history in the United States. That story is told at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum, located at Epworth by the Sea, a Methodist conference center off Sea Island Road.
Exhibits explore St. Simons Island history, from its Native American inhabitants to colonization by the Spanish and British, through the plantation era to modern times. Other exhibits highlight the history of the Methodist Church, which was founded by John and Charles Wesley, who spent time on the Georgia coast during the 18th century. Their influence is explored in a fascinating video in the museum’s viewing area. Nativity scenes from around the world are displayed, and an extensive research library is available.
The museum is located on Arthur Moore Drive in Epworth By the Sea Methodist Center. It is open Tues. - Sat. 10 am to 4 pm. Individual admission is free, but donations are encouraged. For information call (912) 638-4050 or visit www.epworthbythesea.org.
Mildred Huie Museum at Mediterranean House
Beloved St. Simons Island artist Mildred Huie lived and kept her studio in Mediterranean House, which was built in 1929. This intimate museum and gallery is dedicated to the art and history of St. Simons Island plantations and landmarks, which were so vividly captured in the artist’s works.
Mildred Huie Museum at Mediterranean House
Beloved St. Simons Island artist Mildred Huie lived and kept her studio in Mediterranean House, which was built in 1929. This intimate museum and gallery is dedicated to the art and history of St. Simons Island plantations and landmarks, which were so vividly captured in the artist’s works.
The museum houses a unique collection of paintings and replicas of the homes from each of St. Simons Island’s major 19th century plantations. The artist’s collection of rare books, papers, letters and other documents is available for viewing and study by historians and researchers.
The Mildred Huie Museum at Mediterranean House is located at 1819 Frederica Road. Hours vary. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For information call (912) 638-3057 or (912) 638-3017 for open hours by appointment, or visit www.landmarkscenes.com.
These are but a few of the attractions and activities to be enjoyed in Brunswick & The Golden Isles: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Here, you’ll discover miles of sun-drenched beaches, 198 holes of golf, tennis, fishing and water sports, shrimp boat cruises, dolphin tours, casino/cruise ship and more. Plus accommodations to suit every taste and budget.
These are but a few of the attractions and activities to be enjoyed in Brunswick & The Golden Isles: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Here, you’ll discover miles of sun-drenched beaches, 198 holes of golf, tennis, fishing and water sports, shrimp boat cruises, dolphin tours, casino/cruise ship and more. Plus accommodations to suit every taste and budget.
For a complete listing of area attractions, activities and accommodations call the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-933-COAST (2627) and request a free copy of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Visitors Guide. Or, visit them online at ComeCoastWhile.com. For information “on the go,” text BGIGA to 95495 or go to ComeCoastAwhile.mobi on your mobile phone.
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