Frontier Fort Faire and Public Archaeology Event Scheduled for May 2

Dacula, GA, April 22, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Tucked away from Dacula’s busy streets, in the unassuming private backyard of 2505 Braselton Highway, lies the remains of what is most likely one of Gwinnett County’s earliest historic sites – Fort Daniel. In an effort to save this valuable site from possible destruction – The Friends of Fort Daniel, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and The Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society (GARS) are teaming up to host the First Annual Frontier Fort Faire and Public Archaeology Event.

The Frontier Fort Faire is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a rain date of May 9). Activities at the event will include site excavation and construction of a scaled-replica of the fort’s stockade and blockhouse (the public is welcome to participate) – as well as frontier militia demonstrations, blacksmithing, history museum with site artifacts on display and more. For young attendees, there will be plenty of photo opportunities with historic reenactors, children’s activities, and the prospect for an archaeological “dig” of their own.

“We hope to build awareness and increase public support of the Fort through this event,” explains GARS Historian and Event Coordinator, Shannon E. Coffey. “We felt Archaeology Month was the perfect time to host the Frontier Fort Faire, as it’s also our aim to spark an interest in archaeology and history with the little ones.” Admission to the event is free, but donations are most gratefully accepted. Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Citizens from all over Gwinnett and her surrounding counties are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and take a very special step back in time.

About Fort Daniel: First built in the late 18th century, the location that was to become Fort Daniel was originally a frontier fort located on Hog Mountain in Gwinnett County. It is believed to be the county’s earliest historic site, possibly dating back to the formation of Jackson County in 1796. Archaeologists have recently unearthed artifacts including historic pottery, black bottle glass, pipe fragments, musket balls, musket flint, wrought nails, and an 18th-century Spanish coin. During the War of 1812, the original fort – which was still in use as an outpost for the Georgia militia – was reconstructed as a stronger fortification by order of Maj. General Allen Daniel in 1813. Recently listed on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2009 Top 10 “Places In Peril” – the property and its surrounding lots are currently for sale, and a developer has already sought a zoning change to allow commercial development. This development would destroy this significant archaeological site. A group of interested parties – including descendants of those tied to the fort, members of the Gwinnett Historical Society and the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 – has joined forces under the name of Friends of Fort Daniel in the hopes of purchasing the archaeological site. With support from the community and Gwinnett County government, this group plans to create an archaeological park that would include a museum, lab and classroom space. For more information on how to help save Fort Daniel or to show your support for the Fort Daniel Project by becoming a member of the Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society (GARS), visit the society’s website at www.thegars.org.

About the Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society (GARS): Through the combined efforts of local archaeologists, historians, scholars and history lovers, the Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society (GARS) – a chapter of the Society for Georgia Archaeology – was formed in an effort to promote research into and protection of archaeological sites and artifacts in and around Gwinnett County. The group hopes to encourage interest from Gwinnett’s citizens and the archaeological society at large, while it documents Gwinnett history as it relates to both historic and prehistoric sites. A major goal for the group is to increase public awareness and maintain financial support for its preservation, education, and research efforts. As advocates for site preservation, the group encourages its members and the community to attend public archaeology events and to report looting or vandalism of archaeological sites to the proper authorities. Members of GARS carry out scientific investigations of archaeological sites under professional guidance. Whether archiving, excavating or compiling final reports – all GARS efforts adhere to the same standards as those followed by Cultural Resource Management (CRM) professionals. GARS also strives to make archaeological news and related historical studies available to members and the public. For more information, to donate to GARS efforts or to become a member – please visit www.thegars.org.

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