Discovery Lecture Series
Register Now The Coastal Discovery Museum’s popular Discovery Lecture Series is held most Wednesdays at 2:30pm (Sept-May). Guest presenters share educational and fascinating stories about our unique Lowcountry environment, history, and culture that will appeal to residents and visitors alike. Whether your interest is learning, preserving, or exploring ways to make an impact, the Lecture Series gives you access to the experts throughout the year.
This year’s speakers will include authors, university professors, artists, environmental educators, historians, museum directors, archivists, librarians, not-for-profit directors, archaeologists, and more as guest speakers enriching our community’s engagement with its culture, history, and ecology. Join us to connect with all the Lowcountry has to offer!
$7 per person.
Reservations are required and may be made by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or by clicking Register Now (above).
Check this page often to see additional lectures.
NATIVE AMERICANS
IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
Oct 4, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
Who lived on Hilton Head Island before colonial settlers invaded? For many years, the standard answer has always been a little bit foggy. Join archaeologist and historian Katherine Seeber as she works her way through the pretty complex answer. Katherine has done archaeology for many years on island, first at the Sea Pine Shell Ring, then at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the Barnwell Tabby Ruin and now Historic Honey Horn. She will present the newest information about who lived here and when, and what their lives might have been like over time.
Register Now
NATIVE AMERICANS
IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
Oct 4, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
Who lived on Hilton Head Island before colonial settlers invaded? For many years, the standard answer has always been a little bit foggy. Join archaeologist and historian Katherine Seeber as she works her way through the pretty complex answer. Katherine has done archaeology for many years on island, first at the Sea Pine Shell Ring, then at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the Barnwell Tabby Ruin and now Historic Honey Horn. She will present the newest information about who lived here and when, and what their lives might have been like over time.
Register Now
THE INTRIGUING TRUTH ABOUT
MEDICINE IN COLONIAL TIMES
Oct 11, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
No anesthesia in the 18th century, no problem, surgeons could amputate an arm or a leg in under 10 seconds! Learn about the surprising, intriguing, absurd, and sometimes gruesome methods for dealing with sickness and disease in the 18th century. Historian, independent researcher, author, and living history presenter, Margaret (Peggy) Pickett will share her wealth of knowledge about medicine in colonial times, including analyzing the treatment given to George Washington during his final illness. You will not want to miss this captivating presentation.
Register NowTHE INTRIGUING TRUTH ABOUT
MEDICINE IN COLONIAL TIMES
Oct 11, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
No anesthesia in the 18th century, no problem, surgeons could amputate an arm or a leg in under 10 seconds! Learn about the surprising, intriguing, absurd, and sometimes gruesome methods for dealing with sickness and disease in the 18th century. Historian, independent researcher, author, and living history presenter, Margaret (Peggy) Pickett will share her wealth of knowledge about medicine in colonial times, including analyzing the treatment given to George Washington during his final illness. You will not want to miss this captivating presentation.
Register NowLOWCOUNTRY MARINE
MAMMAL NETWORK
Oct 25, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
South Carolina’s coastal waters are home to dolphins and whales, and with the recently discovered new species of bottlenose dolphins, the effort to protect them is greater than ever. Marine biologist and executive director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, Lauren Rust, will discuss her work with marine mammals in South Carolina including monitoring, stranding response, and conservation efforts.
Register Now
LOWCOUNTRY MARINE
MAMMAL NETWORK
Oct 25, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
South Carolina’s coastal waters are home to dolphins and whales, and with the recently discovered new species of bottlenose dolphins, the effort to protect them is greater than ever. Marine biologist and executive director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, Lauren Rust, will discuss her work with marine mammals in South Carolina including monitoring, stranding response, and conservation efforts.
Register Now
NIGHT WANDERERS:
THE OBSCURE LIFE OF BATS
Nov 1, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
Bats are often portrayed as vile creatures that should be feared- a portrayal that fosters revulsion and misunderstanding. Lydia Moore, research and education coordinator for the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, will discuss the endearing, beneficial, and inadequately represented side of bats. Join us and learn why bats are essential components of ecosystems, why it is crucial that we study them, and about ongoing research at the Bluff.
Register NowNIGHT WANDERERS:
THE OBSCURE LIFE OF BATS
Nov 1, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
Bats are often portrayed as vile creatures that should be feared- a portrayal that fosters revulsion and misunderstanding. Lydia Moore, research and education coordinator for the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, will discuss the endearing, beneficial, and inadequately represented side of bats. Join us and learn why bats are essential components of ecosystems, why it is crucial that we study them, and about ongoing research at the Bluff.
Register NowWHILE I BREATH, I HOPE:
DISAPPEARING ARCHAEOLOGY SITES
Nov 15, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
Archaeology sites are incredible and precious resources. They can teach us important things about past, present, and future. Learn about how rapidly changing weather patterns are harming and sometimes erasing archaeology sites across the Southeastern US. Meg Gaillard, a SCDNR archaeologist will talk about her recent experiences trying to rescue sites or document them before they disappear here in South Carolina. Meg will also teach us what we need to know to help her and her team as they race against the wind, water, and tides.
Register Now
WHILE I BREATH, I HOPE:
DISAPPEARING ARCHAEOLOGY SITES
Nov 15, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
Archaeology sites are incredible and precious resources. They can teach us important things about past, present, and future. Learn about how rapidly changing weather patterns are harming and sometimes erasing archaeology sites across the Southeastern US. Meg Gaillard, a SCDNR archaeologist will talk about her recent experiences trying to rescue sites or document them before they disappear here in South Carolina. Meg will also teach us what we need to know to help her and her team as they race against the wind, water, and tides.
Register Now
THE NIGHT
SKY
Dec 6, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
The heavens have fascinated people for centuries. With the winter solstice approaching, now is a great time to explore the wonders of the night sky with local Sky Ranger, Marie McClune. Learn how to identify the Winter Hexagon and constellations like Orion, Taurus, Gemini, Canis Major, and Canis Minor. Hear myths associated with some of the winter constellations and learn about tools & resources that you can use to continue your exploration of the night sky.
Register NowTHE NIGHT
SKY
Dec 6, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
The heavens have fascinated people for centuries. With the winter solstice approaching, now is a great time to explore the wonders of the night sky with local Sky Ranger, Marie McClune. Learn how to identify the Winter Hexagon and constellations like Orion, Taurus, Gemini, Canis Major, and Canis Minor. Hear myths associated with some of the winter constellations and learn about tools & resources that you can use to continue your exploration of the night sky.
Register NowTHE CHRISTMAS
BIRD COUNT
Dec 13, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
The Christmas Bird Count, initiated in 1900, is one of the oldest on-going citizen science projects in the world. This important annual bird survey, which now takes place throughout 28 countries, as well as here on Hilton Head Island, creates a snapshot in time each year to help us better understand the dynamics of bird movements and populations across the landscape. Learn about the interesting way this survey began over 120 years ago with speaker Bob Speare. Bob worked for the Audubon Society for 23 years and will share some of the interesting changes we’ve seen both locally, nationally, and internationally over the years.
Register Now
THE CHRISTMAS
BIRD COUNT
Dec 13, 2023 / 2:30-3:30pm
The Christmas Bird Count, initiated in 1900, is one of the oldest on-going citizen science projects in the world. This important annual bird survey, which now takes place throughout 28 countries, as well as here on Hilton Head Island, creates a snapshot in time each year to help us better understand the dynamics of bird movements and populations across the landscape. Learn about the interesting way this survey began over 120 years ago with speaker Bob Speare. Bob worked for the Audubon Society for 23 years and will share some of the interesting changes we’ve seen both locally, nationally, and internationally over the years.
Register Now