About The Coastal Georgia Historical Society In 1965, a strong group of 10 citizens formed the Coastal Georgia Historical Society and began to successfully gather support from the community of Glynn County to preserve the early coastal heritage. When the Keeper's Dwelling was threatened with commercial development in 1975, the Society undertook the restoration of this 1872 building. As a result of this work, the dwelling was opened in 1975 as the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum and has been administered by the Society since that time. In 1984, the St. Simons Lighthouse was leased by the United States Coast Guard and became part of the museum complex. Today, the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum is a recognized and viable part of the rich cultural history of the area. The lighthouse, which still lights the entrance to St. Simons Sound, adds the historical significance of the evolving pre- and post- Civil War navigation. In 2004, the deed to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse was transferred to the Coastal Georgia Historical Society under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. In April 2006, the Maritime Center at the Historic Coast Guard Station opened. The beaches, marshes, forests of oak and pine - and the life they support - have greatly influenced the history of Georgia's barrier islands and coastal communities. A unique feature of this new museum is the true melding of the history of SSI military history and ecology of the islands off the coast of Georgia. Purpose, location, and community support make the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum and the Maritime Center at the Historic Coast Guard Station truly unique. Through lectures, field trips, films, and workshops, the Historical Society reaches out to schools, civic organizations, local residents, and coastal visitors. The Society is managing growth and protecting the historic resource for future generations. In October 1991, the museum was accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM), and in 1998, was awarded subsequent accreditation. In 1999, the museum won the National Award for Museum Service for its Heritage Education program. The museum has recently been recognized with two 2003 Preservation Awards for its preservation work on the Keeper's Dwelling from the Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. It has also received a Certificate of Commendation for outstanding contributions to local history and historic preservation by the American Association of State and Local History. Membership Benefits Your membership in the Historical Society helps us remain a premier cultural and educational institution by supporting our preservation and educational projects. As a member, you will receive: Free Admission to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Museum and Maritime Center at the Historic Coast Guard Station 10% Discount in both Museum Stores The Coastal Georgia Historical Society Quarterly Newsletter Membership also entitles you to participate in special sponsored activities and events including: Volunteer Opportunities Group Excursions Outreach Programs Community Educational Opportunities Follow these few steps and Join Today! Use the link below to download and print our Membership Registration Sheet. Complete the form. Send it with payment to: Coastal Georgia Historical Society P.O. Box 21136 St. Simons Island, GA 31522-0636 Membership to the Coastal Georgia Historical Society is a tax deductible donation. Click HERE to open and print out the membership form (PDF file).