Discovery Lecture Series
Don't miss out on the Coastal Discovery Museum's captivating Discovery Lecture Series, designed to engage both locals and visitors alike! Held most Wednesdays at 2:30 pm from September to May, this series features a diverse lineup of guest presenters, including authors, university professors, artists, environmental educators, historians, museum directors, archaeologists, and more.
Whether you're passionate about history, intrigued by nature, or simply enjoy learning something new, there's something for everyone in our Lecture Series.
BE IN THE KNOW
OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL:
REFLECTIONS OF COASTAL WATERS
December 4/2:30-3:30 pm
Have you heard the saying, "You are what you eat?" This is especially true for oysters that grow in coastal rivers and bays. Oysters take on the flavors of the plankton they consume, and the available plankton can vary significantly—even between locations just 10 miles apart.
That’s one reason you might taste five distinct varieties of oysters at a raw bar, each with its own unique flavor.
In this lecture, Erin Arneson, Seafood Specialist for the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant unit, will delve into the natural history of oysters and the growing half-shell oyster industry. The next time you order raw oysters, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for their variety and the coastal waters they call home.
Register NowOYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL:
REFLECTIONS OF COASTAL WATERS
December 4/2:30-3:30 pm
Have you heard the saying, "You are what you eat?" This is especially true for oysters that grow in coastal rivers and bays. Oysters take on the flavors of the plankton they consume, and the available plankton can vary significantly—even between locations just 10 miles apart.
That’s one reason you might taste five distinct varieties of oysters at a raw bar, each with its own unique flavor.
In this lecture, Erin Arneson, Seafood Specialist for the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant unit, will delve into the natural history of oysters and the growing half-shell oyster industry. The next time you order raw oysters, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for their variety and the coastal waters they call home.
Register NowPORT ROYAL SOUND IN FOCUS:
UNDERSTANDING WATER HEALTH THROUGH MONITORING
February 5, 2025/2:30-3:30 pm
Water defines the Port Royal Sound watershed, with its ebbs and flows of saltwater surrounding us all. Our economy and livelihood depend on this natural resource, requiring constant vigilance. The Port Royal Sound Foundation is building a citizen science program to address this need.
Chris Kehrer, the Foundation’s Science Program Manager, will explain how they use historical data and partnerships—from state agencies to local municipalities—to enhance our understanding through active citizen participation. Learn how you can volunteer and contribute to these vital citizen science projects.
Register Now
PORT ROYAL SOUND IN FOCUS:
UNDERSTANDING WATER HEALTH THROUGH MONITORING
February 5, 2025/2:30-3:30 pm
Water defines the Port Royal Sound watershed, with its ebbs and flows of saltwater surrounding us all. Our economy and livelihood depend on this natural resource, requiring constant vigilance. The Port Royal Sound Foundation is building a citizen science program to address this need.
Chris Kehrer, the Foundation’s Science Program Manager, will explain how they use historical data and partnerships—from state agencies to local municipalities—to enhance our understanding through active citizen participation. Learn how you can volunteer and contribute to these vital citizen science projects.
Register NowPAST LECTURES
THE COPPERHEAD, AND OTHER FASCINATING
SNAKES OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
April 3rd, 2024 / 2:30-3:30
Snakes of the Lowcountry have captured the curiosities and fascinations of residents and visitors to this region for hundreds of years. Perhaps the most bewildering of South Carolina’s 39 snake species is the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Learn more about common snakes found in the Lowcountry and dive even deeper into the life of the copperhead with Jake Zadik, Brays Island Naturalist and Co-chair for the South Carolina Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SCPARC).
Register Now
THE COPPERHEAD, AND OTHER FASCINATING
SNAKES OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
April 3rd, 2024 / 2:30-3:30
Snakes of the Lowcountry have captured the curiosities and fascinations of residents and visitors to this region for hundreds of years. Perhaps the most bewildering of South Carolina’s 39 snake species is the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Learn more about common snakes found in the Lowcountry and dive even deeper into the life of the copperhead with Jake Zadik, Brays Island Naturalist and Co-chair for the South Carolina Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SCPARC).
Register Now
ON THE WING:
EXPLORING BIRD MIGRATION
April 10, 2024 / 2:30-3:30 PM
Every year billions of birds travel thousands of miles between breeding grounds in North America and wintering grounds in Central and South America. Discover why birds migrate across continents and learn about some tools scientists use to understand the movement of migratory birds with Heather Kraus, Education and Outreach Coordinator at Nemours Wildlife Foundation. Heather will also share her experience with one tool, the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, that is making it easier than ever before to track many small flying animals across long distances.
Register NowON THE WING:
EXPLORING BIRD MIGRATION
April 10, 2024 / 2:30-3:30 PM
Every year billions of birds travel thousands of miles between breeding grounds in North America and wintering grounds in Central and South America. Discover why birds migrate across continents and learn about some tools scientists use to understand the movement of migratory birds with Heather Kraus, Education and Outreach Coordinator at Nemours Wildlife Foundation. Heather will also share her experience with one tool, the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, that is making it easier than ever before to track many small flying animals across long distances.
Register NowTHE CUBA-HILTON HEAD
CONNECTION
April 24, 2024 / 2:30-3:30 PM
Did you know that for over a hundred years there was a direct connection between Hilton Head Island and Cuba, via steamship? For decades, this connection brought business, trade, and cultural connections from Cuba to our island, including Honey Horn Plantation which was owned by Cuban Americans after the Civil War. Dr. James Shinn is a historian that specializes in studying Cuban American history and has spent years research the connections between Cuba and the US throughout history. This presentation will talk about how Hilton Head Island and Cuba were connected in the late 1800 and early 1900s.
Register Now
THE CUBA-HILTON HEAD
CONNECTION
April 24, 2024 / 2:30-3:30 PM
Did you know that for over a hundred years there was a direct connection between Hilton Head Island and Cuba, via steamship? For decades, this connection brought business, trade, and cultural connections from Cuba to our island, including Honey Horn Plantation which was owned by Cuban Americans after the Civil War. Dr. James Shinn is a historian that specializes in studying Cuban American history and has spent years research the connections between Cuba and the US throughout history. This presentation will talk about how Hilton Head Island and Cuba were connected in the late 1800 and early 1900s.
Register Now