Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

The Crown Jewels – Royal Exhibit to Amelia Island, Florida

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The British royal family has a long history and tradition. Part of the tradition is embodied in the British Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels have been kept at the Tower of London since 1303. The Crown Jewels are kept in a part of the Tower known as Jewel House, where armed guards defend them.

While the jewels never leave the Tower of London, the only existing sanctioned replicas will be on display at the Amelia Island Museum of History, April 22nd through July 24th.
Amelia Island is a suitable place for the exhibit, since the island itself is names after King George II’s daughter Amelia Sophia.

In 1733, James Oglethorpe founded the 13th British colony in America naming it Georgia after King George II. Later on he name Amelia Island after George’s daughter. The experts are not sure why. Some believe that Oglethorpe was trying to get support from George II in his endeavor to add Florida to the British colonies, while others think that Amelia Sophia and Oglethorpe might have been romantically involved.

Now you can experience a little bit of royal history right here on the coast. The Crown Jewel exhibit continues at Amelia Island Museum of History until July 24th.

Admission is free for museum members and $5 for non-members.

Amelia Island Museum, 233 South Third Street, Fernandina, Florida 32034
Phone: 904-261-7378

Royal Crown Jewels

Night at the Museum in Charleston, South Carolina

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Ben Stiller is not the only one who can experience “Night at the Museum”. But instead of a battle at the Smithsonian it will be a “battle at Charleston Museum”. On June 5th you can participate in this real life adventure from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, if you dare.

When lights are out and the museum is empty, no joke, the whole museum comes to life.

Who knows, you might run into a band of pirates, bump into a unit of Revolutionary War soldiers, a Viking, George Washington, or even some wild animals! This event is for brave kids and adults only. We strongly recommend bringing your flash light, since it can come in handy and even double up as a weapon.

Museum curators and staff will share stories about the collections and maybe even entertain you with a tall tale or two. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing as your favorite animal or in historical costume. I’ll have to remember to tell Joe about that, he loves dress up!

This event is not just for kids – big-kids-at-heart are welcome! Reservations required – register online or call 722-2996 x264.
Members – $10/adult, $5/child. Non-members – $20/adult, $10/child

Night at the Museum in Charleston

Free Admission to Gibbes Museum of Art

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If you haven’t been to Gibbes before — this is your chance. It’s Community Day on Saturday, May 16 at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina. That means complimentary admission and family activities from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Normally, admission is $9.00 so why not take advantage of this special offer.

Junior League of Charleston Community Days are held quarterly to offer visitors the opportunity to experience the Gibbes’ dynamic programming free of charge.

The Art Discoveries Community Day will include art-making activities for children as well as musical performances. Exhibitions currently on view include The Charleston Story, Prop Master: An Installation by Juan Logan and Susan Harbage Page and Jeff Whetstone: Post-Pleistocene. Beverages will be provided by Rising High Café.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART
Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1905.

Located in Charleston’s historic district, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works of fine art, principally American works with a Charleston or Southern connection and presents special exhibitions annually. In addition, the museum offers an extensive complement of public programming and educational outreach initiatives.

Free Admission Telfair Academy, Savannah

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During the week of April 27 – May 3, 2009 there is free admission at the Telfair Academy.

In 1886 the Telfair family home opened to the public as an art museum and school. It now boasts three diverse sites — the original building, the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, a National Historic Landmark building; the Owens-Thomas House, also a National Historic Landmark; and the Jepson Center for the Arts, a contemporary building which houses 20th- and 21st-century art.

Visitors can view the elegant nineteenth-century period rooms in this former Telfair family mansion, as well as the exhibitions Reframing a Perceptual Paradigm: A Jerome Meadows, Installation and Gaming Tables for Whist, Chess, and Other Amusements, at no charge.

Free week at the Telfair Academy

17th Annual Lighthouse Festival & Michelob Ultra 5K 2009 – St Augustine, FL

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St Augustine has one of the prettiest lighthouses on the coast. If you haven’t visited it yet, here is your chance. On Saturday, March 21, it’s time again for the annual Lighthouse Festival. During the festival St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum will offer free admission to the tower, the museum and the grounds during the festival.

The festival has lots of fun activities for both kids and adults. As always there will be special games and crafts for children, great food, pony rides, and archaeological activities. Children can even buy, build and sail their own model boat in the pond.

Radio Disney AM 600 and the Disney Fun Squad Cast will broadcast live from 11a.m. – 1 p.m. Local entertainers will perform throughout the day including live music from Josh n’ Lou.

The Michelob Ultra 5K Run/Walk and the Shepard & Shepard Fun Run will also be held during Lighthouse Festival courtesy of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine. The 5K Run begins at 4:30 p.m. and the Fun Run begins at 5 p.m.; both races will start and finish in front of the lawn of the keepers’ house. Registrater in advance by visiting the Junior Service League of St. Augustine’s website www.jslofstaugustine.org, or participants on the day of the race from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Last year about 8,000 visitors came to the lighthouse for the festival throughout the day. Free parking will be available at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (which is probably your best bet for parking) and there is a shuttle that will take you from there to the festival. Paid event parking will also be available at the Lighthouse & Museum.

This festival takes place on Saturday March 21st from 11 am – 6 pm.

For more information call (904) 829-0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com