The Coastal Discovery Museum’s popular Discovery Lecture Series is held most Wednesdays at 2:30 pm (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.
THE INTRIGUING TRUTH ABOUT MEDICINE IN COLONIAL TIMES: Oct 11, 2023 / 2:30-3:30 pm
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.
LOWCOUNTRY MARINE MAMMAL NETWORK: Oct 25, 2023 / 2:30-3:30 pm
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.
NIGHT WANDERERS: THE OBSCURE LIFE OF BATS: Nov 1, 2023 / 2:30-3:30 pm
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.
WHILE I BREATH, I HOPE: DISAPPEARING ARCHAEOLOGY SITES: Nov 15, 2023 / 2:30-3:30 pm
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.
THE NIGHT SKY: Dec 6, 2023 / 2:30-3:30 pm
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.
THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: Dec 13, 2023 / 2:30-3:30 pm
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.