Research & Collections
Fernbank's collections reflect core natural history topics with key holdings in archaeology, geology, cultural anthropology, paleontology, malacology and taxidermy. The museum has an active research program focused on Georgia archaeology that has grown to encompass ecology and geology — an apt combination of the core sciences found in our natural history museum. Fernbank is actively engaged with tribal groups regarding repatriation of remains and funerary objects. Fernbank fully supports and is following all current Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) regulations and guidelines.
St. Catherines Island: Key to Georgia's Past
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the home to a world-class archaeological collection, The St. Catherines Island Foundation and Edward John Noble Foundation Collection.
The Santa Isabel de Utinahica Project:
Research and Public Archaeology Program
Fernbank Museum of Natural History launched a new research effort in 2006: a search for the 17th-century Spanish mission of Santa Isabel de Utinahica.
The Dorothy Methvin McClatchey Collection
Thanks to the generosity of Dorothy and Devereaux McClatchey, Fernbank Museum is home to this stunning collection of 500 objects of personal ornamentation and decorative arts.
Fernbank is a nonprofit natural history museum, giant screen theater and old-growth forest, and is not affiliated with Fernbank Science Center, which operates as a division of DeKalb County Schools.
