Explore the Mainland Museum

Although visiting the island itself is magical, you don’t have to venture to Cumberland Island to learn more about it’s unique history. The Mainland Museum in downtown Saint Marys features exhibits and artifacts dedicated to the island’s history. Walk through time, beginning with the Timucuan people before the arrival of Europeans. Exhibits highlighting the Spanish mission system, British occupation and the War of 1812, the Plantation era, and the Gilded Age follow. Carnegie family trunks, carriages, Tiffany lamp sets, and fine china are just a few artifacts on display demonstrating the great wealth at their Dungeness estate on Cumberland Island. A special exhibit about the War of 1812 features artifacts uncovered during archeological excavations at Point Peter and a short film of the invasion of Cumberland and subsequent archeological investigation. The museum is open daily from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily. A ranger or volunteer will be present to answer any questions.