‘What the Heck Is It?’ session returns to Hilton Head Island Library

Curious about that mysterious object you’ve tucked away in a drawer or dug up in the backyard? The Hilton Head Branch Library is offering a chance to solve the mystery.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m., the library will host “What the Heck Is It?: Artifact Identification Session.” The free, drop-in program invites the public to bring in almost any non-weapon artifact for professional identification and dating.

Expert perspectives
The session will feature some of South
Carolina’s most experienced archaeologists. Dr. Jon Leader, the State Archaeologist, has decades of fieldwork and research experience and leads the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology’s work in preservation, public archaeology and cultural resource management. Dr. Eric Poplin of Brockington & Associates has more than 30 years in the field and has directed archaeological projects throughout the Southeast, focusing on prehistoric and historic sites.

Both experts have participated in earlier artifact identification programs and are known for their ability to place ordinary objects into broader cultural and historical contexts. They will be joined by archaeologist Jeff Sherard, who has specialized in prehistoric and historic artifacts across the Carolinas.

What to bring
Over the years, participants at similar sessions have presented an astonishing variety of finds, ranging from projectile points and ceramic fragments to Civil War-era equipment, African dolls and even oil lamps dating back nearly 2,000 years. Attendees are encouraged to “look around the house” and bring along any unusual or unexplained items.

To ensure safety, no weapons—including guns, swords or daggers—will be accepted. In addition, staff and archaeologists will not provide monetary appraisals; the focus is purely educational.

Local partnership
The program is co-sponsored by the Beaufort District Collection (BDC) of the Beaufort County Library system and the Hilton Head Chapter of the Archaeological Society of South Carolina.

The BDC, headquartered in Beaufort, serves as the library system’s special collections and archives unit. It focuses on preserving the history, culture and environment of Beaufort County and the broader Lowcountry. Its holdings include manuscripts, photographs, maps, oral histories and rare books that document the region’s past. The collection also offers public programs and lectures aimed at making local history accessible to residents and visitors alike.

By co-sponsoring sessions like “What the Heck Is It?,” the BDC extends its mission of connecting the community with its heritage—not just through documents and artifacts preserved in the archive, but also through hands-on engagement with the objects people encounter in daily life.

Event details

• “What the Heck Is It?” Artifact Identification Session
• Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 · 2–4 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.)
• Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road
• Cost: Free, open to the public
• Restrictions: No weapons, no pets, no monetary appraisals

For more information, contact Grace Cordial at bdc@bcgov.net