// 2 min Read

Lunch with an Archaeologist

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Jun 14, 2019

At Palmetto Bluff, we have uncovered more than 13,000 years of history. It is because we have a full-time archaeologist, Dr. Mary Socci, on our team that we have been able to uncover these details of our past. Dr. Socci is dedicated to learning and preserving the rich history that surrounds the Lowcountry. We recently sat down with her during the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy’s new series “Lunch with …” to learn a little more about her and what she does at Palmetto Bluff.

What made you want to become an archaeologist?

When I was in college, I took a class on the Aztecs and Mayans and became fascinated by the work that was being done to uncover civilizations.

What brought you to Palmetto Bluff and what are some of your responsibilities?

I met the Director of the Conservancy and she was looking for an archaeologist to join the team and we got to talking and here I am. I educate residents and guests about the history our land holds, but I also make sure that Palmetto Bluff complies with the deferral and state regulations regarding historical and archaeological sites.

How did you go about discovering the past of Palmetto Bluff?

All 20,000 acres were surveyed by digging a test pit every 100 feet or so.

Take me through an average day for you on the Bluff.

Depending on the day, I could be guiding a cemetery tour through an old plantation, analyzing fragments of bone or pottery, writing descriptions of excavations we are doing here, or sifting through sand on a site in hopes of finding an interesting artifact.

How many excavations have been done on property?

Over 30. Every site must have potential to yield new information about South Carolina’s past.

What is the oldest artifact you have found on property?

A Paleo-Indian projectile point dating back to the Ice Age.

You often say that archaeologists love other people’s trash. What’s the best piece of garbage you have found on property?

I don’t really have a favorite artifact, but one I especially like is a small fragment of a ceramic pitcher made in 1800 that had a design commemorating George Washington. The vessel was produced in England and I wonder whether the maker (or the purchaser) appreciated the irony of that.

As Dr. Socci often says, if you don’t want archaeologists digging up your garbage and creating stories about you, be careful what you bury.

The dates for the rest of the “Lunch with” series are:

Lunch with a biologist: June 13 &July 18

Lunch with a wildlife manager: June 20 & August 1

Food & Wine / Fall Recipes From Buffalos

Your Pine-ness Cocktail Recipe Before delving into the ingredients and recipe for Buffalos’ delectable Ricotta Meatballs and Sauce, it is imperative that the chef has an excellent cocktail for cooking. Pairing the sweetness of pineapple with the woody flavo...

Sep 2023
palmetto bluff neighborhoods

Real Estate / Waterfront Neighborhoods in Palmetto Bluff

Coastal Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods Palmetto Bluff, a private community nestled along the South Carolina coastline, presents a harmonious blend of luxurious living, recreational spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. The meticulously designed Palmetto Bluff neigh...

Sep 2023
wilson landing

Waterways / Behind the Bluff with Marina Captain: Thomas Shanahan

Meet Captain Tom of Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Landing  In the tranquil embrace of Bluffton's Lowcountry, where rivers wind their way through nature's masterpiece, an extraordinary tale unfolds at Wilson Landing of Palmetto Bluff. The story belongs to Captain Th...

Sep 2023
luxury kitchen design

Architecture & Design / Designing the Southern Kitchen of Your Dreams

Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...

Sep 2023
summer bucket list

Culture / Summer Activities to Check Off Your List Before the Fall

10 Activities You Have to Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List While the days are long and the sun hangs high in the sky, summer offers a golden opportunity to create lasting memories and partake in a variety of thrilling activities. Before the cooler breeze of ...

Sep 2023

Conservation / Water Way

Palmetto Bluff is an ecological wonderland, with its maritime forest and tidal rivers, its salt marsh and abundant wildlife. But perhaps one of the most unique features of this wedge of Lowcountry is the impressive inland waterway that wends through the landsc...

Aug 2023

Artist in Residence / Places Around Palmetto Bluff to Paint Plein Air

Plein Air Painting and Our August Artist in Residence Palmetto Bluff is a paradise for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and serene atmosphere. With that being said, the Bluff is the perfect canvas f...

Aug 2023
coastal living

Waterways / Experience Health and Happiness By Living on the Coast

5 Health Benefits of Coastal Living Did you know that life by the coast is not only the most idyllic way to live, but it also improves your health? All in all, coastal living is a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. From the cool, salty bree...

Aug 2023
south carolina lowcountry

Culture / 9 Enticing Facts About the Lowcountry

Discover the Charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry Where history and nature intertwine with effortless grace, the South Carolina Lowcountry is a region that allures visitors and residents alike with its timeless beauty, enchanting landscapes, and diverse cul...

Aug 2023

Conservation / Behind the Bluff with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Educator: Aaron Palmieri

Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy   In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offer...

Aug 2023
LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us