Dear Foundation Friends,
When you visit Jekyll Island, it’s almost impossible NOT to take great pictures. You probably have a few on your smart phone of yourself with Jekyll’s pristine beauty or historic buildings in the background. If this is indeed the case, why not share? Post them to Facebook and Instagram using #JekyllIslandFoundation. Chances are you’ll see them here, and help us make even more friends!
Thanks,
Dion Davis
Executive Director
Meet Our Board: Nancy Coggins Seymour is a passionate advocate for Jekyll Island!
Nancy Coggins Seymour’s journey from Capitol Hill to the shores of Jekyll Island tells a story of deep connections, cherished memories, and a profound commitment to conservation. “Giving back brings me immense pleasure,” says Seymour.
Discover the lasting impact Nancy and her late husband Joel have made on Jekyll Island—from preserving historic sites to supporting sea turtle conservation.
Read more at the link in our bio to explore Nancy’s inspiring story and her role in helping to enhance the beauty and sustainability of Jekyll Island.
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Jekyll Island Historic District, a National Historic Landmark administered by the state of Georgia, is situated on the southeast side of Jekyll Island. It`s a 240-acre site with 34 historic structures and one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States, attracting curious guests from around the world.
Originally occupied by the Guale Indians who called the area Ospo, the island was a popular hunting and fishing site. Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia, maintained an outpost on the island, and a plantation was established by one of his officers, Maj. William Horton. In 1794 a French family, the du Bignons, bought the island. They retained possession until 1886 when the island was sold to the newly formed Jekyll Island Club.
It soon became recognized as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world.” Club members included such notable figures as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field.
Members prized the island for its “sense of splendid isolation,” beautiful landscape, and moderate climate. Jekyll Island, with its cottage colony and clubhouse, was viewed as a little paradise, where members and guests pursued “a life of elegant leisure.”
From 1967-1968, Savannah landscape architect Clermont Huger Lee created a master development plan with the goal to restore the area known as “Millionaire’s Village” to its 1910-1929 era. Though not fully implemented, Lee’s plans served as a foundation in the redevelopment of today’s Jekyll Island Historic District.
Jekyll Island Club Historic District was added to the NRHP on January 20, 1972, and was designated a National Historic Landmark District on June 2, 1978.
Ongoing historic preservation efforts in Jekyll’s Historic District are made possible through visitation to the @mosaicmuseum and through donations to the Jekyll Island Foundation.
Give today at the link in our bio.
© Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum
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Keep Jekyll Island a haven for birds!
Coastal Georgia’s value to birds as a migratory stopover and a seasonal refuge is immense. Nonetheless, many species of birds, here and worldwide, are suffering troubling population losses.
Your generosity enables the Jekyll Island Authority Conservation staff to do everything they can to make sure Jekyll Island is part of the conservation solution for birds, not part of the problem—from research and monitoring to educational partnerships and programs.
Donate today to support this initiative at the link in our bio.
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This Labor Day, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of all those who make Jekyll Island a remarkable place to live, visit, and explore. From the rangers who protect our natural wonders to the volunteers who tirelessly support our conservation efforts, we are grateful for the hands and hearts that care for this unique coastal sanctuary.
Today, let’s honor their contributions by appreciating the beauty and serenity of Jekyll Island – a place where nature thrives, and history comes alive. Enjoy your day and remember, your support helps us continue preserving this cherished island for generations to come.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate #laborday #happylaborday
Indian Mound Cottage, also known as the Rockefeller Cottage, was actually built by Gordon McKay in 1892. But McKay died in 1903, and the house was bought by William Rockefeller in 1905.
Originally, McKay’s home looked very different, inside and outside, than it does today. It had only one public room, the parlor to the right of the front door. The remaining rooms were bedrooms, each with its own bath, which is why there is now the unusual feature of a bathroom opening onto the Reception Room.
William Rockefeller made extensive changes to the house between 1912 and 1917. Rockefeller’s finished cottage included eight family rooms plus six servant/service rooms on the two main floors, in addition to servants’ rooms on the third floor. Rockefeller was also responsible for building the sea wall in front of his house in 1916.
Ongoing historic preservation efforts in Jekyll’s Historic District are made possible through visitation to the @mosaicmuseum and through donations to the Jekyll Island Foundation.
Give today at the link in our bio.
Photo ©Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum
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Join us in saying a huge thank you to our corporate sponsor, the @jekyllclub! Your support furthers dozens of education, conservation, and preservation projects on Jekyll Island. Learn more about the Jekyll Island Club Resort at the Meet Our Sponsors link in our bio.
If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, learn more at the Become a Corporate Sponsor link in our bio.
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Honor your friends and loved ones with a bench in one of Jekyll Island`s most scenic areas.
Adopt-A-Bench at the link in our bio.
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Have you spotted any of these large, pink visitors on Jekyll Island? Not to be confused with flamingos, these are Roseate Spoonbills.
Roseate Spoonbills are usually found in marshes and wetlands along the coast, and they’re pink for the same reason flamingos are–their diet.
Jekyll Island is often described as one of Georgia`s "truly premier birding destinations" and not to be missed when birding the coast of Georgia.
Help advance bird conversation efforts and keep Jekyll Island a haven for birds by donating today at the link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
The Skeet House was originally built in the 1930s for recreational use by the Jekyll Island Club. Skeet shooting was a popular activity at the island resort, which first formed in 1886 as a hunting club.
Thanks to fundraising assistance by the Jekyll Island Foundation, the building recently became the focus of preservation efforts by the @mosaicmuseum. It was taken apart piece by piece and reassembled in its current location along Pier Road.
In its new home in the heart of the historic district, the Skeet House now provides a centralized activity space for educational programs and entertainment within the historic district.
Ongoing historic preservation efforts in Jekyll’s Historic District are made possible through visitation to the Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum and through donations to the Jekyll Island Foundation.
Give today at the link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
With LNWA Hospitality`s support, we`re launching impactful projects to preserve and enrich Jekyll Island`s natural and cultural heritage. Their belief in public-private partnerships is essential for our conservation and education efforts, ensuring the island remains a beacon for future generations.
This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation.
Join us and LNWA Hospitality in safeguarding Jekyll Island`s legacy. Become a corporate sponsor and make a difference.
Discover LNWA Hospitality`s work: https://pulse.ly/x6cvn2p183
Become a sponsor: https://pulse.ly/r7br4ofrl5
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Help keep Jekyll Island a place of wonder for generations to come.
By becoming a member or renewing your membership, you are directly supporting the conservation, preservation, and education efforts that help make Jekyll Island unique.
Join or renew at the link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
As we mark 25 years of dedication to Jekyll Island, we`re excited to share many of our wonderful achievements.
In 2022, with your support and our partner ANIMEX, we raised funds for a causeway diamondback terrapin barrier to help decrease terrapin crossing mortality rates.
The donated fencing materials were installed on either side of the entrance to Jekyll’s causeway. This fence, along with @georgiaseaturtlecenter`s diamondback terrapin patrol team, helps protect nesting mamas crossing the road.
Explore more milestones and the story of our steadfast commitment to Jekyll Island by visiting our timeline at the link in our bio.
We sincerely appreciate your support and dedication to preserving the island`s unique character for future generations.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
"If you’re after a scenic view and good angling, Jekyll Island Fishing Pier is your hotspot. Built in 1969 and situated at the north end of the island, the pier taps into the East River and Saint Simmons Sound’s waters.
Jekyll Island Fishing Pier is open year-round and it’s suitable for families with children. It’s equipped with restrooms and picnic tables, so you can comfortably spend the entire day here.
Plus, Jekyll Island Fishing Center is right next to the pier, so you can buy or rent anything you may need for a successful day of angling.
Have you ever been fishing on Jekyll Island? What did you catch? Any hidden corners we should know about? Comment below and share your Jekyll Island stories with us!
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate"
With the overwhelming majority of terrapin nesting complete, the @georgiaseaturtlecenter (GSTC) is calling an official end to a successful 2024 Diamondback terrapin nesting season.
In the coming weeks, an occasional nesting female may be found, and hatching will be occurring in nests along the causeway. Thank you for your support and assistance during this busy season!
Read the turtle trend wrap up on our website: https://bit.ly/4dKlz0W
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
Hollybourne Cottage was built in 1890 by Club member Charles Stewart Maurice. In its original condition, the vacation retreat was a much-loved haven for Mr. and Mrs. Maurice and their nine children. The Maurice family made an annual pilgrimage to Jekyll Island, where they enjoyed a whirlwind of entertainments and explored the island’s simple pleasures.
The architectural style of Hollybourne Cottage was called Jacobethan or pseudo-Jacobean and was an early example of an eclectic Tudor style popular from 1890 until 1940. The home features Flemish gables, paired chimney flues, and patterned stonework.
It is the only home built during the Club era with tabby. And it was constructed with a steel support system, solid base of 19 brick piers in the basement, and a system of trusses to help distribute the weight and support the living and dining room ceilings without the use of beams.
Today, the cottage remains a diamond in the rough, with ongoing efforts to preserve the structure.
Ongoing historic preservation efforts in Jekyll’s Historic District are made possible through visitation to the @mosaicmuseum and through donations to the Jekyll Island Foundation.
Give today at the link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
© Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum
Join us in saying a HUGE thank you to the @jekyll_island Authority, stewards of Jekyll Island’s past, present and future!
We`re proud to partner together to raise funding for Authority-driven projects supporting education, conservation, and preservation on Jekyll Island.
Learn more about the work of the Jekyll Island Authority at the Meet Our Corporate Sponsors link in our bio.
If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, learn more at the Become a Corporate Sponsor link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
Together we can make a lasting impact.
By becoming a member or renewing your membership, you are directly supporting the conservation, preservation, and education efforts that help make Jekyll Island unique.
Join or renew today at the link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
This delicate, native grass species is not just a feast for the eyes; it plays a crucial role in our coastal ecosystem.
#didyouknow — Muhly Grass, with its signature pink and purple hues in the fall, is a vital component of the barrier island`s landscape. It helps in stabilizing our dunes and provides a unique habitat for local wildlife.
Learn more about Muhly Grass conservation efforts on Jekyll Island at the link in our bio.
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Stay up-to-date with all things Jekyll Island Foundation by joining our email list to receive our monthly newsletter.
Subscribe today at the link in our bio.
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Villa Ospo was designed in 1927 for Walter Jennings. Jennings had joined the Club in 1926, and quickly rose to a leadership role, assuming Presidency after the death of Walter James (his brother in-law).
Jennings contracted with John Russell Pope in 1927 to design his Jekyll retreat. Pope has been considered one of America’s finest classical architects, whose important works included the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, Constitution Hall, the National Archives, the Temple of the Scottish Rite in Washington, D.C., mansions for William K. Vanderbilt and Marshall Field, and campus plans for Yale and Johns Hopkins Universities.
Villa Ospo is a slight departure from Pope’s typical classical form but does hint at elements of classicism bleeding through. Typical of Pope’s work, most of Villa Ospo was probably designed by members of his firm after initial discussions between Pope and his client (Jennings). Pope would leave the details to his staff, and then add final touches to the final product before presenting the plans.
Ongoing historic preservation efforts in Jekyll’s Historic District are made possible through visitation to the @mosaicmuseum and through donations to the Jekyll Island Foundation.
Give today at the link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
Hello, F⚡erce! 🐻 @brandfiercely`s sponsorship supports education, conservation and preservation projects on Jekyll Island. Learn more about Fierce Strategy + Creative at the Meet Our Corporate Sponsors link in our bio.
If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, learn more at the Become a Corporate Sponsor link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
Honor your friends and loved ones by adopting a palm tree in one of Jekyll Island`s most scenic areas. 🌴
Existing tree adoptions help to fund conservation and preservation efforts on Jekyll Island. Learn how to adopt a palm tree on Jekyll Island at the link in our bio.
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@georgiaseaturtlecenter —Georgia`s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility—provides state-of-the-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles and other wildlife.
Support this great work through a tax-deductible contribution at the link in our bio.
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Experience history brought to life at @mosaicmuseum. From Ernest Grob`s influential role at the Jekyll Island Club to Jean Struthers` captivating tales of Moss Cottage, tour guides portray each historical character with passion and authenticity. Step into the past with Mosaic and embrace the richness of our heritage.
Learn more at the link in our bio.
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Have you visited Faith Chapel yet?
Constructed in 1904 for the members of the Jekyll Island Club, Faith Chapel has welcomed visitors for more than a hundred years. From the heart pine flooring to the copper tip of the steeple, the combined elements immerse guests into Faith Chapel’s Club-Era past.
The furnishings in Faith Chapel complement the gothic-revival architecture, with their simple forms and trefoil cutouts recalling the technique of Medieval craftsman and the decoration of European Gothic cathedrals.
The Jekyll Island Foundation—in conjunction with the @jekyll_island Authority—remains committed to the preservation of the island’s historic resources. Future efforts are planned to ensure Faith Chapel is preserved for generations to come.
Ongoing historic preservation efforts in Jekyll’s Historic District are made possible through visitation to the @mosaicmuseum and through donations to the Jekyll Island Foundation.
Give today at the link in our bio.
#jekyllisland #jekyllislandfoundation #goldenisles #exploregeorgia #preserve #conserve #educate
P.O. Box 13002, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Phone: (912) 635-4100
Looking to contact the Jekyll Island Authority? Please click here.
