ARTIFACTS are defined as the physical evidence of earlier human activity. They possess spiritual and physical links to the past that are readily available to those who see or touch them. They are evidence, primary evidence, of human activity providing a concrete connection in time and space between then and now.
As such, artifacts are part of all our history allowing our exploration and recreation of the past to be historically valid. Because of their great significance and value, we are required to protect them as we would any vital evidence. State law requires that these articles be held for preservation, conservation and curation by the State of Georgia. To that end, these artifacts along with many others have been stored at the State Preservation Laboratory at Panola Mountain. There, they have been inventoried, i.e. photographed and identified. The proper storage has been determined for preservation and those objects in need of restoration are being worked on as possible.
For the first time since their recovery, some of those items will be on public display as part of the Nashville exhibit opening in July 2001. The following sampling of artifacts shows the variety and condition of items. Full descriptions have been included for those items that will be part of the public exhibit

For all citizens of the state of Georgia, the Department of Natural Resources is committed to the preservation and protection of human as well as other natural resources. Throughout the past, historical evidence both archives and artifacts, have been regarded as belonging to the finder. Today, however, a more enlightened attitude has prevailed that works to preserve and protect these resources for all the people of today and tomorrow. With rapid changes in technology, access to historic resources is far greater than ever before. As the technology and public attitude evolves, so too, does the law.

While these changes in the ethics of archaeology and law have addressed traditional archaeology, the area of underwater archaeology presents another set of problems regarding access, technology and law. The example of the Nashville is illustrative of these shifting rules from the time of her sinking to the present. For the visitor and citizen, a summary of the current regulations regarding artifacts with the most recent revisions is included.

[Attached DNR pamphlet re: artifacts and law with current revisions]