For David Jones, history is not something confined to textbooks. It lives in the voices, traditions, and surroundings of the communities that shaped coastal Georgia.

An Isle of Hope resident and Savannah native, Jones serves as site manager of Pin Point Heritage Museum, one of six historic sites operated by the nonprofit Coastal Heritage Society. He joined the organization eight years ago as a historical interpreter before stepping into his current role.

Housed inside the former A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory along Moon River, the museum explores the heritage of Pin Point, a community established by formerly enslaved African Americans and their descendants in the 1890s. Through exhibits, guided tours, field trips, and group programs, visitors encounter personal accounts centered on religion, language, food, and daily life. Some of the museum’s historical interpreters were raised in Pin Point and continue to call the community home.

Jones credits his Savannah upbringing with cultivating a fascination with local history and a commitment to lifelong learning. At the museum, he now has the opportunity to awaken that same curiosity in others.

Although Pin Point Heritage Museum is frequently described as a “hidden gem,” Jones hopes more area residents will discover its significance and help carry its stories forward.

The Coastal Heritage Society’s annual Art & Oysters fundraiser will return to the museum Feb. 25, 2027, offering art, entertainment, local cuisine, and an oyster roast. Proceeds support the organization’s museums and educational mission. Businesses, organizations, and residents interested in sponsorship opportunities may email development@chsgeorgia.org.

To plan a visit, donate, or become a member, visit chsgeorgia.org.