Thursday, July 14, 2011

History Underground: Archaeology Weekend at HSMC

Get the scoop on what’s underground at Historic St. Mary’s City during Tidewater Archaeology Weekend, July 23 and 24! Discover what it’s like to be an archaeologist exploring one of the nation’s best-preserved colonial archaeology sites.

Take a tour of excavations at the home of Maryland’s first governor site and discover what stains in the soil reveal about Maryland’s history. Work alongside the pros as they recover artifacts, bits of Maryland’s past, by screening excavated soil. An exhibit of artifacts recovered from the site will be on display. Those who follow the chief archaeologist’s blog about this year’s findings may see some of the pieces they’ve been reading about. Check out the blog at (www.stmaryscity.org/Archaeology/Dispatch.html).

Sign up for a tour of the Archaeology Laboratory when you arrive at the Visitor Center (18751 Hogaboom Lane), and discover what happens to artifacts after they are recovered. This is the only time the lab is open to the public and space is limited. Tours begin at 11:00, 1:00, 2:30, or 4:00.

At 2 p.m., meet Historic St. Mary's City’s director of research, Dr. Henry Miller, at the Margaret Brent Gazebo for a one-hour walking tour. Find out how Historic St. Mary’s City has reconstructed buildings that stood some 375 years ago using scant clues assembled by archaeologists and historians.

This summer’s excavations focus on the back yard of the Calvert House, built by Maryland’s first governor, Leonard Calvert, in the first few years of the settlement. The Calvert House served as the first state house and the largest inn in St. Mary’s. In 1645, the house was the headquarters for a rebellion against Lord Baltimore and a fort, named “Mr. Pope’s Fort,” was built around it. When Governor Calvert retook the colony in 1646, he regained the house and filled in the fort ditch. Calvert died in the house in 1647.

The site is open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on each day of the event. Special activities are included in museum admission ($10 adults; $9 seniors; and $6 youth. Children 5 years and under visit free.) Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors.

For more information about the museum, archaeology, or this event, visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/ or call 240-895-4990 or 800-SMC-1634.
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