Maryland Archaeology Month 2024

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April is Maryland Archaeology Month! Here is how we are getting involved. Find more archaeology events across the state at marylandarcheologymonth.org.

Archaeology Lab Open House (Maryland Day Weekend)

Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Anne Arundel County Archaeology Lab
839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD

Dig into local history at the Anne Arundel County Archaeology Lab! View a wide variety of artifacts from recent excavations across Anne Arundel County, from 19th-century African-American tenant farms to 13,000-year-old Native American camps.

Kids and adults can try their hand at sorting artifacts, discover educational resources about local history, and learn how to get involved in archaeological digs and labwork, right here in Anne Arundel County.

No registration is required; drop in any time between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Find more Maryland Day Weekend Events at marylandday.org

Sites of Slavery, Resistance, and Freedom in Nineteenth-Century Anne Arundel County

Tuesday, April 9th
7:00 pm

Online Lecture
Hosted by Historic Annapolis
$15 – Register here

Lisa Robbins will be presenting the findings of an 18-month study on the housing of enslaved and free-Black tenants in Anne Arundel County during the 19th century. The study will also cover the notable architectural changes that occurred during the transition period immediately after emancipation. Lisa will use several case studies from the county to demonstrate the significance of documenting and preserving these cultural resources that are disappearing.

Discovering Archaeology Day

Saturday, April 13th
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
10515 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD

A day of interactive learning and fun with archaeologists from across Maryland and Virginia, including hands-on activities for kids, tours, exhibits, games, giveaways, and cool crafts. Free & open to the public!

The Archaeology of Jug Bay: A Hike through History

Sunday, April 14th
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
1361 Wrighton Road
Lothian, MD

Join archaeologist Drew Webster, from the Anne Arundel County’s Cultural Resources Section, to celebrate Archaeology Month with a hike from the Jug Bay Visitor’s Center to the Jug Bay River Farm. Along the hike (approximately 2.5-3 miles) you will learn about the many archaeological findings and research sites ranging in occupations from 13,000 years ago to the historic period. Drew will share how these archaeological sites inform us about past ways of life for people occupying the landscape of Jug Bay. The hike will include an artifact show-and-tell.

Ages: 12 years old and up. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $10 per person, entrance fee included. More information and registration here.

Walk for the Woods

Saturday, April 27th
7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Bacon Ridge Natural Area
Farm Road Entrance
Crownsville, MD

Hosted by Scenic Rivers Land Trust.

Enjoy a day of guided hikes exploring the heart of the conserved Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville. Experts in wildlife, native plants, birds, history, archaeology, and more will be on-site and available to attendees. Plus, self-guided hike options will be offered, complete with trail maps and educational signage posted along the trails, as well as other fun educational activities.

Registration for guided hikes will open in early April. The hike schedule and link to registration will be announced on www.SRLT.org.

Upcoming Events: April is Archaeology Month!

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April is Maryland Archaeology Month! In celebration, here are some upcoming events hosted by the Lost Towns Project and/or Anne Arundel County Cultural Resources Section. Learn more and find events throughout the state at marylandarcheologymonth.org. This page will be updated throughout April.

April 2nd – Annapolis: Digging Up Discoveries

Hosted by Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2250 Annapolis Mall Road
Annapolis, MD
2:00-3:00 pm

Come learn about fossils and artifacts from the experts! Make a fossil print, dig for “bones” and see real artifacts found in Maryland. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

April 7th – Virtual Talk: The Archaeology of the Patuxent River

Virtual
6:00 pm

Join us for Archaeology Month with this free virtual presentation! Take a virtual journey along the Patuxent River with archaeologists from Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. Learn about the various archaeological resources found throughout this watershed.

This is a FREE Virtual presentation for all ages. Please email [email protected] for the zoom link.

April 12th – Edgewater: Volunteer Orientation and Fieldwork Preview

Anne Arundel County Archaeology Lab
839 Londontown Road
Edgewater, MD
6:00-7:00 pm

Are you a new or returning archaeology volunteer, or considering volunteering with us?

Join us for a preview of spring and summer field and lab opportunities, and learn or refresh the basics of fieldwork! This is a great time to meet other volunteers and prepare for the summer season.

Plus, we will have pizza! RSVP here.

April 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 29
Annapolis: Whitehall Public Dig Days

Whitehall
1915 Whitehall Rd
Annapolis, MD
8:00 am – 3:00 pm each day.

Join us for excavations at historic Whitehall, a former plantation outside of Annapolis. We will be excavating an area that could yield new information about those who worked and lived on the plantation in the late 18th and 19th century and whose stories have yet to be told.

Volunteers must register here in advance and should be able to commit to an entire day (8:00-3:00). Volunteers new to fieldwork are strongly encouraged to attend the Volunteer Orientation on April 12th at 6:00 pm (see above) For more information, email Drew Webster at [email protected]

April 30 – Crownsville: Walk for the Woods

Bacon Ridge Natural Area
Farm Rd Entrance
Crownsville, MD
7:00 am – 3:00 pm

We will be leading an archaeology hike and showcasing our travelling archaeology exhibit at Scenic Rivers Land Trust’s “Walk for the Woods.” Walk for the Woods is a day of guided hikes, including bird watching, amphibian searches, history/archaeology, naturalist hikes, and educational programs. Attendees are also invited to explore the permanently protected Bacon Ridge Natural Area’s 1000+ acres of woodlands, wetlands, streams, and meadows on their own. It is always a beautiful, relaxing day in our local woods!

Experts in wildlife, native plants, birds, and more will be on-site and available to attendees. Plus, self-guided hike options will be offered, complete with trail maps and educational signage posted along the trails.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville (rain date is May 1). Access to the event will be via the Farm Road entry. Registration for guided hikes will open approximately three weeks before the event date. The hike schedule and registration link will be announced via email and social media and will be accessible via this page. This is FREE community and family event, but registration is required for guided hikes and spaces will be limited.

For a full listing of upcoming events, check out our event calendar: