SAINT LEONARD, Md. — Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum will turn back the clock Saturday, May 16, during its annual Ancient Tech event, offering visitors a full day of free, hands-on demonstrations exploring prehistoric skills and early technologies.
Running from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the all-ages event will feature more than a dozen rotating demonstrations led by archaeologists, historians and craftspeople from across the region. Visitors can watch — and in many cases try — techniques once essential for survival, including flint knapping, natural dyeing, basket weaving and pit cooking.
Throughout the day, guests will see how raw stone can be shaped into blades and tools, learn how roots and bark were used to dye fabrics long before synthetic colors existed, and explore ancient cooking methods still used in cultures around the world.
The Knapping Circle welcomes visitors ready to chip flint, while Donna Bird’s natural dyeing demonstration turns roots, bark and bugs into vibrant fabric dyes. The Stones from a Bag Knapping Challenge pits participants against each other — and the clock — to produce the best stone point from a randomly drawn rock.
Kids under 13 get their own corner of the action with stone tool whittling, while experimental archaeologist Dave Smith — better known as Soapstone Dave — demonstrates soapstone carving and discusses the tools and techniques historically used to shape the material into everything from cooking pots to carved pendants.
The event concludes with a keynote presentation by Maryland State Terrestrial Archaeologist Dr. Zachary Singer, who will discuss the Maryland Fluted Point Survey — a statewide effort documenting Ice Age projectile points crafted between 13,000 and 10,000 years ago.
The event is designed to give visitors a deeper understanding of how people lived, adapted and created long before modern conveniences existed, while connecting those ancient practices to the archaeological discoveries still being studied today.
Ancient Tech Day At Jefferson Patterson Park
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, Saint Leonard, MD 20685
Cost: Free; free parking on site
Ages: All ages
Registration: Reserve a spot via Eventbrite and see the full schedule of events.
About Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum was gifted to the State of Maryland by the Patterson Family in 1983. The 560-acre park sits along the Patuxent River in Calvert County and draws visitors with its walking paths, archaeological sites and public programming. The Friends of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum formed shortly after the gift and has supported the park through grants, volunteering and fundraising ever since. Membership information and donation options are available at friendsofjefpat.org.
Ancient Tech is supported by the Friends of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. Community members interested in supporting future programming — and scoring discounts on events like this one — can join through the Friends of JPPM Membership Form.
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