Even if the first inhabitants of these fair shores had pencil, paper, and the ability to read and write, they had little time to record their experiences. Archaeologists help fill in history’s gaps by examining evidence left behind. Discover what it’s like to be a history detective during Tidewater Archaeology Days at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC).
Begin on Thursday, July 25 with a free lecture by doctoral candidate Scott Tucker. Find out what he has learned about 17th-century ships, how they sailed to Maryland, and the archaeology of 17th-century ship remains at 7 p.m. in the Visitor Center auditorium (18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City).
On Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27, help uncover the past at one of the best-preserved colonial sites in the nation. During Tidewater Archaeology Days, work alongside archaeologists as they find and identify objects our ancestors lost or discarded. Take a guided tour of excavations and don’t miss a once-a-year opportunity to explore the archaeology laboratory — sign up at the Visitor Center when you arrive. Lab tours depart at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. At 3 p.m. each day, HSMC director of research Henry Miller, Ph.D. will lead a tour of the St. John’s Site Museum. Find out about the first 17th-century house excavated in Maryland and how it taught us to “read” early colonial sites from one of the people who helped dig and then study this unique site. Take a break in the air-conditioned auditorium at the Visitor Center –an Archaeology Film Fest featuring videos about St. Mary’s City or archaeology will run throughout the day.
Special activities are included in museum admission ($10.00 adults, $9.00 seniors, $6 students, and free for those 5 years and under) along with entrance to all museum exhibits, including a representative 17th-century tall ship, the Godiah Spray Plantation, the State House of 1676, the Woodland Indian Hamlet, and the Brick Chapel. Excavations and living history exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
For more information, please call 240-895-4990 or 800-762-1634 or visit www.stmaryscity.org.
