ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — Step into the past and uncover more than 10,000 years of human history during Tidewater Archaeology Weekend, returning to Historic St. Mary’s City on June 6–7, 2025 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). This annual event invites families, history enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages to experience archaeology firsthand through immersive tours, live excavations and behind-the-scenes access at one of Maryland’s most culturally significant historic sites.
Event Highlights
Screening With Staff
Visitors can join archaeologists at the St. Mary’s Fort dig site and participate in real-time artifact screening.
- Friday, June 6 (Members only): 10 a.m. – noon
- Friday, June 6 (Public): noon – 4 p.m.
- Saturday, June 7 (Public): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
St. Mary’s Fort Tours
Guided tours of Maryland’s first fort, founded in 1634, provide a look at the ongoing discoveries revealing Maryland’s earliest colonial roots.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Behind-the-Scenes Lab Tours
Explore the artifact lab inside Anne Arundel Hall to see how recovered materials are cleaned and studied. Limited space – sign-up required at the Visitor Center.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
St. John’s Site Museum Tour
Tour a 17th-century archaeological site that once served as an inn, home and colonial assembly space.
- Friday and Saturday: 1 p.m.
Brick Chapel Exhibit Tour
Step into Maryland’s early religious history with a guided tour of the reconstructed 17th-century Brick Chapel.
- Friday and Saturday: 2:30 p.m.
All activities are included with museum admission.
Free for Historic St. Mary’s City members. For tickets or more information, visit www.hsmcdigshistory.org or call 301-994-4370.
Historic St. Mary’s City is an outdoor living history museum and archaeological site that interprets the stories of Indigenous, colonial, and African American communities who shaped early Maryland. Learn more at www.hsmcdigshistory.org.
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