Archaeology enthusiasts do not have to wait in line for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls. On Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, one of the nation’s best-preserved colonial archaeology sites will open its excavations and laboratory to the public. The excavation site is located in Historic St. Mary’s City.

TAW student helps a
young visitor discover artifacts

During the extraordinary weekend dubbed, Tidewater Archaeology Weekend, enthusiasts can learn how archaeologists go about the painstaking process of uncovering and identifying artifacts. There will be tours of various excavation areas on the site where Maryland’s first governor, Leonard Calvert, lived.

The dig, near Town Center, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to exploring the actual dig site, there will be an exhibit featuring objects found during this summer’s excavations.

Tours of the archaeology laboratory will be available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Visitors will learn why and how conservators save pieces of the past and view a variety of objects recovered from Maryland’s beginnings.

The size of the facility restricts the number of visitors on each tour. Visitors are encouraged to sign up at the Visitor’s Center upon arrival to ensure a spot on the next available tour. The archaeology laboratory is not open to the public at any other time of year.

At 2 p.m. each day, director of research Henry Miller will offer a walking tour and describe how archaeologists are able to re-create the past using scant archaeological and historical evidence.

All are encouraged to join the one-hour excursion and should plan to rendezvous with Dr. Miller at the

Dr. Henry Miller leads visitors on a tour of
discovered archaeological treasures in
historic St. Mary’s City.

gazebo at 2:00 p.m. Visitors will discover that, unlike Indiana Jones, real archaeologists seldom get chased, punched, or have to traverse the site on a rope swing. However, every day they assemble clues that reveal buried secrets from the past.

Working in the field can be hot, dirty work. Visitors are cautioned to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, water, and a sense of adventure.

Special activities and access to all of the museum exhibits are included in the museum entry fee ($10.00 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students, and $3.50 for children ages 6-12). Refreshments will be available on site throughout the day.

For more information about Tidewater Archaeology Weekend or Historic St. Mary’s City please call 240-895-4990 or visit www.stmaryscity.org.