Archeology

The MHT Archeology Program assists the people of Maryland in identifying, studying, evaluating, preserving, protecting, and interpreting the state’s archeological resources.   The office conducts research, survey and inventory, and public programs, and offers assistance through grants to universities, governments and non-profit groups.  We also provide technical assistance to those interested in conducting research on Maryland archeology. 

A major component of the Terrestrial Archeology Program is the Annual Field Session in Maryland Archeology. This venture joins professional archeologists and volunteers to carry out excavations throughout the state. In the past the field session studied sites as varied as prehistoric campsites, an historic Indian village, an 18th century plantation, and a Revolutionary War shipyard. Public participation is encouraged, both in the field and in the lab.

Throughout the year, the Terrestrial Archeology Program also sponsors or co-sponsors numerous educational activities open to the public. These include an annual Workshop in Archeology and Maryland Archeology Month. In addition, the Terrestrial Archeology Program issues permits for archeological investigations on state-owned or state-controlled lands, and provides oversight of MHT-grant-funded archeology projects undertaken on land.

Underwater Archeology

The Maryland Historical Trust's underwater archeology program, the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program (MMAP), was created in 1988 to inventory and manage the state's submerged cultural resources.

Review and Compliance

State and Federally funded projects require an assessment of their impacts to archeological resources.  The Archeological Services unit assists governmental agencies and their program clients to meet their statutory historic preservation responsibilities through the project review and compliance process.

Archeological Collections

The Maryland Historical Trust currently curates millions of artifacts recovered from archeological sites.  The collections are housed at the Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard, MD. 

Permits

Permits are required for certain archeological activities on state owned or state-controlled lands and in caves, including underwater activities. 

Public Programs

There are many opportunities to learn more about Maryland Archeology, through public lectures, meetings, and more!  These include an annual Workshop in Archeology and Maryland Archeology Month.