Scout looks at colonial bottle glass found during the merit badge program.

The best way to learn about archaeology is to do it! Opportunities for public participation abound, both in the field and lab. Try your hand at underwater archaeological survey, cleaning and labeling artifacts in the lab, or excavating in the field.

Volunteer!

Archaeologists, both here at the state office and at other programs around the state, are eager to accept volunteers to help with a variety of activities. In addition to our Annual Field Session in Archaeology (see below), as a part of the ongoing survey and testing programs at the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), volunteer assistance is occasionally needed to help with fieldwork and site visits. There are also workshops, symposia, and other educational programs sponsored throughout the state every year.

» VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN MARYLAND ARCHAEOLOGY

Archaeology Field Sessions

This cooperative venture between MHT's Archaeology Program and the Archeological Society of Maryland runs 11 days, inclusive of weekends and the Memorial Day holiday, and is open to the public. The purpose of the field session is to train lay persons in archaeological methods and teach Maryland's past through hands-on involvement, while making meaningful contributions to the study of Maryland archaeology.

For more information on the field session, or on how to join the Archeological Society of Maryland, contact Dr. Matt McKnight at (410) 697-9572.

» DETAILS ABOUT THE SESSION ON THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MARYLAND WEB SITE

April is Maryland Archeology Month

Join the Office of Archaeology, the Archeological Society of Maryland, the Council for Maryland Archeology, the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs, and dozens of other organizations and individuals in a statewide celebration of Maryland's archaeological heritage! Each year during April, the Governor proclaims Maryland Archeology Month. Events are held almost every day throughout the state, including archaeological digs open to visitors, archaeology talks, demonstrations and films, exhibits of archaeological finds, and special events at museums like St. Mary's City and Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.

The Maryland Archeology Month poster and other printed materials are available upon request. To request copies, or for more information contact Dr. Zachary Singer, Research Archaeologist at 410-697-9544.

» LEARN MORE ABOUT MARYLAND ARCHEOLOGY MONTH

Workshops and Symposia

The Office of Archaeology and the Archeological Society of Maryland co-sponsor two major public programs each year: the Archaeology Workshop in August/September and the Spring Symposium in April. The one-day-long Workshop in Archaeology features a keynote address, topical lectures, and hands-on activities related to the prehistoric, historic, and maritime archaeology of the state. The Spring Symposium, produced by the Archeological Society of Maryland with logistic assistance from MHT, is another day of engaging speakers, usually presenting research centered around a particular topic, method, or archaeological problem.

» LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOP IN ARCHAEOLOGY

Calling All Scouts!

Join MHT for a Scouts BSA Archaeology Merit Badge workshop! Scouts will participate in a two-day workshop to help fulfill the requirements of the badge. On day one, a lecture day will be held at MHT headquarters (100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD). The lecture day will include discussions and activities to complete most of the Archaeology Merit Badge requirements. Then, on day two, join MHT archaeologists, Rangers from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and volunteers from the Archeological Society of Maryland for excavations at the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Prerequisites: Scouts will need to complete Requirement 4 on their own. Scouts should also bring to the lecture day either a family artifact/heirloom, or a 1 week inventory of their family's trash, and be prepared to discuss these items with merit badge counselors to complete requirement 7b or c. Please bring Blue Cards if you have previously completed other requirements. Blue Cards will be provided to all participants as needed.

Youth Protection: All scouts must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. In lieu of a parent/guardian, one adult leader may accompany multiple scouts while conforming with BSA Youth Protection guidelines. In addition, MHT has registered scout leaders with YPT certification on staff.

» FLYER

If you or your troop are interested in taking part in any subsequent Scouts BSA Archaeology Merit Badge workshops, please consider taking a few moments to answer this interest form:

» INTEREST FORM