Department of Planning Maryland Historical Trust

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Architectural Fieldwork Symposium

The Maryland Historical Trust's annual Architectural Fieldwork Symposium brings together field surveyors, architectural historians, preservation planners, and related practitioners from across the state to discuss recent projects, themes, and methodology.

The Architectural Fieldwork Symposium will be held on March 26, 2026 at MHT offices in Crownsville. Stay tuned for the agenda and registration!

Architectural Symposium 2025 Save the Date ​

Past Events

Enjoy some past recorded presentations from the 2020 and 2021 virtual events!

Dendrochronology in the U.S. and Abroad by Michael Worthington

Dendrochronology utilizes the technique known as tree-ring dating to date timbers from historic structures. This process requires a broad understanding of diverse principles from the impact of climate on trees’ annual growth rings to the ability to track a building’s architectural development. This work is critical to our understanding of historic buildings, as dendrochronology frequently results in a realignment of construction dates.
"> Video, Dendrochronology in the U.S. and AbroadPlay video

In the Midst of These Plains: Charles County’s Historic Buildings and Landscapesby Nicole A. Diehlmann and Cathy Hardy Thompson

A major benchmark in a county’s architectural survey efforts is the publication of a comprehensive book synthesizing decades of completed fieldwork and research. Co-authors Nicole A. Diehlmann and Cathy Hardy Thompson have recently published such a culmination of research on the historic buildings and landscapes in Charles County, tracking the county’s development through the built environments of agriculture, naval proving grounds, and casinos, to name a few. The book, In the Midst of These Plains: Charles County Buildings and Landscapes, is available for purchase from MHT Press.
Video, In the Midst of These Plains: Charles County’s Historic Buildings and LandscapesPlay video

Inscribing Significance: Documenting & Interpreting Historic Graffiti in Maryland by Michael J. Emmons, Jr.

A wide array of historic graffiti and vernacular inscriptions can be found on the old surfaces of Maryland's historic buildings, but they are sometimes overlooked and often left undocumented. This presentation highlights several examples of historic graffiti in Maryland, exploring their historical significance and interpretation potential.
Video, Inscribing Significance: Documenting & Interpreting Historic Graffiti in MarylandPlay video

Call for Presentation Abstracts

The Maryland Historical Trust invites the submission of presentation abstracts for our annual Architectural Fieldwork Symposium scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Presentations must be analytical rather than descriptive and should place the subject in the broader context of political, social, architectural, cultural, and economic influences of the period. We are interested in showcasing recent fieldwork, thematic studies that highlight a particular property type or aspect of Maryland’s history, the documentation of underrepresented communities, and broader regional studies that can inform our work in Maryland.

If you're interested in highlighting recent research or a documentation project from your agency, county, or firm, please consider submitting a brief one-page proposal, not to exceed 350 words, outlining your topic. The presentations will be 20 minutes in length with a 5 to 10-minute Q&A afterwards.

The submission deadline for presentation proposals is December 1, 2025. Notification of accepted submissions will be sent via email no later than December 31, 2025. All symposium presenters will receive a small honorarium for their efforts.

The presentation abstract should include the following:

  • A presentation title and topic sentence
  • A 250 to 350-word description of the presentation
  • A brief bio of the presenter(s), plus a CV

Please direct any questions to Heather Barrett, Administrator of Architectural Research, at [email protected].

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