Announcement: 2026 Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Survey and Excavation in Maryland

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) is pleased to announce the release of our updated 2026 Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Survey and Excavation in Maryland.

While the 1994 guidelines served Maryland well for 30 years, these revisions reflect modern advancements in archaeology and historic preservation.

Key Implementation Dates:

• Before May 31, 2026: Compliance-driven archaeological projects currently underway or in consultation may follow the 1994 Standards.
• After May 31, 2026: All compliance-driven investigations and reports must adhere to the 2026 Standards.

Significant Changes Include:

• Fieldwork: A maximum 15-meter horizontal interval for Phase I shovel testing and expanded guidance on GPR/remote sensing.
• Maritime Archaeology: A new section dedicated to investigations in state waters including information on qualifications, permits, research designs, methods and techniques, site registration, and reporting.
• Reporting & GIS: Updated mapping standards and GIS data submission requirements, as well as more explicit use of artifact summary tables to summarize the distributions of significant artifact categories and support site interpretations and recommendations.
• New Requirements: A mandatory Report Checklist must be submitted with all draft reports. MHT’s review of a draft report will not begin until a complete report with a checklist is submitted. In addition, a 3–5 page ADA-compliant Executive Summary suitable for public release, replaces the 1 page abstract. The lengthier summary will allow for a more detailed synopsis that can easily be shared with the public upon request - enabling MHT to respond to such requests more quickly and effectively and providing the public with the information they need to have a voice and constructively contribute to the historic preservation review process.
• Documentation of Correspondence: Appendices must now include the formal correspondence from MHT (or other agency - SHA, FEMA, local government, etc.) that initiated the investigation. Inclusion of the relevant correspondence will demonstrate that the consultant has, in fact, been provided with a copy of the correspondence and is well-informed about the purpose and level of work that has been recommended or requested.