Archaeological Assessment now required by Charles County Subdivision Regulations

On March 26, 2013 Charles County Planning and Growth Management issued a notice (Notice #13-04) to clarify applicant responsibilities in meeting Section 55 and Appendix A, 19b of the Charles County Subdivision Regulations.   Section 55 deals with identification of historic and archaeological resources.

Of note, applicants are now required to complete a preliminary archaeological assessment (Phase 1A) which will include records and historic documents research consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations in Maryland.

Click to read the entire notice.

2013 ASM/MHT Workshop

The Maryland Historical Trust and the Archeological Society of Maryland, Inc hosted the 22nd Annual Workshop in Archeology on March 23.

In addition to the sessions, there was plenty of time to talk to others who were also interested in archaeology.  Here are a couple of our members during the lunch break-

But if you are interested in what talks were given, here is an overview--

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Stephen R. Potter, regional archaeologist with the National Park Service for the National Capital Region.  Dr. Potter who talked about what archaeological research has discovered about the Battle of Antietam, including the discovery of forgotten Confederate regiments.

Other sessions included

•  a workshop on tin-glazed earthenware by Patricia Samford
•  a workshop on equestrian artifacts of the Mid-Atlantic by Sara Rivers-Cofield
•  a primer on GPS and conventional survey procedures by Bill Stephens 
•  the Wreck of the Levin J. Marvel by John Ward
•  Marlinspike seamanship by Wes Sullivan, a profession tall ship rigger (limited to 20)
•  manufacture of Slate Tools by Dan Coates
•  overview of Biggs Ford, site of annual ASM/MHT field session, by Charlie Hall
•  CAT (Certified Archaeological Technician) Workshops on Law and on Ethics

Archaeology at Shuter's Hill in Alexandria

Garret Fesler

At the March 14 CCASM meeting Garret Fesler reviewed the archaeology that Alexandria Archaeology has done at Shuter's Hill since 1995.  Archival research indicates that Shuter’s Hill was the site of an 18th century plantation house, two 19th century houses as well as the site of two Civil War forts.   Alexander Archaeology encourages volunteers to help with the excavations.  They hope to start looking for the large 18th century plantation house that burned after they finish excavating a laundry house associated with that house.  Numerous pictures exist showing a Civil War encampment on the site that included one of the 19th century houses.  There's a lot going on and a lot more to investigate.

Click to see the posting on CCASM's trip to Shuter's Hill in 2012 as well as additional information about the site.

Rich Gorski

For this meeting we had an additional speaker.  Rich Gorski is currently participating in the citizen-scientist program at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.  Rich described the archaeology that is being done at the Sellman's Homestead as well as what the data is telling them.

 Attendance: 10

Projectile Points on JPPM Website

Projectile Points have been added to the "Diagnostic Artifacts in Maryland" section of the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum website.   If you have never used the Diagnostic Artifacts website, you should check it out.  It definitely helps in the identification of many of the types of artifacts found in Maryland.

The projectile point section may not answer all your questions, but it is a good start.