April 23, 2020

2008, 2009 Field Sessions at Port Tobacco - More Photos

Unlike the Field Sessions in the 1980's there are lots of photos for Field Sessions on-line at the ASM Website starting in 2002 thanks to John Fiveash.  John continues to take photos at all the ASM events.

Port Tobacco (18CH94 / 18CH765)
The Port Tobacco Site is located in the current day Port Tobacco Village and includes sites from 18th century Colonial town and 19th century county seat as well as possible Late Archaic camps and Woodland camps.
Here are some of the photos that John took of people participating in the 2008, 2009 Port Tobacco Field Sessions.  (How many do you recognize?)

From 2008


From 2009

For all of the on-line photos, check out



    2009 Port Tobacco Field Session Photos

And don't forget the photos in the previous blog posting 2008, 2009 Field Session 

April 21, 2020

2008, 2009 Field Sessions at Port Tobacco

As we continue to look at the previous Field Sessions conducted in Charles County by ASM and MGS/MHT, here is information about the Port Tobacco Field Sessions.

Port Tobacco (18CH94 / 18CH765)
The Port Tobacco Site is located in the current day Port Tobacco Village and includes sites from 18th century Colonial town and 19th century county seat as well as possible Late Archaic camps and Woodland camps.

In 2008 and 2009 ASM and the MHT Office of Archaeology conducted two  ten-day Field Sessions at the site with the investigations led by  Jim Gibb.  Previously in 2007 ASM and MHT had dug shovel test pits within the village.  This led to the selection of several loci for further investigation during the Field Sessions.  Work at Port Tobacco was done in partnership with local property owners that included the Sociaty for the Restoration of Port Tobacco. 

Since we are highlighting partnerships, here are some photos of people participating in the Field Sessions.  ( Since I was at these Field Sessions I recognize a number of the people.  Do you? Remember it's around 2008.)

 

The above photos were provided by Dr. April Biesaw.  Stay tuned for more photos provided by John Fiveash.   2008, 2009 Field Sessions-more photos  There are lots of photos.

To see an overview of all Field Sessions - https://mdarchaeology.github.io/Annual-Field-Sessions/
(Note: only forty-nine are listed since the fiftieth is to be some time this year -hopefully.)

April 19, 2020

April declared Charles County Archaeology Month (2020)

At a virtual meeting the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April as Archaeology Month in Charles County (to coincide with Maryland Archaeology Month).  The proclamation sites the rich history and heritage of Charles County, exemplified by historic buildings, cultural landmarks, natural features, and local rituals.  It also recognizes that the county is enhanced by historic preservation associations, groups, and professionals who donate countless hours and dollars to preserve that history.

Unlike previous years the proclamation was mailed to CCASM, and there is no picture with the Commissioners.  Usually CCASM gives each of the Commissioners a Maryland Archaeology Month poster and booklet, but that will need to be sent later when things start to open up again.

April 11, 2020

1988, 1989 Field Sessions at Chapel Point

As we continue to look at the previous Field Sessions conducted in Charles County by ASM and MGS/MHT, here is information about the Chapel Point Field Sessions.

Chapel Point (18CH79)
The Chapel Point Site includes an Early and Late Archaic short-term camp, an Early-Late Woodland shell midden, and an 17th-19th century cemetery.

In 1988 and 1889 ASM and MGS conducted two ten-day Field Sessions at the site with the investigations led by  Dennis Curry and Maureen Kavanagh.  The site was selected due to the severe erosion of the shell midden deposits where a bluff overlooked the Port Tobacco River.  The primary source of the shell midden appears to date to the Popes Creek cultural period.

Since we are highlighting partnerships, here are some photos of people participating in the Field Sessions.  (Can you identify any of the people in the photos?  Remember it's around 1988.  I do recognize one person.)

Source: Dennis Curry
Source: Dennis Curry
Source: Dennis Curry
Source: MHT Office of Archaeology
Source: Dennis Curry

To see an overview of all Field Sessions - https://mdarchaeology.github.io/Annual-Field-Sessions/
(Note: only forty-nine are listed since the fiftieth is to be some time this year -hopefully.)

April 4, 2020

1985 Field Session at Popes Creek

This year's theme for Maryland Archaeology Month is "Partners in Pursuit of the Past: 50 Field Sessions in Maryland Archeology".  The theme is highlighting the those involved in the Fields Sessions sponsored by the Archeological Society of Maryland(ASM) and the Maryland Historical Trust (previously the Maryland Geographical Survey Department of Archaeology). 

Five of the Field Sessions (three sites) investigated were in Charles County: 1985 (Popes Creek); 1988, 1989 (Chapel Point); and 2008, 2009 (Port Tobacco).  Let's look at each of these sites starting with Popes Creek.

Popes Creek(18CH74)
The Popes Creek Site is an Early Archaic through Late Woodland site containing a large shell midden and a late 19th century lime kiln.  The site and its deposits were described by William Henry Holmes in 1907. 

In 1985 ASM and the Maryland Geographical Survey Division of Archaeology (MGS) conducted a ten-day Field Session at the site with the investigation led by Joe McNamara.   Forty-seven 1m x 1m contiguous excavation units in two areas of the upper terrace were excavated.  

Since we are highlighting partnerships, here are some photos of people participating in the Fields Session.  (Sorry, can't identify the people in the photos.  Can you?  Remember it's 1985.)

Source: MHT Office of Archeology
Source: MHT Office of Archeology
Source: MHT Office of Archeology
Source: MHT Office of Archeology
Source: MHT Office of Archeology

To see an overview of all Field Sessions - https://mdarchaeology.github.io/Annual-Field-Sessions/
(Note: only forty-nine are listed since the fiftieth is to be some time this year -hopefully.)