In the Field at Maxwell Hall (Geophysical Survey)

Friday February 26 was the first official day of the Charles County Archaeology Program 2021 Field Season and CCASM members were there.  It started out as pretty day that was somewhat chilly with clouds rolling in after lunch. 

Matt McKnight and Zac Singer from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) are working with Charles County on a geophysical survey at Maxwell Hall to look for indications of other buildings, e.g. possible slave quarters, on the site.  Esther Read, Charles County Archaeologist, is in charge of the project.  Matt and Zac are in charge of operating the equipment - ground penetrating radar and magnetometer - and the interpretations.  CCASM volunteers Linda, Mary, and Carol were there Friday to help set up the lines, etc. and to just enjoy being in the field with others (masked and socially distanced). This was just the first of four days in the field.

Work on the survey continued on March 2 with CCASM volunteers Linda and Mary as well as a number of Friends of Maxwell Hall volunteers.  Mary worked with Charlie Hall From MHT on the magnetic susceptibility survey.

After the survey wrapped up Thursday morning (March 4), CCASM volunteers Linda, Mary, and Carol hiked down to the Creek where they found brick bats and remains of a possible pier.  This led Esther and Cathy Thompson to investigate other areas on the site. (More to come later.)