2023 Market Day and Public Archaeology

Saturday, May 6, The Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco held its Fourteenth Annual Market Day at the Port Tobacco Courthouse.  As in previous years there were tables with a diversity of things to buy including lots of plants and also tables with information about various non-profit groups in the County.     Attendees also could listen to performances by several local musical groups.  

Once again CCASM had a table on the south side of the Courthouse.  CCASM's largest display highlighted archaeology done at Port Tobacco.  The activity this year involved identifying various types of Native American artifacts.  There were lots of visitors to the table, and we even got two new members.  Those representing CCASM at various times during the day were Linda, Denise, Pat, Peggy, Carol, and Claudia.

Assisting young boy with
Identifying Artifacts

Talking about Archaeology
and CCASM

Just catching up

We also directed people to the two other locations highlighting archaeology in the Village.  The main draw was the Public Archaeology at the Swann House Site that was southwest of the Courthouse.   CCASM members Mary, Elsie, and Steve along with four UMBC students assisted the public at the site while Esther Read told the story of James Swann and the site, but also talked about archaeology.  We were investigating a 3'x5' unit in the "chimney fall" area that keeps getting stranger and stranger.  Work continued on the unit after Market Day ended with Ned and Pat joining the other CCASM members already volunteering on the site.

Sifting mostly brick related debitage

Telling the story of James Swann
and the site

We also directed people to the Blacksmith Site the was north of the Agricultural Heritage Museum.  CCASM member Ned talked about that site and blacksmithing in general, but also provided information about putting tobacco in hogsheads and other farming information for the handful of people who made there way to the Museum.

At the Blacksmith Site

Thanks to Linda, Denise, Peggy, Pat, and Carol for representing CCASM and to Claudia for assisting at the CCASM table.
Thanks to Mary, Elsie, and Steve for helping Esther at the dig. 
And thanks to Ned for all he did at the Blacksmith Site and the Museum.
That's a lot of people helping to make this outreach opportunity a success.  So a lot of thanks.

Also thanks to Frank and Pat for providing some of the photos.