2026 MHT/ASM Workshop

The 35th Annual Maryland Historical Trust Workshop in Archeology was held in Crownsville, MD, on Saturday September 26, and as its name implies this year there were a number of workshops. 

The keynote speaker was Dr. Julia King who is a Professor of Anthropology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland   Dr. King talked about finding an early 17th century Jesuit Mission at Portobacco in Charles County.

Since this was a Workshop in Archaeology, the keynote address was followed by talks, some of which had hands on activities.  Since many were held concurrently, it was often a hard choice on which one to attend.

CCASM members attending included Carol, Ned, Jim, Elsie, and Esther.  (You will have to imagine our picture for this year.)

CCASM is a chapter of ASM. 

Click for program and more details about talks

Exploring Landscapes of Conflict in Maryland

Steph Soder

Steph Soder talked about the sub-discipline of conflict archaeology.  Conflict archaeology can include prehistoric, historic, and modern conflicts that may include the battlefield and other points of conflict as well as non-battlefield sites, like internment camps and prisoner-of-war camps, arsenals, batteries, military support facilities.  Steph described how archaeologists locate and analyze landscapes of conflict by reviewing archaeological and historical records and oral histories as well as conducting various types of geophysical surveys.  Steph concluded by describing current work being undertaken by the Maryland Historical Trust to locate camp sites of comte de Rochambeau.

Steph Soder is the Research Archaeologist at Maryland Historical Trust.

Once again this was a hybrid meeting with the speaker presenting via Zoom.  Thanks to Jim for allowing us to use his Zoom account, and thanks to Peggy for providing the hotspot.  

Attendance: 13  (7 via Zoom)