Topics and Speakers at Previous CCASM Meetings

November 21, 2024

Ice Age Maryland: Recent Investigations from the Maryland Fluted Point Survey
Dr. Singer discussed recent projects conducted by the Maryland Fluted Point Survey including investigations of the deeply buried Clovis occupation at the Barton Site in Allegany County and research into Clovis exploitation of weathering amber chalcedony in Maryland.
Zachery Singer, State Terrestrial Archaeologist, Maryland Historical Trust
see MD Fluted Points  for posting about meeting

October 17, 2024

Sites of Slavery, Resistance, and Freedom in Nineteenth-Century Anne Arundel County
Jennifer Babiarz presented the findings of an 18-month study by Lost Towns Project on the housing of enslaved and free-Black tenants in Anne Arundel County during the 19th century. 
Jennifer Babiarz, Archaeology Lab Director and Historic Registrar for Anne Arundel County
see Sites of Slavery  for posting about meeting

September 19, 2024

Colonial Chesapeake Tavern

Rod Cofield shared historic documents to give us a glimpse into taverns and tavern life in the Cheasapeke.
David Cofield, Executive Director, Jefferson Patterson Park and Planning
see Colonial Chesapeake Taverns  for posting about meeting

May 18, 2024

Swann Oyster House and Potluck Supper

Esther Doyle Read reviewed the history of the Swann Oyster House and shared what was being found at the site and what that could tell us.
Esther Read, County Archaeologist, Charles County Planning and Growth Management
see Swann Oyster House  for posting about meeting

April 18, 2024

Abolition and the Liberated Africans on the Gambia River

Dr. Liza Gijanto talk about the history of the Liberated Africans in West Africa and the archeology she and her students have done there.
Liza Gijanto, St. Mary's College of Maryland
see Liberated Africans  for posting about meeting

March 21, 2024

The Mallows Bay Graveyard Laboratory: Archaeological and Ecological Science of the Ghost Fleet

Allyson Ropp discussed the historical archaeological investigations of the shipwrecks and ongoing ecological studies of the impacts of nature on the wrecks and the wrecks on nature,
Allyson Ropp, PhD Candidate, East Carolina University
see Mallows Bay Lab  for posting about meeting

February 15, 2024

What do the Titanic, Superman, and the Bible have in Common?

Dr. Susan Langley talked about the WWII Project Habbakuk and also about her underwater investigations of the Project's large-scale model built in Canada.
Susan Langley, MHT State Underwater Archaeologist
see Project Habbakuk  for posting about meeting  

January 18, 2024

A Single-Component Brewerton Complex Site

Dr. Jim Gibb described how investigations of the Westwood North Site in Charles County helped identify a single-component Brewerton Complex site
James Gibb, SERC Research Associeate
see Brewerton Complex  for posting about meeting
 
December 21, 2023

Archaeology Jeopardy

see  Archaeology Jeopardy   for posting about meeting
 
November 16, 2023

Archaeological Investigations Along the Port Tobacco River: The Search for the Jesuit Mission of Father Andrew White

Dr. Julia King talked about the search for the early Jesuit mission at Port Tobacco and the clues that have been unearthed so far
Julia King, St Mary's College of Maryland
see  Search for the Jesuit Mission of Father Andrew White   for posting about meeting
 
October 19, 2023

Historic Ceramics Workshop - Post Colonial Refined Earthenwares

Dr. Patricia Samford conducted a workshop on post colonial refined earthenwares.
Patricia Samford, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab
see Historic Ceramics Workshop  for posting about meeting
 
September 21, 2023

Three Recent Archaeology Projects in Anne Arundel County

Andrew Webster talked about three recent Anne Arundel projects with each project representing a different aspect of archaeology.
Drew Webster, Anne Arundel Planning, Lost Towns Project
see Anne Arundel Archaeology  for posting about meeting
 
May 13, 2023

Blacksmithing Demsonstration and Potluck Lunch

At the CCASM Annual Meeting held at his house, Ned Edelen talked about blacksmithing and the various tools involved .  He also demonstrated how to make several objects.
Ned Edelen, CCASM member
see Blacksmitting  for posting about meeting
 
April 20, 2023

MHT Potpourri: Updates on Recent Archaeology Projects

Dr. Zachary Singer provided an overview of at least seven sites on which Maryland Historical Trust archaeologist have been working.
Zachary Singer, State Terrestrial Archaeologist, Maryland Historical Trust
see MHT Potpourri  for posting about meeting
 
March 16, 2023

My Experiences at Two Public Montpelier Archaeology "Expeditions"

Patricia Vazquez shared her experiences of participating in two week-long public archaeology programs at James Madison's Montpelier.
Patricia Vazquez, CCASM Vice President
see Monpelier  for posting about meeting
 
February 16, 2023

Centers of Exchange: Comparing Virginia's Northern Neck and Maryland's Potomac Valley

Caitlin Hall talked compared similarities and differences related to trade at three Indigenous sites -- Baylor and Camden in the Virginia Northern Neck, and Posey on the Potomac in Charles County, 
Caitlin Hall, Assistant Archaeologist (working with Dr. Julia King)
see Centers of Exchange  for posting about meeting
 
January 19, 2023

Survey of the U-1105

Aaron S. Hamilton provided an update on the underwater survey of the U-1105 German submarine shipwreck that the Battle of the Atlantic Research and Expedition Group (BAREG) is doing for the State of Maryland.
Aaron S. Hamilton, published historian and avocational maritime archaeologist
see U-1105  for posting about meeting
 
December 15, 2022

The Wheelwright's Experience

Dr. Jim Gibb showed slides of the various tools and objects that would be found in a wheelwright shop and in a forge. Jim also talked about excavations done on a late nineteenth century wagon workshop in western New York.
James Gibb, Smithsonian Research Associate
see Wheelwright  for posting about meeting
 
November 17, 2022

Shenandoah Valley Pottery in 19th Century Maryland

Dr. Jim Gibb talked about the history of potting in Western Maryland during the 19th century and discussed the the use of local made ceramics as well as more refined ceramics imported from the United Kingdom.
James Gibb, Smithsonian Research Associate
see Shenandoah Valley Pottery  for posting about meeting
 
October 20, 2022

What If You Find a Projectile Point or a Rusty Nail on the Ground?

Carol Cowherd shared what she had learned as a member of the Archeological Society of Maryland about what she could and could not do when she found an artifact such as a projectile point on the ground and also how to document what was found.
Carol Cowherd, President, CCASM
see What If  for posting about meeting
 
September 15, 2022

Recent Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Work in Southern Maryland and CRM Industry Q&A

After talking about three archaeology projects undertaken by AAHA (a CRM firm) in Southern Maryland, Patrick Walters fielded questions about CRM and other things relating to archaeology.
Patrick Walters, Director of Cultural Resources, Applied Archaeology and History Associates, Inc.
see Sites and CRM  for posting about meeting
 
May 12, 2022

Following the Drinking Gourd: Considering the Celestial Landscape

Patricia Samford  talked about enslaved individuals' reliance on the heavens  and how caches at six archaeological sites in Maryland suggest this reliance may sometimes find its way into the archaeological record.
Patricia Samford, Director of Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory
see Considering the Celestial Landscape  for posting about meeting
 
April 14, 2022

Dietary Patterns at Two Colonial Sites in Southern Maryland

Abigail Kennedy presented dietary data associated with faunal and vessel artifacts recovered from two early colonial sites in Calvert County
Abigail Kennedy, UMBC student
see Dietary Patterns at Two Colonial Sites  for posting about meeting
 
March 10, 2022

Recent Work at Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park

Stephanie Sperling gave an overview of the area including past archaeological investigations while Chris Sperling Sean Jones described several excavation units placed next the foundation of the 1780s plantation house that is on the site. 
Stephanie Sperling, Senior Archaeologist, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Sean Jones , Collections Specialist, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
see Recent Work at Mount Calvert  for posting about meeting
 
February 10, 2022

Calvert County Archaeology Update

Kirsti Uunila related stories of several archaeology activities previously done in Calvert County while Chris Sperling told of potential upcoming archaeology where volunteers could help.. 
Kirsti Uunila, Independent Consultant
Christopher Sperling, Historic Preservation Planner for Calvert County
see Calvert County Archaeology  for posting about meeting
 
January 13, 2022

Mary Kittamaquund Brent, "The Pocahontas of Maryland"

Kelly Watson talked about Mary Kittamaquund Brent’s place in the history of the seventeenth-century Chesapeake.
Kelly L Watson, Assistant Director and Service Assistant Professor of the Women's and Gender Studies Program, West Virginia University
see Mary Kittamaquund Brent  for posting about meeting
 
December 9, 2021

The Discovery of St. Mary's Fort

Travis Parno described past attempts to locate the fort and how the fort was recently rediscovered using geophysical and archaeological surveys.
Travis Parno, Director of Research and Collections, Historic St. Mary's City
see St. Mary's Fort  for posting about meeting
 
November 11, 2021

The Leedstown Bead Cache: An Archaeological Mystery

Julie King explored hypotheses related to the trade beads found in Leedstown in the Rappahannock River Valley of Virginia.
Julia King, Anthropology Professor, St Mary's College of Maryland
see Leedstwon Beads  for posting about meeting
 
October 14, 2021

One-Room Schoolhouses in Maryland

Jim Gibb described the typical architecture of one-room schoolhouses. and also explored what the variability in their architecture can tell us.
Jim Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see One-Room Schoolhouses in Maryland  for posting about meeting
 
September 9, 2021

How to Make Stone Tools

Nate Salzman demonstrated how to flint knap, i.e. how to remove flakes from stones in order to make stone tools.
Nate Salzman, Education and Exhibits Specialist at Jefferson Paterson Park and Museum (JPPM)
see How to Make Stone Tools  for posting about meeting
 
May 13, 2021

Digging St. Clement's Manor

Julia King told about archaeology relating to the search for Thomas Gerard's 17th century manor house that was located near the mouth of the Wicomico River
Julia King, Professor of Anthropology at St. Mary's College of Maryland
see Digging St Clements Manor  for posting about meeting
 
April 8, 2021

An Interesting Prince George's County Cemetery Project

Aaron Levinthal talked about the relocation of a late 19th through mid-20th century, African American cemetery known as Simon Hill
Aaron Levinthal, Consultant Archaeologist, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration
see PG County Cemetery Project  for posting about meeting
 
March 11, 2021

Archaeology During Covid: What We Did This Past Year

Esther Read talked about various archaeological Projects undertaken by Charles County Planning and Growth Management.  Members of CCASM have volunteered on a number of the projects.
Esther Doyle Read, County Archaeologist, Charles County Planning and Growth Management
see Archaeology During Covid  for posting about meeting
 
February 11, 2021

Prehistoric Ossuaries of the Middle Atlantic

Dennis Curry talked about known Middle Atlantic ossuaries ranging from Cape Henlopen, Delaware to Cape Fear, North Carolina that also includes a number of examples from Charles County.
Dennis Curry, retired Chief Archaeologist, Maryland Historical Trust Archaeology Department
see Ossuaries of the Middle Atlantic  for posting about meeting
 
January 14, 2021

Both Rails of the Underground Railroad in Central Delaware

Craig Lukezic told of four sites along with three different stories related to African Americans that were in Delaware during the eighteenth and early nineteen century. And, of course, Craig talked about some of the archaeology done at the these sites
Craig Lukezic, Cultural Resource Manager, Naval Air Station Patuxent River
see Underground Railroad  for posting about meeting
 
December 10, 2020

The Archaeological “Signature” of American Taverns

Laura Masur spoke about what we normally expect to find at taverns and how a project she worked on several years ago made her rethink what to expect when digging a tavern
Laura Masur, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, The Catholic University of America
see American Taverns  for posting about meeting
 
November 12, 2020

The Robert Ogle Project

Amelia Chisolm spoke about the artifacts, mostly Native American lithics, that Robert Ogle had collected in Anne Arundel, Prince Georges, and Charles counties-- highlighting collections from Charles County sites in the Zekiah Swamp area.
Amelia Chisholm, Archaeology Laboratory Director, Anne Arundel County
see Robert Ogle Collection  for posting about meeting

October 8, 2020

Archaeology in Jug Bay Complex

Stephanie Sperling provided an overview of the archaeology in the Jug Bay Complex on the Patuxent River.  The Jug Bay Complex includes Pig Point, Mount Calvert, Billingsley, and River Farm as well as a number of other sites.
Stephanie Sperling, Archaeologist at Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
see River Jug Bay Archaeology  for posting about meeting

September 10, 2020

Updates from the Field

Jim Gibb gave updates on two recent projects "in the field" -- using cadaver dogs and geophysical sensing to look for SERC family cemeteries and conducting a Phase III investigation on an early through mid-18th-century plantation site.
James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Updates from the Field  for posting about meeting

March 12, 2020

It Was Just A Thimble: Finding Women and "Women's Work" in the Archaeological Record

Esther Read told how recent archaeological excavation and documentary research at the Simpkin Coatback site (18CH949) in Dentsville have enabled us to look at the lives of the women who lived and worked on the farm from the late 18th through mid-20th century
Esther Doyle Read, County Archaeologist for Charles County Planning and Growth
see Women and Women's Work in Archaeological Record  for posting about meeting

February 13, 2020

IMH Underwater Archaeology: Collecting Data at Depth

Carolin McManus spoke about various Institute of Maritime History (IMH) projects in Maryland and in Europe.
Carolin McManus, Professor College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown,  IMH diver and researcher
see IMH Underwater Archaeology  for posting about meeting
   
January 9, 2020

The Port Tobacco Great Mill

Donald Zimmer shared how he had learned about the location of an early eighteenth century mill near Port Tobacco.  Paula and Bob brought some of the artifacts recovered from the site as well as displays of what has been done.
Donald Zimmer with Paula and Bob Sorrells
see The Port Tobacco Great Mill  for posting about meeting
   
December 12, 2019

An Analysis of Baylor: a Contact-Period Native Site

Catherine Dye discussed findings from the artifact-rich Baylor Site that is located in the Rappahannock River Valley.
Catherine Dye, graduate of Saint Mary's College of Maryland
see Analysis of Baylor  for posting about meeting
   
November 14, 2019

Cemetery Mapping as a Preservation Strategy: Working with and for Communities

Sarah Grady related how those at the Smithsonian Environmental Archaeology Laboratory mapped the cemetery and produced a product for the descendants of those interred at the cemetery.  Then Wyseola Smith talked about what it meant to her to grow up in this community.
Sarah Grady and Wyseola Smith, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
see Mapping an African American Cemetery  for posting about meeting
   
September 12, 2019

Protecting the Upper Chesapeake Bay: Fort Hollingsworth (1813-1815)

Dr. James Gibb told about finding Fort Hollingsworth, a small breastwork that protected the upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812.
Dr. James G. Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Fort Hollingsworth (1813-1815)  for posting about meeting
   
April 11, 2019

Interpreting West Ashcom (Cremona Estate): Drones, Artifacts, and Archives:

Dr. Lisa Gijanto related the effort to interpret West Ashcom by using archives, artifacts, and drones.
Dr. Liza Gijanto, Associate Professor of Anthropology St. Mary’s College of Maryland
see Drones, Artifacts, and Archives  for posting about meeting
   
March 14, 2019

Historic Ceramics Workshop, Part I

Dr. Patricia Samford conducted a workshop on colonial ceramics.
Dr. Patricia Samford, Director of Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab
see Historic Ceramics Workshop, Part I  for posting about meeting
   
February 14, 2019

Bone Workshop: Distinguishing Pig and Cow Bones

Dr. James Gibb conducted a workshop on distinguishing pig bones from cow bones.
Dr. James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Distinguishing Pig and Cow Bones  for posting about meeting
   
January 10, 2019

Remembered by the Wind: The Serenity Farm Burial Ground

Franklin Robinson, Jr told how a skull found in 1982 on Serenity Farm in Benedict led to the discovery of a previously unknown slave burial ground.
Franklin Robinson, Archivist, Smithsonian National Museum of American History
see Burial Ground  for posting about meeting
   
December 13, 2018

Meliponiculture: Mayan Beekeeping Past and Present

Susan Langley told us about this stingless bee of Central America that is still being kept by Mayans and also provided honeys to be sampled.
Susan Langley, beekeeper and MHT Maryland Underwater Archaeologist
see Mayan Beekeeping  for posting about meeting
   
November 8, 2018

Brass, Copper, and the Colonial Impact

Maxwell Sickler talked about an archaeological analysis of Native American copper and brass artifacts from Mid-Atlantic sites.
Maxwell Sickler, graduate of Saint Mary's College of Maryland
see Brass,Copper, and the Colonial Impact  for posting about meeting
  
October 11, 2018

Charles County Archaeology Program

Esther Read gave a brief overview of the new Charles County Archaeology Program followed by an update on the salvage archeology at Simpkin Coatback and on the Port Tobacco site.
Esther Doyle Read, Charles County Archaeologist
see Charles County Archaeology Program  for posting about meeting
   
September 13, 2018

Archaeology of the Paleoindian Period (13,000-10,000 calendar years before present)

Zachary Singer covered the various hypotheses of how humans came to North America as well as described the various stone tools and technologies associated with pre-Clovis, Clovis, and later Paleoindian sites.
Zachary Singer, Public Programs Coordinator, Anne Arundel County Division of Cultural Resources and The Lost Towns Project, Inc.
see Paleoindian Archaeology  for posting about meeting

May 12, 2018

Port Tobacco River Conservancy and Potluck Supper

At CCASM's second Potluck Supper Tina Wilson talked about a number of projects being undertaken by PTRC, and Julie Simpson gave us an update on the Port Tobacco Jail House Lot.
Tina Wilson and Julie Simpson, Port Tobacco River Conservancy
see PTRC and Potluck Supper  for posting about meeting

April 12, 2018

Smith's St. Leonard Site

Ed Chaney showed us how archaeology being done on the Smith’s St. Leonard Site is telling us more about the site and life in the 18th century.
Ed Chaney, Deputy Director, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory
see Smith's St. Leonard Site  for posting about meeting

March 8, 2018

X-Radiography in Archaeology and Conservation

Francis Lukezic shared several projects in which X-Radiography had been used to determine more about the inside of an object.
Francis Lukezic, conservator, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory
see X-Radiography in Archaeology and Conservation  for posting about meeting

February 8, 2018

An Adena Stone Cup Found in Charles County

Carol Cowherd compared the "Charles County" hematite cup with other Adena hematite artifacts housed at NMNH as well as to some of the Adena artifacts found in Maryland and Delaware.  Carol also explored where the artifact was probably found and what else has been found (or nor found) in that area.
Carol Cowherd, CCASM President
see Adena Stone Cup in Charles County  for posting about meeting
 
January 11, 2018

Native American Hunting Tools and Techniques

Nate Salzman described the different hunting tools and tactics employed by pre-contact native groups of the Chesapeake and also looked at the importance of hunting to the native groups.
Nathaniel Salzman' Education and Exhibit Specialist, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
see Native American Hunting Tools and Techniques  for posting about meeting

December 14, 2017

Shell Button Manufacturing in 20th Century Delmarva

Jim Gibb talked about the Smithsonian Institution's research into this obscure craft focusing on the process of button making and the various conditions that first drew this industry to the region and then contributed to its demise.
James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Shell Button Manufacturing  for posting about meeting

November 9, 2017

Drone Anthropology and Archaeology in Belize

Jacob Moschler and Alison DeCamp recounted their recent tvisit to the remote Caracol archaeological site in Belize.  Jacob also talked about drones and his work with drones on anthropological and archaeological projects.
Jacob Moshler, Engineer and Drone Pilot, University of Maryland Unmanned Aircraft Test Site
Alison DeCamp
see Drone Anthropology and A Visit to Caracol  for posting about meeting

October 12, 2017

History of Archeology in Maryland's First Capitol

Silas Hurry recounted the history of archaeology at Historic St. Mary's City starting with colonial times and continuing up to the present.
Silas Hurry, Curator of Collections and Archaeological Laboratory Director, Historic St. Mary's City
see History of Archeology in Maryland's First Capitol  for posting about meeting

September 14, 2017

Bones for Beginners Workshop II

Jim Gibb conducted a hands-on workshop using bird road kill specimens to review anatomy and point out distinguishing features of bird bones.
James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Bones for Beginners Workshop II  for posting about meeting

May 13, 2017

Thomas Stone and Potluck Supper

At CCASM's first Potluck Supper Amy Muraca talked about archaeology relating to Thomas Stone NHS, and David Lassman told us about numerous National Park sites in this area.
Amy Muraca, NPS Resource Manager, and Park Ranger David Lassman
see Thomas Stone and Potluck Supper  for posting about meeting

April 13, 2017

Landscape and the Imagined Past

Esther Read talked about how recent archaeology as well as efforts by Charles County are trying to provide visitors to Port Tobacco more clues to this historic counterpart.  Next she described the  archaeology at Rich Hill and how it is beginning to tell us how the different occupants of the property changed the landscape there.
Esther Doyle Read, Charles County Contract Archaeologist
see Landscape and the Imagined Past  for posting about meeting

March 9, 2017

Elusive Artifacts-Archaeological Textiles and Native Plants

Kate Dinnel shared with us the evidence for textiles in the archaeological record and from museum collections as well as described the plants used to make them.
Kate Dinnel, Jefferson Paterson Park and Museum
see Elusive Artifacts  for posting about meeting

February 9, 2017

Finding Josiah Henson: How Charles County Shaped the Life of this Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Julia King talked about Josiah Henson who was born in 1796, enslaved on the farm, La Grange, in Charles County, MD and about the archaeology this past year at La Grange that uncovered the location of the 18th century slave quarter there.
Julia King, Anthropology Professor,  Saint Mary's College of Maryland
see Finding Josiah Henson  for posting about meeting

January 12, 2017

Bones for Beginners Workshop I

Jim Gibb conducted a hands-on workshop using mammal road kill specimens to review anatomy and point out distinguishing features of mammal bones.
James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Bones for Beginners Workshop I  for posting about meeting

December 8, 2016

Artifacts of Religion and Magic

Sara Rivers-Cofield talked about interpreting the material culture of faith and the supernatural in Maryland.
Sara Rivers-Cofield,  Federal Curator,  Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab
see Artifacts of Religion and Magic  for posting about meeting

November 10, 2016

Eastern Woodland Indians of Maryland Traveling Trunk

Julie Hall shared with CCASM an Eastern Woodland Indians of Maryland Traveling Trunk that Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum (JPPM) had created for education and outreach.
Julie Hall, JPPM Education Coordinator
see Traveling Trunk  for posting about meeting

October 13, 2016

Bones for Beginners

Jim Gibb presented the first of a series of talks on identifying animal bones. 
James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Bones for Beginners  for posting about meeting

September 8, 2016

Archaeology and Service

Valerie Hall talked about various field work experiences, outreach projects, and research projects that have led to her being a Lab Manager for the Veterans Curation Program (VCP).   VCP was created to process at-risk federal archaeological collections but also to assist qualifying veterans.
Valerie Hall, Lab Manager, Veterans Curation Program
see Archaeology and Service   for posting about meeting

May 12,  2016

2015 ASM Field School, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the Anthrocene

Jim Gibb presented some of the findings from the 2015 Archeological Society of Maryland's Fall Field School that was conducted at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC).   The field school uncovered deposits associated with John Contee's Java Plantation and one of the slave houses, both dating to the first half of the 19th century.  Jim talked about placing what was found into the larger context of life in the Anthropocene
James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see CCASM ASM Field School, SERC, and the Anthrocene   for posting about meeting

April 14,  2016

Maryland Indian Heritage Trail

Rico Newman talked about the Maryland Indian Heritage Trail as well as the Accokeek Creek Site.
Rico Newman, Commissioner, Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
see Maryland Indian Heritage Trail   for posting about meeting

March 10,  2016

CCASM Investigation of Pomonkey North

Carol Cowherd gave the final report on what was found during the CCASM investigation of Pomonkey North that started in 2012.  This included information that had not been previously reported about what was learned from the excavation of the test units.
Carol Cowherd, CCASM Vice-President
see CCASM Investigation of Pomonkey North   for posting about meeting

February 11,  2016

In Search of Josiah Henson: Charles County's Famous Forgotten Son

Dr. Julia King talked about Josiah Henson who was born in 1796, enslaved on the farm, La Grange, in Charles County, MD.  Julie and archaeology students from St. Mary’s College will be looking for  locations where Josiah Henson may have lived in Charles County.
Julia King, Anthropology Professor,  Saint Mary's College of Maryland
see In Search of Josiah Henson  for posting about meeting

January 14, 2016

Outfitting Outlander

Sara Rivers-Cofield discussed the MAC Lab's creation of the  Outlander "traveling" exhibit, the various sites associated with the artifacts in the display, and the historical accuracy of the Outlander's costumes and props.
Sara Rivers-Cofield, Federal Curator,  Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab
see Outfitting Outlander  for posting about meeting

December 10, 2015

Archaeology of Maryland's Shoreline Settings

Matt McKnight and Troy Nowak talked about a shoreline case study and two underwater archaeological surveys.  One of the surveys was on the Wicomico River (adjacent to Charles County) and the other was at Janes Island on the Eastern Shore.
Troy Nowak, Assistant Underwater Archaeologist, Maryland Historical Trust
Matt McKnight, Research Archaeologist, Maryland Historical Trust
see Archaeology of Maryland's Shoreline Settings  for posting about meeting

November 12, 2015

Archaeological Sites and Natural Hazards

Jen Sparenberg discussed hazard mitigation in Maryland and described the types of hazards that affect archaeological sites as well as historic structures.
Jen Sparenberg, Hazard Mitigation Officer for the Maryland Historical Trust.

Protecting Historic Places, Archeological Sites and Cultural Landscapes from the Effects of Natural Hazards – A View from Anne Arundel County

Stephanie Sperling talked about the continuing effort in Anne Arundel County to identify archaeological sites at risk due to sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
Stephanie Sperling, Lost Towns Project, Anne Arundel County.
see Protecting Archaeological Sites from Effects of Natural Hazards  for posting about meeting

October 8, 2015

Tracing the Footsteps of Those Who Left Calvert County During the War of 1812

Kirsti Uunila showed documentary evidence for individual slaves who took refuge with British Naval forces during the War of 1812 and also suggested possible connections with archaeological sites.
Kirsti Uunila, Historic Preservation Planner for Calvert County
see Tracing the Footsteps of Those Who Left  for posting about meeting

September 10, 2015

Archaeology at Jewish Synagogue in Baltimore

Esther Doyle-Read described the archaeology done on a Jewish mikveh, a ritual bath. Archaeology had uncovered this original 1845 mikveh beneath the foundation of an extension of the Lloyd Street Jewish Synagogue in Baltimore.
Esther Doyle-Read, University of Maryland Baltimore County faculty and Contract Archaeologist for Charles County.
see Archaeology at Jewish Synagogue  for posting about meeting

May 14, 2015

The Land of Mary: Its Rocks and Minerals

Doug Zabel conducted an introductory workshop on the basics of minerals and rocks, focusing on the types of rocks occurring in Maryland.
Douglas E Zabel, Professor, Biological and Physical Sciences, College of Southern Maryland
see The Land of Mary: Its Rocks and Minerals  for posting about meeting

April 9, 2015

Highlights of Charles County Artifacts stored at MAC Lab

Becky Morehouse bought artifacts from several Charles County archaeological collections housed at the MAC Lab as well as the reports associated with the collections.
Rebecca Morehouse, State Curator, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab
see Charles County Archaeological Collections  for posting about meeting

March 12, 2015

Ghost Fleet of Mallow's Bay

Don Shomette related the history of the WWI ships that are now in Mallow's Bay, a vast ship graveyard on the western shore of Charles County.  NOAA has accepted the Mallows Bay nomination for National Marine Sanctuary status.
Don Shomette, historian and underwater archaeologist
see Ghost Fleet of Mallow's Bay  for posting about meeting

February 12, 2015

Shaw's Folly and Sparrow's Rest

Jim Gibb talked about archaeology being done at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center on two neighboring 1660s plantation sites.
Dr. Jim Gibb, Smithsonian Research Associate
see Shaw's Folly and Sparrow's Rest  for posting about meeting

January 8, 2015

Stoddard's Ordinary

Emily Swain talked about the archaeology at Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park associated with Stoddard's Ordinary, a seventeenth century tavern/inn.
Emily Swain, Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, M-NCPPC

Archaeology and Community Collaboration

Kristin Montaperto related ways for engaging the local community in the archaeology being done at a given site as well as collaborating with the community.
Dr. Kristin Montaperto, Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, M-NCPPC 
see Archaeology in the Parks  for posting about meeting

December 12, 2014

Tabletop Excavation

Patricia Samford guided us through a hands-on activity that gave us a chance to be an archaeologist and investigate a pretend site without getting our hands dirty.
Dr. Patricia Samford, Director of Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab
see Tabletop Excavation  for posting about meeting

November 13, 2014

Sense of Place

Rico Newman talked about "Sense of Place", one of five parts of the "World View" of Native Americans.  Rico also talked about the efforts to create the Maryland Indian Heritage Trails in order to make people more aware of these locations and their significance to the Native American story.
Rico Newman, Director of Maryland Indian Tourism Assoc., Inc.
see Sense of Place  for posting about meeting

October 9, 2014

The Interesting Story of Charles and Eleanor Butler: Archaeology Deepens the Story

Dr. Julia King enticed us with the story of Eleanor, an Irish immigrant, and Charles Butler, an enslaved African. The pair met while working at Notley Hall on the Wicomico River and married in 1681 in Maryland.  Dr. King uses the archaeological record to reconstruct this narrative.
Dr. Julia A. King, Professor of Anthropology, Saint Mary's College of Maryland
see Charles and Eleanor Butler  for posting about meeting

September 11, 2014

The Potomac Squadron and the Attack on Washington

Patrick O'Neill described how Maryland and Virginia militias engaged British warships on the Potomac between August and September of 1814 and how these efforts gave Baltimore time to build their defenses before being attacked 1½ weeks later, where the Star Spangled Banner was penned.
Patrick O'Neill, Independent Archaeologist/Historian
see 1814 Battle of the Potomac  for posting about meeting

May 8, 2014

Using Archaeology Courses to Empower Undergraduates

Dr. Laura Cripps talked about developing a general course for those with no prior knowledge or interest in archaeology. She showed parts of the on-line "virtual excavation" used in her archaeological methods class.  She also described several research projects involving the students.
Dr. Laura Cripps, Howard Community College, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
see Using Archaeology Courses to Empower  for posting about meeting

April 10, 2014

Overwhelmed By the Sea: An Afternoon at Point Lookout State Park (and fabric impressed oyster shell tempered pottery)

Lynne Bulhack told us about the shell tempered Mockley pottery she had found at Point Lookout and how it had led her on a quest to learn more about how it was made.  Lynne also brought a trifold display on pottery as well as pottery examples (experimental archaeology).
Lynne Bulhack, Ceramic Instructor and Amateur Archaeologist
see Point Lookout State Park and Oyster Shell Tempered Pottery  for posting about meeting

March 19, 2014

Identifying and Delineating Building Locations on Low-Density Sites Using a Metal Detector

Sarah Grady showed how a metal detector could be used as a non-invasive way to locate a site structure when there were few surface artifacts in the vicinity of the structure.
Sarah Grady, Participant in Smithsonian Citizen Scientist Program
see Using a Metal Detector to Locate Buildings  for posting about meeting

January 15, 2014

The Port Tobacco Village Plan

Cathy Thompson shared with us the Port Tobacco Village Plan and what changes are in store for the Courthouse, Burch House, and Stagg Hall in 2014.
Cathy Thompson, Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management
see Port Tobacco Village Plan  for posting about meeting

December 12, 2013

What Archaeology is Telling Us about the Lives of African Americans Who Lived at Mount Calvert

Michael Lucas talked about past and current archaeology being done on an eighteenth and nineteenth century tobacco plantation located in the Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park in Prince George’s County.  Current archaeology is for the slave area of the plantation.
Michael Lucas, M-NCPPC Prince George's County
see Archaeology and African Americans at Mount Calvert  for posting about meeting

November 14, 2013

Pomonkey North - Small Flakes, Broken Pottery, and an Opportunity to Learn  (site CCASM investigating)

CCASM has been investigating a Native American site since February 2012.  Carol Cowherd shared all we have learned to date about the site and about how to investigate a site.
Carol Cowherd, President, Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc.
see Investigating Pomonkey North Site  for posting about meeting

October 10, 2013

Archaeological Investigations of a Classic Maya Site in Belize

In the summer of 2012 Tom Forhan was part of an archaeological investigation of a Classic Mayan site Maax Na (“Spider-Monkey House”) in Belize.  Tom described his experiences of surveying a mile-long transect through the jungle as well as the living conditions of those participating in the project.
Tom Forhan
see Excavating a Classic Mayan Site  for posting about meeting

September 12, 2013

Finding 17th Century Chapel in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery
Jim Gibb highlighted the results from ASM's field session at the cemetery of the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.  They found strong evidence for the location of the 17th Century earthfast chapel as well as of a nearby domestic structure that may have been occupied by the Jesuits
Dr. James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Finding 17th Century Chapel in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery  for posting about meeting

May 9, 2013

Early Architecture in Maryland

There were two talks relating to the early architecture in Maryland.  Ruth Mitchell reviewed the architecture of St. John's Freehold, and Timothy Riordan discussed the transition from impermanent to formal architecture in Maryland.
Timothy Riordan, Director of Archaeology, Historic St. Mary’s City
Ruth Mitchell, Senior Staff Archaeologist , Historic St. Mary’s City,
see Early Architecture in Maryland   for posting about meeting

April 11, 2013

Looking for George Atzerodt in Port Tobacco
This was an opportunity to share information that might lead to identifying the Port Tobacco location of the carriage shop associated with George Atzerodt, one of the Lincoln assassination conspirators.  Discussion was lead by Jim Gibb and Joe Gleason.
Jim Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
Joe Gleason
see Looking for George Atzerodt in Port Tobacco  for posting about meeting

March 14, 2013

Archaeology at Shuter's Hill in Alexandria
Garret Fesler reviewed the archaeology that Alexandria Archaeology has done at Shuter's Hill since 1995.  Alexander Archaeology encourages volunteers to help with the excavations.
Garret Fesler, Alexandria Archaeology
see Archaeology at Shuter's Hill in Alexandria  for posting about meeting

February 14, 2013

What's Happening in Calvert County Archaeology
Kirsti Uunila indicated the ways archaeology was "happening" in Calvert County - everything from mandated Cultural Resource Management to accidental discovery. She also would welcome volunteers to work with her.
Kirsti Uunila, Historic Preservation Planner, Calvert County Planning & Zoning
see What's Happening in Calvert County Archaeology  for posting about meeting

January 10, 2013
Results of Remote Sensing Done at Port Tobacco
Peter Quantock presented some of the geophysical results from the remote sensing he did in Port Tobacco in 2011. Both magnetometer and ground penetrating work was done around the Courthouse.
Peter Quantock, M.A. Anthopology candidate, University of Denver
see Remote Sensing at Port Tobacco  for posting about meeting

December 13, 2012

War of 1812 at Nottingham, MD
Mike Lucas talked about what has been found by the War of 1812 Archaeology Project at Nottingham, a small village on the Patuxent River. During the summer of 1814, the British briefly occupied Nottingham on their way to Washington. This multi-year project was started by Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in October 2011.
Dr. Mike Lucas, M-NCPPC Prince George's County
see War of 1812 at Nottingham  for posting about meeting

November 8, 2012

Archaeology and the Citizen-Scientist: 
A New Program at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Jim Gibb discussed the excavations being done at Sellman’s Connection, a 500-acre tract that is now part of the the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Anne Arundel County.  This is part of a pilot program at SERC.
Dr. James G Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see Archaeologcy and the Citizen Scientist  for posting about meeting

October 10, 2012

Identifying Bottle Glass

Bob Sonderman gave a mini-workshop on identifying 18th through 20th century bottle glass based on determining how the bottle was manufactured.  Bob even had examples of bottles or bottle fragments to illustrate the different processes.
Bob Sonderman, Museum Support Center, National Park Service - National Capital Region
see Identifying Bottle Glass  for posting about meeting

September 13, 2012

War of 1812 Embankment at Elk's Landing, MD

Jim Gibb presented the historical evidence for the location of a War of 1812 embankment at Elk's Landing, and then proceeded to show the results from the 2012 ASM Field School Session that confirms its location.
Jim Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting
see War of 1812 at Elk's Landing  for posting about meeting

May 10, 2012

Making Stone Tools

Tim Thoman demonstrated flint knapping, the technique Native Americans used to create stone tools. He demonstrated both pressure flaking and percussion flaking (hitting the stones with hammerstones, antlers, or wooden billets).
Tim Thoman, Native American Village Manager, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
see Making Stone Tools for posting about meeting

April 12, 2012

The Search for Newtowne Chapel

Scott Lawrence provided the current status of the search for Newtowne Chapel, a 17th Century Jesuit Chapel located in the cemetery of St Francis Xavier Church in Newtown, St Mary’s County Maryland

Scott Lawrence  Grave Concerns

see Looking for Newtowne Chapel for posting about meeting

March 8, 2012

The Original Mt Aventine(s)

Laura Cripps described a multidisciplinary investigation for the original Mt. Aventine(s), at Chapman State Park in Western Charles County.  The work is being undertaken by Howard Community College professors and students.

Laura Cripps, Howard Community College, Assistant Professor of Anthropology/Geography

see Looking for the Original Mt Aventine(s) for posting about meeting

February 9, 2012

Westwood Manor and Being Fashionable on Maryland’s Western Shore in the Late 17th-Century

A new analysis of artifacts from Westwood Manor, a Charles County plantation on the Wicomico River included an ivory handle from a walking stick.  This led into a discussion of fashions in Maryland in the 17th century

Patricia Samford, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab Director, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

see Westwood Manor - Being Fashionable in the 17th Century for posting about meeting

January 12, 2012

Using Land Deeds and Plats to Look for Port Tobacco in the 18th Century

Carol Cowherd showed how land records and plats were used to look for the original 1729 layout of the town and also talked a little about life in the town in the eighteenth century.

Carol Cowherd, President, Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc.

see Port Tobacco in the 18th Century for posting about meeting

December 7, 2011

Cultural Landscapes and Wilderness: Historic Archaeology of the Riley Tract Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC

Tom Forhan told about the work he had done in Rock Creek Park. Before the government acquired the land for Rock Creek Park in 1890, the area was farmed by a diverse group of landowners and tenants, including 100 acres owned by William Riley. His talk highlighted cultural landscapes and the wilderness.

Tom Forhan, Vice President, Archeological Society of Maryland, Inc.

see Riley Tract in Rock Creek Park for posting about meeting

November 2, 2011

Discovering the Piscataway Fort

Dr. King described several sites on the Wicomico River and in the Zekiah Swamp that she and her students have investigated over the last three years and how this past summer she thinks they have found the Zekiah Fort.

Dr. Julia A. King, Professor of Anthropology, Saint Mary's College of Maryland

see Searching for Piscataway Fort for posting about meeting

October 5, 2011

History and Archaeology of Maryland Mills

The presentation explored the history and architecture of Maryland mills and showed how archaeological investigations have revealed remarkable differences in technology among the state’s mills.

Dr. James Gibb, Gibb Archaeological Consulting

see History and Archaeology of Maryland Mills for posting about meeting

May 5, 2011

Identifying and Dating American Bottles

A workshop to discover the different features of machine-made glass bottles that help to identify the date and the use of the bottle.

Alyssa Marizan, Gibb Archaeological Consulting

see Identifying Machine-Made Bottles for posting about meeting

April 6, 2011

Sands of Time: Sedimentation of Port Tobacco

A look at the massive soil changes at Port Tobacco using information from the Burch House excavations.

Anne Hayward, Gibb Archaeological Consulting

see Looking at Massive Soil Changes at Port Tobacco for posting about meeting

March 2, 2011

Wollaston: The Search for a Seventeenth Century Manor

An overview of the 2008 excavations conducted along the Potomac River in Charles County. 
Local lore has often credited this area to be the location of the original Wollaston Manor house built by Captain James Neale in 1661.  However, the artifacts and the dimensions of the two dwellings excavated indicated that these buildings were not Wollaston Manor. 

Kelly Cooper, Education Coordinator,Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

see Searching for Seventeenth Century Wollaston Manor for posting about meeting

February 2, 2011

Is There a Prehistoric Woodland Site in My Backyard?

Over the past several years flakes and other artifacts have been appearing in the Carol"s backyard.   After briefly reviewing the type of technology associated with Native Americans in the Chesapeake, we looked

Carol Cowherd, Charles County Archaeology Society of Maryland

see Looking at Prehistoric Artifacts in Charles County for posting about meeting

January 5, 2011

Archeology and History of Q-Ranch in Gila County, Arizona

Belinda shared her experiences of excavating a historic site and Mogollon pueblos on the Q-Ranch in Arizona, and also shared stories relating to the history of the ranch.

Belinda Urquiza, Charles County Archaeology Society of Maryland

see Sharing Experiences Excavating in Arizona for posting about meeting

December 1, 2010

After the Digging is Done: Archaeological Discoveries in the Laboratory

A discussion on what archaeologists do with artifacts after the excavations, the research that goes into learning about material culture, and what these exciting finds tell us about the past.

Silas Hurry, Curator of Collections, Historic Saint Mary’s City

see Finding Out What Happens After the Digging Is Done for posting about meeting

November 3, 2010

Forts, Traitors, and Traders

Dr. King reviewed some of the exciting findings from this summer's 2010 field season in the Zekiah Swamp, including closing in on the Zekiah Fort and discovering the site of Governor Josias Fendall, a hero to some, a traitor to others.

Dr. Julia A. King, Professor of Anthropology, Saint Mary's College of Maryland

see Hearing About Forts, Traitor, and Traders in Charles County for posting about meeting

October 6, 2010
Life in Early Prince George’s County, Maryland: Archaeological Discoveries at the other Charles Town 1684-1721
Dr. Michael Lucas, Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission
see Hearing About an Early Prince George's County Town for posting about meeting

September 1, 2010
The Posey Site
A late 17th Century Charles County site, whose artifacts show how interaction with European colonists changed the material culture of Maryland’s Indians
Sara Rivers-Cofield, Curator, Federal Collections, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory
see Learning about Posey Site and its Artifacts for posting about meeting